Apparently there was a band in the 1960’s called ‘The Beatles’, and it has nothing to do with the VW car of the same name. In all seriousness, the question must be asked for a documentary about the most famous band in the world, what else there is learn about the four rag-tag lads from Liverpool who changed the music industry forever? The answer is – a lot – for avid fans or those who just say they love the Beatles but know nothing about them – this is a must-see film.

Directed by Ron Howard, you know straight-off-the-bat this film will of a high production value. Featuring piece-to-camera shots from famous celebrities like Whoopi Goldberg, Richard Curtis and of course the two remaining Beatles, Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr (plus archive footage or John Lennon and George Harrison) we are given an insight into the etymology of the pandemonium and phenomenon that was the bands first 4 years.

Their true personalities shine through with a flurry of old performances, backstage photos and press coverage, masterfully crafted to take you on an almost unbelievable journey where The Beatles truly were ‘bigger than Jesus’.

From smaller roots to mainstream radio in the UK and the eventual transition to the US, wherever The Beatles went, the distant echoes of thousands of screaming girls reverberated across the land.

Perhaps representing a sort of youthful rebellion in the same era as Elvis Presley, the documentary explores the cultural shift of music, and the industries ability to capitalize, whilst at the same time the boys themselves churning out some of the most amazing and impactful songs of the modern era.

The film only explores the time from the bands inception until their last show in 1966, when the stresses of performing and travelling finally caught up with them – and when the process went from being less about the music, and more about the brand.

Focusing just on the touring years, it establishes (or attempts to) just how and why The Beatles came to be, and doesn’t focus or even mention the band breaking up, Yoko Ono or even John Lennon’s assassination, which hones the message in a lot better and was a great choice by Ron Howard.

John, Paul, Ringo and George encapsulate the sort of magic that helped elevate them to the top at an exponential rate. Hugely likeable, funny, talented and ‘cute’ we are privileged to be able to watch all the highs and lows of being next level famous, dealing with fans, dealing with labels and dealing with the media, and the footage being not only rare but insightful shows off the candor and comradery The Beatles had together. They truly were the living mantra of; women want to be with them and men want to be them.

Rating: 8.5/10