The Lennon Report (2016) Reviews

• Amazing view point on an infamous night

  reynacubana2016-10-07

  Being a huge Beatles and John Lennon fan I was surprised to see a take on that awful night John Lennon was shot that I wasn't aware of before. The story was so crazy so I did a little bit of research and couldn't believe it was basically a play by play of how it went down. Unlike most "based on true story" movies this really is mostly true. The acting was great and it really puts in you in gritty 1980 New York City. I think what I loved most was that the movie wasn't really centered on John Lennon the man, but about the people who did their best to keep the voice of a generation alive. It was such a tragic moment in time..I think they captured it well. Two thumbs up from this reviewer.

• For any Beatles fan, a well done and entertaining expose

  tfraneta2016-10-16

  Even though we are not big Beatle fans we enjoyed the movie immensely. We lived through those times and had no idea of so many of the previously undisclosed facts surrounding the real event of an icon's tragic death. One of the best independent films we've enjoyed over the years and a film we would recommend even to the younger crowd who may not be as familiar with John Lennon. In this regard, the settings, costumes and scenery in general are all well done, and accurately portray the times. Those non-cellphone days are an interesting contrast for younger viewers to experience, especially from the reporting side. After having our interest piqued and delving further, we were rewarded with knowing the film was not a typical "based on fact" film, but one that very closely follows all the relevant facts.

• A low budget film that makes a tentative point but ultimately fails to deliver

  Semsung2016-10-17

  I'm surprise this has not been reviewed by more people seeing as it covers the death of one of the most important musical icons of our time. Like many of our musical icons, the death of John Lennon was random and mysterious and suggestive of the same kind of conspiracy killing as JFK; perhaps not as elaborate but definitely with the shooting being done by the 'strange loner' type. Although this movie cautiously hints at a conspiracy – it does not allow the film to elaborate this story line in any shape or form which I found disappointing. We are only given a titillating taste of possible mysterious circumstances when we see the possible staged bike accident at the beginning of the film which serves the purpose of distracting all police and medical aid from the real crime scene - which is the shooting of John Lennon. This causes his late arrival at the hospital and subsequent death due to massive blood loss. When I saw the bike accident scene, I anticipated that this line of mystery would be explored further in the movie but alas, I was left wanting and unsatisfied. Instead we were presented with a somewhat clinical reportage of events that took place on the fateful night - focusing mainly on 2 characters; the Dr who was trying to save JL's life, and the journalist who was trying to get a story. The scenes were presented with sparing emotional content and not enough to keep the viewers' attention engaged. For me, this film could have been a lot better if some conclusion were aimed at rather than just the presentation of facts. I'm not sure if the budget was to blame for that or whether the subject matter would have been too sensitive an issue for viewers if it were explored with suggestions of a murder conspiracy. To sum up there was a distinct sense for me of failure to launch and I was left feeling a little nonplussed at the treatment of the story.

• Losing A Voice For Peace

  foutainoflife2019-02-06

  John Lennon, gone to soon, was a flicker of light in some dark times. His death made everyone stop and ask themselves if we had lost our moral compass, compassion and altruism. It was a tragedy felt across the world and speaks volumes to how influential he was. This was a good film. I was a baby at the time of his death so I don't have a first hand recollection of the events and watching films like these really offer insight to the moment. I felt that this was well acted, scripted and filmed. I like that it was focused on the emergency teams and how much effort they put into trying to save him. I can only imagine how they felt afterwards. Some people seem to be a bit harsh but I didn't think it was bad. I'm glad I watched it. RIP Mr. Lennon. Thank you for your contributions. You will never be forgotten.

• a few good, a few lame moments

  claudioszynkier2018-11-05

  Not as bad as some say here. There is some good cinema in the surgery room, on the NFL broadcast, near Dakota (should be more of this). But the scene at the locker room, with the nurse going to comfort the doctor, both bloody under the sound of the violin, is one of the lamest in the history of movies. Both actors didn't do well. And all the journalist thing (all the script enfolding that guy) is really bad cinema- and I don't care it was the "truth". Doesn't sound true. And 50% of the film goes like this.