Road Diary

Directed by Thom Zimny, Road Diary follows Bruce Springsteen as he and his various band members, including Max Weinberg and Steven Van Zandt, as they prepare for a worldwide tour in the wake of the pandemic. Filmmaker Zimny delivers a fairly run-of-the-mill documentary that nevertheless sustains one’s interest throughout, as the picture benefits from its irresistible behind-the-scenes emphasis on Springsteen and co.’s rehearsals for (and eventual performance of) that aforementioned tour – with the plentiful interview footage certainly enhancing the movie’s intriguing vibe. It’s equally clear, though, that Road Diary has been geared primarily towards the band’s more ardent followers, and there’s little doubt, as such, that certain stretches delve into the nitty-gritty to a somewhat exhausting extent. Having said that, Road Diary’s proliferation of agreeable, memorable music performances, coupled with its assortment of genuinely affecting moments (eg an extended tribute to deceased band members), ensure that it remains quite watchable for the duration of its 99 minutes.

**1/2 out of ****