Half Japanese: The Band That Would Be King

Half This is Spinal Tap, half Crumb, Half Japanese has got to be one of the most unusual and strangely endearing films I've seen in some time. This musical documentary (mockumentary?) traces the career paths of indie music legends Jad and David Fair, who back in the '70s formed Half Japanese, self-billed as "The World's Greatest Underground Band" (cross Sonic Youth with Mr. Roger's Neighborhood and you'll get a rough idea of the band's sound). Filmmaker Jeff Feuerzeig combines interviews with band members and sympathetic critics and fans--including devotees Penn Jillette of Penn & Teller fame and ex-Velvet Underground drummer Mo Tucker--along with a generous selection of the band's songs to tell the strange and truly twisted history of this "supergroup." While not for all tastes, and likely to leave as many viewers confounded as converted, this sell-through priced sleeper gem will thoroughly entertain many viewers. Highly recommended. Editor's Choice. (S. C. Sickles)