A nicely made film that touches the heart and soul of rock n’ roll, Street Survivors has been made available on Blu-ray, DVD and in a combo with the Lynyrd Skynyrd Soundtrack. The film depicts the unfortunate event that involves the crash of the airplane carrying 26 passengers including the Lynyrd Skynyrd band. The production showing the impact of the airliner is so realistic that it becomes horrifying. The story is told in the first person by drummer Artimus Pyle who survived the ordeal adding a heroic effort.
Artimus Pyle, the drummer for the rock band Lynyrd Skynyrd puts together all the events leading up to and following the crash. He explains that the film is not all about how the tragedy, but the family, fellowship and friendship of the rising rock legends and their loyal followers. In a time where drinking, drugs and smoking weed were a big part of the rock n’ roll scene, the group had access to all of it. Partying at every opportunity, sex and nudity were accepted and expected by the group.
Their leader and founder of C is Ronnie Van Zant who has a huge following and a label that has kept them high on the charts. When we join the film Ronnie is setting up a tour and wants to add a couple of drummers to the popular band. Calling Artimus Pyle and Steve Gains, both impress Van Zant and get hired for the tour. They fit right into the lifestyle and start living the high life that surrounds the group. This part of the film encompasses the first one third.
At the point it’s October 19, 1977 where the group has to leave on tour that will include Baton Rouge, Louisiana following one stop over. This is where the film splits off for the remainder of the movie and the extremely high tension action scenes get depicted. The decisions made in this finale were not only a matter of not wanting to show weakness of the high strung band, but Van Zant’s need to keep Lynyrd Skynyrd on the time schedule for the tour that sets off the tragedy that leads to death.
Involved in the final minutes of the film is the unflinching heroism of Artimus Pyle who, although badly hurt and despondent, takes it upon himself to run for miles to find help for his fellow band members, wives and the groupies on the plane. It’s this unselfish, touching and heartfelt act that seems to have prompted the making of the film and it is handled extremely well. Little known facts about Pyle’s amazing fortitude and relentless task have never been shown in this manner.
The whole cast should be commended for the making of this film with standouts being Jan Shultis as Artimus Pyle, Taylor Clift as Ronnie Van Zant, Samuel Kay Forrest as Steve Gaines, Lelia Symington as Cassie Gaines and Kristina St. Peter as Patricia Pyle. Those playing members of the group actually play the instruments in the film. Most of all, the true story teller and first person narrator Artimus Pyle.
BONUS FEATURES:
“Documentary Film: Surviving Street Survivors” the making of the movie
“Slideshow”
Street Survivors has not been rated by the MPAA, but contains a strong harrowing disaster sequence, groupie nudity, some sensuality, drinking, drug use, gore and language. The song “Simple Man” is one of the most notable of the group.
FINAL ANALYSIS: A very good film for both fans of the group and those who like a good biography drama. (4 out of 5 stars)
Specifications and additional video information:
Cast: Jon Briddell, Kelly Lynn Reiter, Taylor Clift, David Banks, Kari Alison Hodge, Lelia Symington, Kyle Colton, Anthony Traina, Sean McNabb, Tom Jenkins, Krystyna Ahlers,
Directed and screenwriter by: Jared Cohn
Genre: Biography
MPAA Rating: Not Rated
Running Time: tbd
Video Release Date: June 30, 2020
Original Theatrical Release Date: February 16, 2020
Language: English
Reviewed Format: DVD
Distributed by: MVD Entertainment Group
Released on: Blu-ray/DVD and Soundtrack CD combo
Writer, critic, film editor John Delia, Sr. has been on all sides of the movie business from publications to film making. He has worked as a film critic with ACED Magazine for more than 20 years and other publications for a total of 40 years. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in communications from the University of Florida. John is a member of the Southeastern Film Critics Association and Critics Association of Central Florida Send John a message at jdelia@acedmagazine.com
