I had recorded "Now More Than Ever" on my DVR when it first aired on CNN, but it was accidentally deleted. Having finally watched it (the bonus edition, anyway) I would say it was worth the wait, but I had reason to nitpick. For one, there was no direct mention of Laudir de Oliveira, even though he appears in some of the 1970s performance footage. That is especially disappointing, considering Laudir died suddenly less than a year after the CNN broadcast. Dawayne Bailey barely gets a mention, either.
Additionally, what the four remaining original members say about maintaining the band dynamic in the first hour contradicts the "anyone is replaceable" remark early in the second hour. The "core four" were the co-producers of this film, and its clear that not only was this made largely from their perspective, but their hostilities with Peter Cetera, Donnie Dacus, and their longest-serving guitarist Bill Champlin still linger. (I've heard Cetera is a prick, but still.) Glad to see Danny Seraphine and Chris Pinnick, though.
So why seven stars? The band's tales of the road are fascinating, as it goes more into detail than their "Behind the Music" episode from the early 2000s. The story of how "Just You and Me" was composed is compelling, as is Lee Loughnane's battles with drug abuse. The core four are clearly lifelong friends. Chicago's forgettable 1990s and 2000s output is rightfully skimmed over, though I've heard okay things about XXXVI, their most recent studio album as of 2016. In a nutshell, I recommend "Now More Than Ever," but with some reservations.
Additionally, what the four remaining original members say about maintaining the band dynamic in the first hour contradicts the "anyone is replaceable" remark early in the second hour. The "core four" were the co-producers of this film, and its clear that not only was this made largely from their perspective, but their hostilities with Peter Cetera, Donnie Dacus, and their longest-serving guitarist Bill Champlin still linger. (I've heard Cetera is a prick, but still.) Glad to see Danny Seraphine and Chris Pinnick, though.
So why seven stars? The band's tales of the road are fascinating, as it goes more into detail than their "Behind the Music" episode from the early 2000s. The story of how "Just You and Me" was composed is compelling, as is Lee Loughnane's battles with drug abuse. The core four are clearly lifelong friends. Chicago's forgettable 1990s and 2000s output is rightfully skimmed over, though I've heard okay things about XXXVI, their most recent studio album as of 2016. In a nutshell, I recommend "Now More Than Ever," but with some reservations.