Overall Rating: 81.4
"The Last Play at Shea" is a heartwarming documentary about two New York icons: Billy Joel and Shea Stadium. The doc recaps the "lives" of both and the paths they led on their crash course to the final concert performed at Shea Stadium in July of 2008.
Even not being a New Yorker, the documentary has plenty of moments that give you goosebumps. Taking a look back at Billy Joel's life and performances, intertwined with the social change occurring in New York through the 60's, 70's, 80's, and 90's through the performances at Shea Stadium during those times make you feel nostalgic in all the good ways. Getting a glimpse into the life of one of music's most iconic performers in Joel (his marriages, drinking abuse, inspiration for songs, etc) would be enough on its own. Add in the chance to relive seeing the Beatles arrive in America, the Who's memorable '82 performance, and many more are just add to the power of the documentary as a music lover.
The entire film is a steady build until the final performance with Paul McCartney returning last minute on stage to perform with Joel which brings the house down. If you're a lover of music or New York, the film is a no-brainer for a viewing. Director's Crowder and Small put together some amazing interviews and really get Joel to open up about his memories.
Individual Ratings
Enjoyment Factor: 8
Dialogue: 7
Acting: n/a
Direction: 7
Audio/Visual: 9
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