Thank You, Goodnight: The Bon Jovi Story (2024)

An informative documentary about the band Bon Jovi, although lead singer Jon plays the leading role in this portrait. But that's how it has always been in this band, which is mainly the result of his vision, so no problem for the fans.

In addition to the history of the band, there is a second storyline in which we see Jon struggle with his voice problems. They had been there for a long time and it is brave that he dares to portray it in this way. Jon was always the man who seemed to be able to take on the world, and to see him now so desperate and frustrated gives a new insight into his character.

In terms of music, the documentary felt unbalanced to me, because although the 80s successes are nicely discussed, the 90s records hardly receive any attention. Blaze of Glory and Keep the faith are briefly discussed, but my favorite These days is hardly mentioned and Jon's excellent solo album Destination anywhere is completely missing. Shame.
On the other hand, the last episode dwells too long on albums that had much less impact.

It's nice that Richie tells his story about his departure, although unfortunately he doesn't seem to be in the best of shape. The documentary ends in despair with the question of whether the band will ever go on stage again. For me personally, that doesn't matter. Bon Jovi has created a very respectable discography in recent decades with some of my favorite albums and the level of the 80s and 90s is no longer there for a long time. A good moment to stop. But as long as Jon is into it, who knows…

This documentary nicely summarizes the career and is well made with many new interviews and old archive footage. However, for those who want to see Bon Jovi as the rambunctious rock band they were in their heyday, watch '80s Access All Areas, free on YouTube.

3.5*

Translated from Dutch · View original

First-class documentary about one of the most successful rock bands ever. With four episodes and a total running time of five hours, it is on the exhausting side, but it must be said that things never let up. Singer Jon Bon Jovi is at a critical point in his career and the problems surrounding preserving his voice are painful to watch. The documentary expertly switches back and forth in time, with a lot of attention to the successful early years of the band. Fortunately, singer/guitarist Richie Sambora, who left the band in 2013, also speaks extensively. All in all a fascinating, honest portrait of a sympathetic, hardworking band.

Translated from Dutch · View original