You Had to Be There: How the Toronto Godspell Ignited the Comedy Revolution, Spread Love & Overalls, and Created a Community That Changed the World (in a Canadian Kind of Way) Reviews
All of it comes, somewhat incredibly, despite Davis not having one scrap of footage to show from any of those long-ago stage performances with a cast that eventually helped change the culture of comedy forever. That's why you have to get there now, eh? MeierMovies.com Cameron Meier
Nick Davis's partly animated, talking-heads documentary - despite its share of laughs, insights and good vibes - is as tedious, self-indulgent, rambling and self-aggrandizing as its absurdly long title. The most incredible thing about You Had to Be There is that this film makes you feel like you were there, and these friends are your friends too. The niftiness of Davis's film is that it's about Godspell, and it's about something bigger than Godspell -- a pop movement that didn't have a name yet, a cultural spirit that found its way into existence almost like (laughing) gas gathering in the air. Solzy at the Movies Danielle Solzman
For comedy nerds, You Had to Be There: How the Toronto Godspell Ignited the Comedy Revolution...isn't just a clever title-it's a promise the documentary delivers on. Moveable Fest Stephen Saito
Although it wisely refrains from trying too hard to explain how such an extraordinary collection of talent ended up in one place at one time, the film does offer a breezy overview of the conditions in Toronto that bred a unique brand of humor. Deadline Hollywood Daily Matthew Carey
"You had to be there" is a phrase sometimes used with a snicker -- like, "I can't be bothered to explain what you missed out on, loser." Here, we're all invited to participate. And it's a joyous experience. The documentary offers a hugely entertaining record of Canadian cultural history worthy of time and celebration. And, in perhaps the most Canadian trait ever, it's an American production. Next Best Picture Dan Bayer
The boastful title promises a lot, and while the access Davis got will make musical theater fans salivate, the film doesn't quite live up to it. Instead, it's a modest, playful slice of nostalgia, with slight delusions of grandeur. Warm and genuine, You Had To Be There is a highly entertaining look at comedy and Canadiana. Davis' documentary makes it clear: you really did have to be there - but thanks to this film, now we all kind of are. Getting an insight into how people like Martin Short and Eugene Levy started their careers off, and seeing the camaraderie of what this experience was like for this group makes this a heartwarming documentary for any comedy fan.
