The Other One: The Long, Strange Trip of Bob Weir (2014)

Better Late Then Never

Absolutely Brilliant!

This is one of the few movies I've ever seen where the whole audience broke into spontaneous, loud applause a third of the way in.

It is a whirlwind of delight --- attractive actors, stunning couture, spectacular sets and outrageous parties. It's a feast for the eyes. But what really makes this dramedy work is the acting.

Band documentaries are tough, because you want to hear the music and see 30+ years of historical footage, but also hear the story telling and interviews. This documentary does a good job balancing, and doesn't tiptoe around the drugs and lifestyle.

The Other One: The Long, Strange Trip of Bob Weir (2014)*** 1/2 (out of 4)Whenever someone thinks of the Grateful Dead their minds usually go towards Jerry Garcia. The "other one," as the title refers to, is Bob Weir and this documentary takes a look at his life as well as his time in the band.I'm not the biggest fan of the band but there's no question that this is a remarkably well-made documentary that packs a nice punch. If you're a fan of the band then I can't imagine you being disappointed in this and if you're not familiar with who Weir is then this is going to offer up a lot of great stories as well as some nice concert footage as well.I guess if there was one thing that I'd complain about is the fact that the film is meant to be a documentary on Weir but it pushes into more of a documentary on the band and even Garcia. There's a lot of time devoted to things other than Weir and I'm sure the upcoming Martin Scorsese documentary will feature even more stories dealing with that. With that said, again, that's just a small complaint because the majority of what is here is excellent.There are some great stories about how the band came together, The Acid Test sessions and of course how many fun times Weir was having with the ladies since he was the ladies man of the group. Also discussed is the disastrous drug use of Jerry Garcia as well as some of the darker sides of their fans.

I am a 'Deadicated' Deadhead, and I also enjoy a good documentary. While most of the Rockumentaries out there are fun to watch, they leave me unsatisfied. The same cannot be said about the film, The Other One, The Long, Strange Trip of Bob Weir. Like a good Jersey- style pizza, or a good Dead concert the film left me yearning for more; very satisfied. As the film delved into the life of Weir as the Grateful Dead's rhythm guitarist, Jerry Garcia's best friend and a loving father, it also cast a light on his humorous side. Remember when the film's cast members admitted that Weir was the band's 'babe magnet'. Collectively, they lovingly joked about Bob's ability to draw women into his life. Another funny moment was when Weir recalled the time he told his adoptive mother that he wanted to go join, and live, with the Dead, his new family. He said it was like telling her that he was running away with the circus. While there is more to this movie than one can fit within a brief critique the film makes one feel good about being a Deadhead, and a little melancholy that those time are now a wonderful memory. There will never be anything like a Grateful Dead concert.

If you are a deadhead like me, this documentary will possibly make you cry and you will swear it's the greatest documentary you've ever saw in your life. If you are not, you will find it intriguing, interesting and well done. I was not going to review this because I am so biased. I am a deadhead and this is the most insightful piece of work on the Grateful Dead I've seen in years. If you ever were curious about the Grateful Dead this gives the most behind the scenes look at what occurred. It certainly gives you a different version of Bobby. What a scape of a most unique band that changed history. "The omnipotent Grateful Dead."