RATING★ 7.0
WORTH IT? YES
The Akron Sound: It's Everything, and Then It's Gone backdrop
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Expert Review & Ratings

See our full critical analysis and audience score for The Akron Sound: It's Everything, and Then It's Gone.

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WORTH WATCHING: YES
Editorial Verified

Is The Akron Sound: It's Everything, and Then It's Gone Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (2003)

In the early 1970s, rubber was still king in Akron, Ohio. But just a few short years later, Akron's most important product was, ever so briefly, music. In the mid-1970s, a group of local bands took over an old rubber workers' hang-out in downtown Akron called The Crypt and created a mix of punk and art rock that came to be known as "the Akron Sound." And for a while, it was almost "the next big thing." Almost. It's Everything, and Then It's Gone, a Western Reserve PBS production written and directed by Phil Hoffman., takes viewers back to a time when the music really did mean everything. And for the men and women in these local bands, it was a way out of the factory.

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✨ The Quick Verdict

YES, ABSOLUTELY

If you are a fan of Music, Documentary cinema, then The Akron Sound: It's Everything, and Then It's Gone offers a fresh and engaging experience that justifies its existence in the 2003 landscape.

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👥 Target Audience

Fans of Music films
Fans of Documentary films
Viewers seeking quality storytelling

📔 Detailed Analysis

The Narrative Arc & Core Premise

Debuting in 2003, The Akron Sound: It's Everything, and Then It's Gone represents a sophisticated intersection of artistic ambition and genre-defining elements within the Music, Documentary category. The primary thematic concern of the film is an investigation into In the early 1970s, rubber was still king in Akron, Ohio. As the story unfolds, we are introduced to a world where the traditional boundaries of Music, Documentary 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: "In the early 1970s, rubber was still king in Akron, Ohio. But just a few short years later, Akron's most important product was, ever so briefly, music. In the mid-1970s, a group of local bands took over an old rubber workers' hang-out in downtown Akron called The Crypt and created a mix of punk and art rock that came to be known as "the Akron Sound." And for a while, it was almost "the next big thing." Almost. It's Everything, and Then It's Gone, a Western Reserve PBS production written and directed by Phil Hoffman., takes viewers back to a time when the music really did mean everything. And for the men and women in these local bands, it was a way out of the factory."

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. Anchoring the narrative with a presence that is both commanding and subtle, Joe Walsh delivers a turn that is both technically flawless and emotionally resonant. This is Music acting at its most potent.

The direction by the visionary director 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 55 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 The Akron Sound: It's Everything, and Then It's Gone 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, Documentary, then this is a highly recommended entry that delivers on its promises while offering a few surprises along the way.

The film's ability to perfectly execute its genre requirements is why it has earned its 7/10 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, The Akron Sound: It's Everything, and Then It's Gone explores the dichotomy of truth and perception. The 2003 audience is increasingly sophisticated, and the visionary director 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, The Akron Sound: It's Everything, and Then It's Gone 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 Joe Walsh or the critical acclaim surrounding its release, The Akron Sound: It's Everything, and Then It's Gone is a film that demands to be seen on the largest screen possible.

Official movieMx Verdict: RECOMMENDED - QUALITY CINEMA

⏳ Time Investment

55MIN

At approximately 0.9 hours, the film requires a standard time commitment.

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