Wham!
★★★★
It was refreshing to watch a music documentary about a band whose trajectory wasn't defined by a huge breakup or travesty. This doc focuses on the talent and drive that made George Michael and Andrew Ridgeley of Wham! so successful. It's a masterclass in editing, using only audio clips of the two narrating their musical journey, and the graphical use of Andrew's mom's scrapbook as our guide through the years is masterfully used.
I was too young to become a devoted Wham! fan, yet, I was surprised by how many songs that I knew. I feel like Wham! is not a pop band that is fully appreciated today, but when you watch this documentary, you can't help but marvel at their songwriting ability, even if their music isn't your cup of tea. More than anything, this is a story about an incredible partnership. George Michael's rise in the spotlight could have easily broke apart a lifelong relationship with Andrew, but it's pretty amazing to see how Andrew, as talented as he was, also recognized that Michael was a one-of-a-kind musical star. The way that these two handle their individual professional paths is almost unheard of in the music business and it is beyond refreshing to see.
Wham! the documentary is tight, fun and inspirational in a weird sort of way. These two musicians never strayed from who they were and from what they wanted to achieve. It'll certainly make you want to listen to their music catalog and I guarantee that you'll appreciate their songs in a whole new way.
