Despite its scale, it's a minor Ang Lee film. But it's not as bad as people make it out to be. It's really funny and it has some sweet moments. It's less for those interested in Woodstock and more for those interested in Lee's filmography. It's really not about the festival at all, but rather about themes that are found in each of his films—family, self-repression, desire, moving on (whatever that may mean). It feels like the hazy, joyful memory of its central character. Cultural events are defined by the people who lived them, and we never once see the concert but we still live through the festival, through this one perspective. Jonathan Groff was the real highlight for me; there's an otherworldly quality about him here that I never previously associated with him. And Paul Dano is always a joy to watch, even if it's only for a short scene.
