'Taking Woodstock' review

Kelli Garner, Demetri Martin and Paul Dano (Credit: Ken Regan/Focus)

10 comedians who should be movie stars

Demetri Martin has his shot, who's next?

It's a far-out hippie invasion, man, as thousands of people descend on little White Lake, N.Y., for the Woodstock Music Festival. Behind the scenes is Elliot (Demetri Martin), who helps bring the fest to a neighboring farm and invites tons of people to stay at his parents' humble hotel. Cue the chilled-out declarations of peace and drug-induced, naked dancing.

The buzz: Director Ang Lee ("Brokeback Mountain") doesn't normally do sprawling, comedic stories like this, but, working from Elliot Tiber's book, long-time Lee screenwriter James Schamus has real-life help. However, they've also got a Woodstock movie without any musical performances and, in Martin, a lead actor without much dramatic experience.

The verdict: The hippie mindset is that either you're with them or you're not, and similarly "Taking Woodstock" asks that you ride along its loose, laid-back vibe or start flinging mud. Those with mud balls in hand may wish the movie had more conflict and plot, and even the converted won't stomach so many clichéd characters (including Elliot's Jewish stereotype parents and Emile Hirsch as a Vietnam vet). Yet in a terrific, surprising performance, Martin carries the movie like he's been doing it his whole life, helping transform "Woodstock" from a shambling mess into a true celebration of taking three days away from the world, to align yourself with yourself and with others.

Did you know? Before the festival begins, everyone promises to help clean up afterwards. Proof that you should really, really think about what could happen during a three-day, free-spirited, muddy music festival before committing to anything related to cleaning.

Video: Watch a review of 'Taking Woodstock'

Movie Trailer: