I happened onto this as a short clip on YouTube, then I found the full movie posted. (I think it’s also currently on Netflix.) I missed this one when it came out as I was in full work-family mode then. As someone who’s read every major biography of John Lennon, I was curious to see how this one stood up.
Answer: it’s OK. I think my reaction was muted because I knew what was going to happen at just about every stage. It’s good to see Mimi’s love for John come through. The brief period where John’s mother Julia re-enters his life is heartbreaking.
The best part of the movie is Julia showing John those first chords on the banjo and seeing the unfocused teen engaged and engrossed in something for the first time in his life.
All in all, if you haven’t seen this one yet, you’re not missing much.