Common Sense Media Review
By Emily Ashby
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Album documentary is best for longtime fans of The Boss.
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Bruce Springsteen's High Hopes
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN'S HIGH HOPES is a 30-minute documentary about the making of The Boss' 18th studio album, High Hopes. The project comprises previously unreleased songs and covers as well as some re-recordings, all of which have been updated for the album. Interviews with Springsteen and Tom Morello, who lent his musical expertise to the project, let fans see how songs were chosen and developed as well as what the album means to each of them. Concert scenes and recording sessions are interspersed between the interviews as well.
Is It Any Good?
Bruce Springsteen's High Hopes taps into the mind of a modern musical genius to give fans a sense of what makes him tick and how he translates that into chart-topping hits. It's an intimate glimpse behind the curtain, but one on which the jovial Springsteen seems happy to lead viewers, and his self-deprecating demeanor is a refreshing change of pace from the celebrity egos that often steal today's headlines. Fans come away from this documentary with a new respect for the Boss' strong work ethic and a better understanding of the sources behind his trademark metaphorical lyrics in songs like "The Wall" and "Hunter of Invisible Game."
That said, this project is obviously geared toward faithful Springsteen fans whose familiarity with his decades-long resume will give them better appreciation for how he talks about his latest work, which includes veteran songs that never made the cut for his previous albums. Newcomers will still enjoy the backstage tour of the production process, but they may also get the sense that the documentary is designed to sell albums as well as to entertain fans.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how entertainment veterans like Springsteen hold up against today's music stars. Is his music relevant to younger listeners' lives? Is he "showy" enough to compete for the spotlight? What gives some stars staying power and others not?
Springsteen talks about drawing inspiration for his art from the brokenness of humanity. Do you agree with his statement that everyone is broken in some way? Does this seem true of celebrities, too? How do you think their personal lives compare to what we see on the screen?
Teens: Do you know of any artists who successfully bridge the generational divide? What makes their appeal more timeless than that of others? In general, do you think modern celebrities are rewarded more for their talent or their shock value?
TV Details
- Premiere date : April 4, 2014
- Cast : Bruce Springsteen
- Network : HBO
- Genre : Reality TV
- Topics : Arts ( Music and Sing-Along )
- TV rating :
- Last updated : October 1, 2025
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