Movie spotlight
Big Easy Express
Indie folk heroes Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros, Tennessee’s Old Crow Medicine Show, and Britain’s acclaimed Mumford & Sons, climbed aboard a beautiful vintage train in California, setting out for New Orleans, Louisiana on a “tour of dreams”. The resulting film from this journey is nothing short of magical. Part road movie and part concert film, BIG EASY EXPRESS bears witness to the birth of a new musical era. With poignancy and beauty, Malloy documents these incredible musicians as they ride the rails and wow the crowds, from Oakland… to New Orleans.
Insights
Plot Summary
The film chronicles the "Big Easy Express" tour, a unique musical journey taken by three acclaimed bands: Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros, Old Crow Medicine Show, and Mumford & Sons. Traveling by train across the American landscape, the documentary captures their intimate performances, spontaneous collaborations, and the camaraderie that develops between the musicians as they bring their music to various towns and cities.
Critical Reception
Big Easy Express was met with widespread critical acclaim, praised for its charming portrayal of musical connection and the joy of live performance. Critics lauded its authentic feel, beautiful cinematography, and the genuine spirit of the participating artists.
What Reviewers Say
A feel-good documentary celebrating the pure joy of making music and connecting with audiences.
Visually stunning and brimming with authentic, heartwarming moments between the artists.
Captures the magic of live performance and the unique spirit of a traveling music festival on wheels.
Google audience: Audiences overwhelmingly loved the film for its uplifting and positive vibe, highlighting the incredible music and the genuine connection between the bands. Many found it to be a heartwarming and inspiring watch.
Awards & Accolades
Audience Award for Best Documentary at the 2012 South by Southwest Film Festival.
Fun Fact
The entire tour was undertaken entirely by train, with the bands performing in makeshift venues in towns they visited along the way, eschewing the typical tour bus and large arenas.
AI-generated overview · Verify ratings on official sources