User Reviews

The narrative of this must have meant something to Pete Townsend; it was the basis of his most audacious album, the barrier-breaking double LP "Tommy." The story can be ignored in Ken Russell's feature film version, but the color and energy of the images cannot be. It offers us a lot to see and, almost as importantly, to discuss. This belongs in the permanent collection for sure.

I love The Who, but this silly , overlong, tiresome, repetitive, annoying borefest was a major miscalculation, Ken Russell provides some clever visuals, But lots of guest stars are wasted, The standouts are Elton John as the Pinball Wizard, and Ann-Margret, wow, she puts it out there in a committed performance.

To be honest, I am hard pressed to find a bad moment in the entire film. Everyone in it is at their peak and manage to give their very best performances for what is a tremendous, disturbing and hopeful film. I am not a fan of musicals as a general rule but this one stands out as so much more than just a musical. It is a Rock Opera and it is beyond amazing. ****