Movie Reviews

‘The Sparks Brothers’ Review – An Ode to Living Legends, Giving Them Their Flowers While They Can Still Smell Them

By Dom Fisher
June 17, 2021
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Synopsis:

How can one rock band be successful, underrated, hugely influential, and criminally overlooked all at the same time? From acclaimed director Edgar Wright comes THE SPARKS BROTHERS, a musical odyssey through five weird and wonderful decades with brothers/bandmates Ron and Russell Mael. Featuring passionate tributes from Beck, Flea, Jack Antonoff, Patton Oswalt, and more, THE SPARKS BROTHERS celebrates the inspiring legacy of your favorite band’s favorite band.

Legend is an interesting label, what makes a legend on a grand scale? Is it doing something crazy one night? No. Is it doing something that everyone else does on the same level? of course not. It’s innovating, creating, and doing things that no one has done to great effect. It may have a simplistic definition but the meaning is monumental and should be used sparingly. Unfortunately, it’s a label that gets thrown around haphazardly while those who are actually deserving never get their flowers, or we wait until they have passed. Finally, it seems that things are changing and we are beginning to give our heroes and legends the love they deserve before it’s too late. I love to see it.

“They don’t care about the money or the fame; art for art’s sake. I respect them for it.”

When you mix water, sugar, and lemons together, you get lemonade. Mix Peter Parker and a radioactive spider, you get Spider-Man. And when you combine Ron and Russell Mael, you get Sparks. From director Edgar Wright, The Sparks Brothers is a celebratory documentary showcasing the talent, longevity, and impact of the mysterious duo. The film is an ode to the living legends, giving them their flowers while they can still smell them. I love when I am able to view a documentary that’s focused on something that I’m not completely familiar with, it’s exciting. If you’re like me, you aren’t totally aware of Sparks. They’re a pop duo, a glam rock band, an art-pop band, a synth-pop band, but really, they are whatever they want to be. I’ve come across a song or two of theirs in movies and playlists but wasn’t quite sure who was behind the vocals and keyboard. And until now, it doesn’t seem like too many truly knew or understood the elusive artists. Delving momentarily into their early life, what molded them as well as what influenced them to begin making music, the film then strums its guitar to their everlasting and evolving career. When you hear the vocals of Russell paired with the look of Ron, it’s hard not to be curious as to what they are all about. Not to mention, the creative, humorous, and unique lyrics of their songs and the generations of fans they’ve amassed. This is a look into the minds of two people who put the art first, and a trip on a ride that has never stopped moving.

Never conforming to the times or bending to the will of their fans, the brothers live in the present and create what they feel, even if it’s completely different from anything they’ve previously made. Watching this reminded me of an older Jay-Z line, “…want my old shit, buy my old albums” and that’s how they have thrived, constantly changing with every album but staying true to themselves. Rife with reverent commentary by musicians, celebrities, former bandmates, and the brothers themselves, this music-filled art and history lesson is very entertaining. If you’re a Sparks fan, prepare to see them like never before. It’s not often that we see a music documentary, or any documentary for that matter, that shows appreciation for someone while they are still alive. Hopefully, this is a trend that continues to happen. I enjoyed The Sparks Brothers more than I expected to. Its rewatchability is medium.

Brothers Russell and Ron Mael in director Edgar Wright’s film THE SPARKS BROTHERS, a Focus Features release.
Credit: Anna Webber / Focus Features

Pacing

This documentary moves at a lively and energetic pace. You’d think that there would be some dull moments with a runtime over two hours. However, from the music to the interesting and exciting stories being told by the brothers as well as those who they influenced, you’ll be easily drawn in. Moreover, the editing is masterfully done and is a huge reason as to why the film is so engaging.

Brothers Russell and Ron Mael from director Edgar Wright’s film THE SPARKS BROTHERS, a Focus Features release.
Credit: Jake Polonsky / Focus Features

Influence & Impact

After watching this documentary their impact on music and those who enjoy it is evident. I never could have imagined the influence the brothers have had on pop culture. As they said, they’re your favorite band’s favorite band. I was unaware of Sparks before but now I don’t think I could forget them if I wanted to. Now, did this documentary make me a fan of their music? Not necessarily, it’s not really my lane but I’ll dabble, they have some bops. However, what it did do, was make me a fan of the men. They have more than earned their respect and the title of living legends.

The Sparks Brothers releases in theaters on June 18, 2021. Stay safe and enjoy.