My Way: Film Review
My Way tells the story of Rebekah Snyder-Starr, a disillusioned business executive who ditches her boring life in Kittanning, PA for a Thelma and Louise style adventure with her best friend Annika.
The duo, who are real life musicians have an all-girl rock band fittingly titled The Rebekah Starr Band. Rebekkah is the front woman who can certainly handle a guitar while Annika is an up-for it tambourine player originally from Estonia: both are ready for an adventure. They set their sights on Los Angeles, CA and plan to shoot a new music video on the seedy Sunset Strip.
Hoping she made the right decision, Rebekah understandably doubts herself several times especially as she has left behind her devoted husband Mike and a steady job to pursue a musical dream. Interestingly, as the story develops, viewers begin to realize that there is an underlying message of gritty female empowerment as opposed to just living out a lofty fantasy about being glam rockstars.
The rebellious duo encounters setbacks such as being stranded in Oklahoma and face criticism for their crazy behavior. Not to be outdone, they survive their road trip by promoting their music in towns, flogging CDs and performing impromptu rock songs. Their talent and likable personalities help to reel in new fans along the way.
Overall, the documentary My Way works very well on many levels. It is expertly produced and directed by Vinny Sisson and Dominique Mollee, contains some hilarious footage and an original soundtrack with help from sound mixer/composer Diego Tovar. The evocative commentary from 80s rockstars, Rikki Rockett (Poison), Steven Adler (Guns N’ Roses) and Chip Z’Nuff (of Enuff Z’Nuff fame), as well as screen legend, Ron Jeremy gives the feel of a real musical journey.
Rebekah Starr is the perfect protagonist; she is a gutsy feminist and a talented musician. Audiences will be glad she made a bold statement by waking up one morning, and escaping her stagnant life.