Asbury Park: Riot, Redemption, Rock n' Roll

When filmmaker Tom Jones premiered an earlier version of this film at Jersey Shore’s film festival in 2017, it was missing one key ingredient to the Asbury Park story: hometown boy Bruce Springsteen. For non-fans, it would be like a Jurassic Park film without the T-Rex. I mean, yous guys, his first album was titled Greetings from Asbury Park, N.J., and it helped put the coastal town and the Jersey sound on the map.

Luckily for everyone, the Boss was there to see the film’s premiere and offered interviews, stories and music. The addition of Springsteen added a kick to this tale of a city that breathed rock and roll in the 60’s and 70’s, before a race riot destroyed the rock n’ roll city. The music was integrated; the people were not. The on camera subjects of this film describe the tensions that led to that heated moment, as well as the unexpected, recent resurgence. It’s a lean-in story that captures your attention.

However, the supporting actor to the city’s storied tale is the music itself. Those who were there describe what it was like to see bands define its sound: a unique mix of rock and R&B. It's a place that boasts Gary U.S. Bonds and South side Johnny as well as household names such as Steven Van Zandt and Springsteen. The documentary makes good use of photo and music treasures from its heyday and paints a portrait of the spirit of those nights.

Music. Drama. It's an engaging portrait of a rock and roll city and the birth of the Jersey sound. Worth your time if you can find it; in theaters nationwide for two nights, on May 22 and 29.

In a nutshell: You don’t need to be a Springsteen fan to enjoy this documentary on a magical rock town. But if you are, stay for the after-credits concert footage.

Award potential: None. A poor choice of VO and overuse of some average drone work won’t impress Academy documentary voters.

The Ten Buck Review: Worth ten bucks.