RATING★ 5.5
WORTH IT? MAYBE
Lee Ritenour : Overtime backdrop
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Expert Review & Ratings

See our full critical analysis and audience score for Lee Ritenour : Overtime.

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WORTH WATCHING: MIXED
Editorial Verified

Is Lee Ritenour : Overtime Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (2005)

Lee Ritenour is one of the world's most renowned jazz guitarists. Initially performing and recording as a sideman with the likes of The Mamas And The Papas, Tony Bennett, Steely Dan, Pink Floyd and Dizzy Gillespie, since 1976 he has been a major solo artist with over 30 albums to his credit. Overtime was filmed in high definition in Enterprise Studios, Burbank in front of a small audience and is a career retrospective of this extraordinary guitarist in which he is accompanied by some of his many collaborators down the years. The concert is split into four distinct sections. The program starts with acoustic jazz and then moves into Brazilian music, followed by Lee's early fusion music and concludes with a set of his most popular tracks from more recent albums. Interviews with the participants are interspersed between the live performances.

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✨ The Quick Verdict

ONE-TIME WATCH

If you are a fan of Music cinema, then Lee Ritenour : Overtime offers a standard experience that justifies its existence in the 2005 landscape.

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👥 Target Audience

Fans of Music films
casual viewers seeking light entertainment

📔 Detailed Analysis

The Narrative Arc & Core Premise

Debuting in 2005, Lee Ritenour : Overtime represents a sophisticated intersection of artistic ambition and genre-defining elements within the Music category. The primary thematic concern of the film is an investigation into Lee Ritenour is one of the world's most renowned jazz guitarists. As the story unfolds, we are introduced to a world where the traditional boundaries of Music are tested.

The screenplay takes its time to establish the stakes, ensuring that every character motivation is grounded in a psychological reality. The synopsis only hints at the depth: "Lee Ritenour is one of the world's most renowned jazz guitarists. Initially performing and recording as a sideman with the likes of The Mamas And The Papas, Tony Bennett, Steely Dan, Pink Floyd and Dizzy Gillespie, since 1976 he has been a major solo artist with over 30 albums to his credit. Overtime was filmed in high definition in Enterprise Studios, Burbank in front of a small audience and is a career retrospective of this extraordinary guitarist in which he is accompanied by some of his many collaborators down the years. The concert is split into four distinct sections. The program starts with acoustic jazz and then moves into Brazilian music, followed by Lee's early fusion music and concludes with a set of his most popular tracks from more recent albums. Interviews with the participants are interspersed between the live performances."

Artistic Execution & Performance Study

A film's resonance is often dictated by the strength of its execution, both in front of and behind the camera. In Lee Ritenour : Overtime, we see Lee Ritenour utilizing their established screen presence to carry the story forward. It is a solid, workmanlike performance that serves the director's vision without overshadowing the larger narrative goals.

The direction by Charley Randazzo is marked by a steady and professional hand. From a production standpoint, the film meets the high standards of modern industrial filmmaking. The sets are well-crafted, and the visual effects are integrated with a level of polish that ensures the viewer matches the director's intended level of immersion. While perhaps not groundbreaking, the execution is flawless. The pacing, over its 174 minute runtime, allows the audience to fully inhabit the space the director has created, making the eventual resolution feel deeply earned.

Critical Assessment: Why You Should Watch

Is Lee Ritenour : Overtime truly worth your investment of time and attention? In an era of disposable content, this film makes a strong case for its existence. If you are a connoisseur of Music, then this is a worthwhile watch if you have a specific interest in the themes or the performers involved.

The film's ability to perfectly execute its genre requirements is why it has earned its 5.5/10 score. It speaks to a global audience while maintaining a distinct and unique voice, a balance that is notoriously difficult to achieve in the modern marketplace.

Philosophical Subtext & Directorial Vision

At a deeper level, Lee Ritenour : Overtime explores the dichotomy of truth and perception. The 2005 audience is increasingly sophisticated, and Charley Randazzo respects this by refusing to provide easy answers to the story's complex questions.

The philosophical underpinnings of the second and third acts suggest a narrative that is interested in more than just entertainment. It is an exploration of what it means to be human in an increasingly complex world.

Final Editorial Recommendation

Ultimately, Lee Ritenour : Overtime serves as a reliable piece of entertainment that will satisfy core fans while providing a solid entry point for new viewers. Whether you are drawn to it by the star power of Lee Ritenour or the critical acclaim surrounding its release, Lee Ritenour : Overtime is a film that demands to be seen on the largest screen possible.

Official movieMx Verdict: INTERESTING - VIEW WITH CAUTION

⏳ Time Investment

174MIN

At approximately 2.9 hours, the film requires a significant time commitment.

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