Advanced Search Beta »
Basic Search Fields
Gigantic (A Tale of Two Johns)
User Score
8.0 out of 10

Generally favorable reviews- based on 5 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 4 out of 5
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 5
  3. Negative: 0 out of 5

Review this movie

  1. Your Score
    10 out of 10
    Rate this:
    out of 10
  1. Submit
  2. Check Spelling

  3. Characters remaining: 5000 out of 5000

view
per page
  1. ChadS.
    Aug 16, 2003
    5
    "Gigantic: A Tale of Two Johns", unfortunately, reminded me why my infatuation with They Might Be Giants ended with their fifth album "John Henry". The film takes its own sweet time in stating their case about why the two Johns are worthy of a full-length film because director Al Schnack holds back the songs that belong in anybody's notion of an alternative rock canon for far too long. But then you see the videos, and if you're a fan, you remember oohing and aahing over the printed lyrics for "Lincoln" and "Flood". "Birdhouse in Your Soul", "Don't Let Start", and especially, "Ana Ng" still sound breathtakingly catchy and smart. But even the most loyal fan must admit that they're better heard on record than live. This is why "Gigantic: A Tale of Two Johns" fails to make its case about this seminal band's greatness. "Dad palindrome dad, I palindrome I," is my favorite lyric of all-time, but alas, "The Guitar" alone, represents "Apollo 13". If you're not a fan of the band, or know what the so-called underground was like before punk broke, "Gigantic: A Tale of Two Johns" will baffle you as to the significance of John Flansburg and John Linnell. And that's not beautiful. … Expand
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  2. AdamA.
    Mar 27, 2007
    8
    This is a very interesting documentary whether you love the band or have a slight interest. The way it was made gave it an interesting spin. Hopefully the director will go on to even better things.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  3. JenF.
    Jul 24, 2003
    10
    Funny, witty, and so_TMBG. As far as rockumentaries go, it is fantastic! Definitely planning on owning this when it comes out on DVD!
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
prev next
Page:
  • 1

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
64 out of 100

Generally favorable reviews - based on 19 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 12 out of 19
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 19
  3. Negative: 0 out of 19
  1. L.A. Weekly
    Reviewed by: Paul Malcolm
    50
    These live performances and classic music videos drive home the point that part of the Giants' longevity flows from the fact that they can't be explained, only experienced.
    Read full review
  2. Film Threat
    Reviewed by: Eric Campos
    80
    Loaded with tons of personal stories told by both Johns (the two main members of They Might Be Giants) as well as people within the music industry.
    Read full review
  3. The New York Times
    Reviewed by: Stephen Holden
    70
    Gigantic has the informal tone and structure of an illustrated scrapbook with excerpts from concert and television performances interwoven with lighthearted testimonials by friends, supporters, collaborators and admirers and augmented by witty animated segments.
    Read full review
See all critic reviews »