Jimi: All Is By My Side review

Foxy biopic?

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What most characterised Jimi Hendrix? His transcendental playing and extraordinary songs? Or his stoned ramblings and (widely contested) spousal abuse? Featuring not a shred of the master’s music (his estate refused the rights), and even less of his soul, this dire biopic by 12 Years A Slave scribe John Ridley charts Hendrix’s pre-fame years in Swinging London.

Outkast’s André Benjamin looks the part, but his stilted performance is pure Razzie-bait, plus he’s 39. The film’s sole highlight sees Hendrix stand before an adoring crowd to play... ‘Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band’.

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Freelance Writer

Matt Glasby is a freelance film and TV journalist. You can find his work on Total Film - in print and online - as well as at publications like the Radio Times, Channel 4, DVD REview, Flicks, GQ, Hotdog, Little White Lies, and SFX, among others. He is also the author of several novels, including The Book of Horror: The Anatomy of Fear in Film and Britpop Cinema: From Trainspotting To This Is England.