Woodstock or Bust (2019)

Director: Leslie Bloom

If given the chance to chase your dream, would you do it? Most people won’t. For one reason or another, whether money, work, school, or responsibilities, the majority of people living today will not pursue what could make them very happy. I think the operative word here is “could”. No one is willing to take the risk. For Lorian and Meryl, the opportunity to play at the Woodstock Festival is everything. 

It’s the Summer of ‘69, and two seventeen-year-old musicians Lorian (Willow Shields) and Meryl (Meg DeLacy), are looking to advance their musical careers. Tired of playing in churches and retirement homes, the duo starts planning a trip from their comfy hometown in Oregon, to Bethel, New York for the slight possibility to play in the Woodstock Music Festival. From a young man begging them to shoot off his toe to avoid being drafted, to a perverted old mechanic, the girls will encounter a variety of personalities and obstacles stalling them from reaching their destination.

In a time where just about anyone with a camera is out trying to make the next great cinematic universe, and every plot comes down to world destruction, it’s nice to just get back to something as simple as peace, love, music, and dreams. Don’t get me wrong, I’m a fan of those high-stakes action films, and I watch a lot of them. Which is why it is especially nice to have watched this little breath of fresh air. The soundtrack is comprised of mostly original music, sprinkled throughout with some rock songs of the time. All of it brings out the charm of the story.

Mer and Lor’s story is truly inspiring. Even though they never make it to Woodstock, and despite the incredible bad luck they go through, Meryl and Lori still make the best of it. Right when they’re ready to give in and go back home, the musical pair take their talents to a local music festival in Utah and learn there are more important things going on in the world than just fame and success. Take this lesson to heart reader: Find one thing you have always wanted to do, it doesn’t have to be big, and do it. Save up a little money here and there, take a day or two off of work (yes they can survive without you for that long) and just GO FOR IT! I highly recommend Woodstock or Bust. Two big thumbs up.

Woodstock or Bust will be available on digital streaming platforms (DirecTV, inDemand, Amazon, iTunes, Vimeo on Demand, Vudu, FANDANGO, Hoopla, AT&T, FlixFling, Google Play, Sling/Dish) on August 12, 2019.