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Daniel Smith, Rachel Smith, Andrew Smith, Lenny Smith, Marian Smith ... see more see more... , Elin Smith , Lily Smith , Chris Paladino , Melissa Paladino , Sufjan Stevens , Rick Moody , Steve Albini , Daniel Johnston , David Garland , Alan Sparhawk , Danielson Famile , Kramer

Filmmaker J.L. Aronson offers an intimate portrait of a band in which eccentric innovation and unwavering faith forms an unlikely recipe for indie-rock stardom. The year was 1995, and aspiring musicia... read more read more...n Daniel Smith needed a project for his senior thesis project at Rutgers University. Upon handing in an album recorded by the Danielson Famile entitled A Prayer for Every Hour, the ambitious student was promptly given an A for his remarkable creative efforts. The youngest sibling in the Smith family was 11 years old, and a new era in family history had been set into motion. Born and bred in the farmlands of New Jersey, Smith and his siblings formed a band that soon took to performing in vintage white nurses' outfits to symbolize the healing power of the "Good Word." Though unfavorably received by the Christian community, the Danielson Famile found an unlikely ally in the form of the independent music community. With an outsider edge that appealed to music critics who were fast beginning to grow tired of the stagnant state of modern music, Smith and his band received widespread recognition thanks to articles in such prolific publications as Rolling Stone and Spin magazines. With little money coming in and his other siblings longing to continue their education and seek out their own paths in life, Danielson Famile frontman Smith does his best to establish himself as a solo act while mentoring a then-unknown singer/songwriter with the curious name of Sufjan Stevens. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi

Flixster Users

75% liked it

906 ratings

Critics

50% liked it

8 critics

Unrated, 1 hr. 36 min.

Directed by: J.L. Aronson

Release Date: March 11, 2006

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DVD Release Date: April 10, 2007

Stats: 109 reviews

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Flixster Reviews (109)

  • MisterMarvelous
    July 1, 2007
    MisterMarvelous
    By far one of the best documentaries that I've seen so far on DVD this year. Also stands toe to toe with "The Devil and Daniel Johnston" (who ironically makes an appearance in this doc) as one of the best music docs that I've ever seen. The struggle to overcome popular misconcept... read moreions about Christian music is a great theme that is honestly and unbiasly explored. If anything this deserves a rental just to be exposed to the music of the Danielsons and the unique personalities present. Also to all Sufjan Stevens fans... this is a must see, you'll get to see how he got his start with the Danielsons. This is a must rent for almost anyone.
  • photochicka
    May 29, 2007
    photochicka
    whether i want to see this or not really depends on whether it's a movie about the band Danielson Famile
  • thailurr
    May 28, 2007
    thailurr
    i do love danielson and it was interesting to see sufjan stevens before he got big...to see him treated like a protege(sp?). brother danielson is a tremenous inspiration. but at many times this documentary drags. and to someone who doesn't like sufjan stevens or the danielson fam... read moreily it's almost unbearablely long.

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Critic Reviews

Michael Ordoņa
January 18, 2007
Michael Ordoņa, Los Angeles Times

Aronson's film is a fond portrait, loaded with bizarre, haunting music and Smith's off-kilter inspirations. Full Review

Neil Genzlinger
December 14, 2006
Neil Genzlinger, New York Times

J L Aronson's documentary is about Daniel Smith, a musician who performs Christian music that is a world away from most of what is heard under that label.

Dennis Harvey
March 14, 2006
Dennis Harvey, Variety

There is an undeniable quirky appeal to the creative world of Daniel Smith, though those who hope a behind-the-scenes look will explain his motivation or personality won't find the enigma resolved here. Full Review

Andy Klein
January 21, 2007
Andy Klein, Los Angeles CityBeat

... it's hard to imagine anyone not in the actual family (or at least the presold family of fans) being interested enough to stick it out for the entire hour and 45 minutes.

Ernest Hardy
January 19, 2007
Ernest Hardy, L.A. Weekly

Shot on digital and layered with animated segments, performance footage and clips from Smith family home movies, Family Movie unfolds with a gentle, justified confidence in the power of its subject. Full Review

Tom Keogh
December 15, 2006
Tom Keogh, Seattle Times

What Danielson doesn't do enough of is reveal [Daniel] Smith's music on its own terms. Full Review

Bill White
December 14, 2006
Bill White, Seattle Post-Intelligencer

From his irritating squeak of a voice to an infantile stage presence that includes dressing himself as a multifruit-bearing tree, Smith's comical incompetence wins him the adoration of adolescent misf... Full Review

Dave White
March 11, 2006
Dave White, Movies.com

Click to read the article Full Review

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