Is Once in a Lifetime Sessions with Nile Rodgers Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (2019)

The Narrative Arc & Core Premise

Debuting in 2019, Once in a Lifetime Sessions with Nile Rodgers represents a sophisticated intersection of artistic ambition and genre-defining elements within the Documentary, Music category. The primary thematic concern of the film is an investigation into Not only has Nile Rodgers mastered the art of producing, song writing and composing – he’s also the lead guitarist and co-founder of the greatest ever live dance band, CHIC. As the story unfolds, we are introduced to a world where the traditional boundaries of Documentary, 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: "Not only has Nile Rodgers mastered the art of producing, song writing and composing – he’s also the lead guitarist and co-founder of the greatest ever live dance band, CHIC. Once In A Lifetime Sessions with Nile Rodgers sees Nile discuss the passion and faith he holds for his music which lead to the rise of CHIC, the careful politics of working in a recording studio and his relationship with legendary bassist Bernard Edwards. In this Session Nile performs live on stage, with his legendary band, CHIC, in London, raising the roof with classic hits including I’m Coming Out, Dance Dance Dance (Yowsah, Yowsah, Yowsah), Le Freak, Lost in Music, We are Family and freestyling while ending the show with an audience immersive medley take on Good Times / Rapper’s Delight."

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. The presence of Nile Rodgers provides a necessary level of professionalism to the production, even when the underlying script struggles to maintain a consistent tone. It is a testament to their skill that they remain the most engaging element of the film.

The direction by Matt Askem 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 90 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 Once in a Lifetime Sessions with Nile Rodgers 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 Documentary, 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 0/10 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, Once in a Lifetime Sessions with Nile Rodgers explores the dichotomy of truth and perception. The 2019 audience is increasingly sophisticated, and Matt Askem 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, Once in a Lifetime Sessions with Nile Rodgers is an interesting experiment that, while flawed, offers enough moments of creative spark to be worth a casual glance for the curious. Whether you are drawn to it by the star power of Nile Rodgers or the critical acclaim surrounding its release, Once in a Lifetime Sessions with Nile Rodgers is a film that demands to be seen on the largest screen possible.