Paul Williams Still Alive (2011)

I'll tell you why so serious

Fun premise, good actors, bad writing. This film seemed to have potential at the beginning but it quickly devolves into a trite action film. Ultimately it's very boring.

The plot isn't so bad, but the pace of storytelling is too slow which makes people bored. Certain moments are so obvious and unnecessary for the main plot. I would've fast-forwarded those moments if it was an online streaming. The ending looks like implying a sequel, not sure if this movie will get one

The film's masterful storytelling did its job. The message was clear. No need to overdo.

Writer/director Stephen Kessler is a working filmmaker in Hollywood. He's a fan of songwriter celebrity Paul Williams. Assuming Paul is dead, he is surprised to find out that Paul is still alive and still working. It turns out that he is sober just recently. Paul Williams was a big songwriter of the '70s. After a good performance on The Tonight Show, he became somewhat of a celebrity. He became hooked on various substances and fame. However his fame fades.Kessler is somewhat of a stalker. It gets awkward at times. Paul chaffs at Stephen's insinuation that something is pathetic about his later career. Sometimes he's treated like a family member. Other times, there is this weird tension. But Stephen always seems to be a fan, and that adds a sweet charming feel to the movie.

I grew up across the Whitestone Bridge from Kessler, and since we're of the same age, my memories of the 70's and Paul Williams are pretty much in sync. The five stars I gave this film is because of the achievements of Mr. William's life from an extraordinary entertainer across platforms (music, TV and film)through to his current accomplishments of sobriety, public service, a solid marriage to a good woman, and a continuing demand for his performing from audiences.I was able to get that much out of the film because of Mr. William's charisma, in spite of the intrusiveness of the director. His omnipresence in the film, his whining about his fear of the Phillipenes before going and through his entire stay was the most cringe worthy part of the movie. His constant attempts, with the subtlety of a bludgeon to embarrass Mr. Williams- from cutting him off when he started opening up about his childhood, to asking 'how does it feel to go from the heights of fame to the Gong Show', and when as a guest in Mr. William's home taping him as he watched one of the most humiliating moments of his career. I enjoy documentaries; and this was the worst one I've ever seen because Kessler's continuous insinuation into the story. He gets the blank stars.After I post this review, I'm going to see if I can catch Mr. Williams on 'The View'. I hope it's on You Tube; because I'd enjoy some material about him without having to hear Kessler's whining. Kessler made a great film barely wort the time to watch it.

These days there are documentaries on pretty much every subject imaginable. All of them have something of their own to offer, but all usually end up with a bit of the same feel. There are always a few that stand out for whatever reason, but none more than dealing with celebrities or various characters that have disappeared form the limelight. The latest talking this subject Still Alive looking into the life of singer, songwriter, and actor Paul Williams.Still Alive follows legendary 70's icon Paul Williams to see what he has been up to since vanishing from the spotlight so many years ago. If you don't know who Williams is then you are either too young or lived under a rock cause you couldn't watch anything without seeing him show up back in the day. While on the surface this film seems like it's just going to be another one of those slow follow around a celebrity stories with little information other than to tell about what used to be, but you quickly find out this is so much more. Where the filmmaker set out to see what Williams had been up to, clearly turned into something he didn't expect. Much credit to him for including some of the scenes that are things a lot of people would have taken out. While Williams agreed to let him follow him around, he constantly he seemed annoyed and put out by the whole thing which added an intriguing element to the overall film. It ends up showcasing not only what he has been up to, but a bit of what lead to his stepping out of the limelight as well as the unlikely relationship the filmmaker and Williams form as they the film progresses.Most people always look at a celebrities fall from grace when they go from being a superstar to suddenly gone, but Still Alive showcases a man who had it all and gave it up for something more life and happiness. If you are a fan of Williams, just recognize or never heard of him this is a must see documentary about a legend in the industry. You might be surprised what you learn about some of your favorite music and his involvement.

I saw this last night at about 3:00 AM. As a songwriter, as a Carpenters fan, you'll see the self destruction the drug use and ultimately the salvation of one the most poignant songwriters of the 1970's. I was one of the many that thought Paul Williams was actually dead. To see him moving on in life... Still writing, performing, and honored... It gives one hope that in the end, if one stays true to themselves, their craft and the people that they love, it'll all work out in the end.There's a couple of times that you get to see him with his dander up. But mostly, you get to understand the killer instinct that inhabits every songwriter in their quest to write that perfect tune. A take no prisoners attitude. He's moving forward, and if you just wanna look back in anger or regret, then don't come a callin'!Yes Paul, we all will be remembered for the things that we say and do, ...and you haven't done so bad yourself.Kat Holiday