Taking Woodstock

Director: Ang Lee

Writer: James Schamus

Cast: Demetri Martin, Emile Hirsch, Liev Schreiber, Imelda Staunton

Distributor: Focus Features

Country: US

Theatrical Release Date: August 26, 2009

Synopsis: Based on the novel of the same name, the film follows the true life story of Elliot Tiber (Demetri Martin), the man who set into motion the events that led to the Woodstock Music Festival in 1969.

Read More on indieWIRE:

Ang Lee: “I hate to be characterized”

No Sense or Sensibility: Lee’s “Woodstock” Undercooked

Round-Up: "Considering the iconic event at its center, the most surprising aspect of “Taking Woodstock” lies with the decision to make it into a rather flat comedy," indieWIRE's Eric Kohn wrote of Ang Lee's Cannes competition entry today. "Even with the ever-versatile Ang Lee behind the camera, this messy historical fiction plays like a two hour “Saturday Night Live” sketch, and not a very good one, either." Kohn's thoughts on "Woodstock" - which has its official screening tomorrow and thus doesn't have many reviews posted as of yet - were generally seconded by Hollywood Elsewhere's Jeff Wells, who had slightly nicer things to say. Wells says the film "works in spots and spurts," but "too often feels ragged and unsure of itself, and doesn't coalesce in a way that feels truly solid or self-knowing." The AV Club's Mike D'Angelo, meanwhile, calls the film "harmless enough," but expected "a lot more from Lee and Schamus, even after Hulk." A kinder review comes care of this awkward and quickly put together video from The Hollywood Reporter's Kirk Honeycutt (you can still hear the cameraman say "go" before). Honeycutt doesn't offer much, but says the film cheered him up and that it "will do quite well." Check back with indieWIRE tomorrow for reaction when the film makes its official debut.

YouTube Trailer: