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OZZY: NO ESCAPE FROM NOW Presents the Often Harsh and Harrowing Reality of His Final Years On Paramount+
by Rich and Laura Lynch
Our first of impression of OZZY: NO ESCAPE FROM NOW - the new two hour feature-length documentary now airing on Paramount+ - was "this is too much". Too much pain and anguish on display as the numerous medical problems the legendary rocker was dealing with on a day to day basis was revealed. Too much information - as in "TMI" - did we really need to see all the despair that a botched operation and a diagnosis of Parkinson's disease had leveled on the recently inducted Rock and Roll Hall of Famer. Too much sadness as the icon was kept from what he loved the most - performing for his fans as dates on his farewell tour were necessarily scrubbed due to his declining condition.
But, then we realized something central to the plot. Ozzy Osbourne and his family are considered the original progenitors of the reality television genre and this film - made possible by Executive Producers Bruce Gillmer and Amanda Culkowski (MTV Entertainment Studios), Phil Alexander (Echo Velvet) and Sharon Osbourne (Sharon Osbourne Management) - is nothing short of a sharp dose of reality that documents Ozzy's final six years on Earth - with his humanity and humor on display as he overcomes all odds to go out triumphantly on top and completely on his own terms.
As the film opens viewers are greeted with a message that reads - "This film was made between 2021 and 2025 and documents Ozzy Osbourne's ongoing health battles and his determination to play one final show". Next, we see the Osbourne's residence made famous on the MTV television series that ran for four seasons beginning in 2002 followed by an argument between Ozzy and Sharon with their dogs barking adding to the chaos. So, in reality OZZY: NO ESCAPE FROM NOW is just like old times except the fun and games have been replaced with many serious challenges faced by the legendary rocker, his family and friends as his final days unfold.
OZZY: NO ESCAPE FROM NOW is a two hour feature-length documentary that delivers a brave, unvarnished and reliable portrait of the legendary Ozzy Osbourne. Directed by BAFTA Award winner Tania Alexander, it is the definitive account of the rock icon's life over the past six years, produced in collaboration with the Osbourne family. Alongside Ozzy and Sharon, children Aimee, Kelly and Jack speak candidly about the late-night fall their father suffered in February 2019 that caused him to cancel his farewell tour and had subsequent life-changing impact. The film details Ozzy's numerous corrective surgeries, escalating health issues and progressive effects of his Parkinson's disease, also highlighting how ongoing chronic pain impacted his mental health and informed the music he made during this period.
Alongside the Osbournes, the film also features contributions from bandmates and friends, including: Tony Iommi (Black Sabbath), Duff McKagan & Slash (Guns N’ Roses), Robert Trujillo & James Hetfield (Metallica), Billy Idol, Maynard James Keenan (Tool), Chad Smith (Red Hot Chili Peppers), Ozzy’s longstanding guitarist Zakk Wylde, producer Andrew Watt, Billy Morrison, Tom Morello (Rage Against The Machine), Mike Inez (Alice In Chains) and Billy Corgan (Smashing Pumpkins).
Capturing Ozzy at home and in the studio, OZZY: NO ESCAPE FROM NOW documents his heroic, last-minute decision to play the Closing Ceremony of the Commonwealth Games in the UK (2022) and preparations for that performance; an exclusive soundcheck performance from his induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame (2024); and his journey to play the Back To The Beginning show at Villa Park in his hometown of Birmingham in July.
As heart-wrenching as this documentary comes across it is drenched in warmth and respect for Ozzy from his industry pals and bandmates while revealing that - despite all the dark associations that comes with being one of the fathers of heavy metal - he was a loving father with a relatively normal family life.
"It could be worse," Ozzy pondered over his current predicament while ruminating with daughter Kelly as a set-up to what appeared to be a long-running inside joke between the two of them as they both commented in unison, "I could be Sting."
The ultimate payoff for fans of the rocker often referred to as the "Prince of Darkness" is watching the legend come alive as he pulls off the unthinkable by delivering world-class performances during the making of his two final full-length LP's - Ordinary Man (2020) and Patient Number 9 (2022) - that many cite as being the most important releases of his long and prolific career.
Never intended as a posthumous project, the film now stands as a testament to Ozzy’s courage, wit, determination and talent – qualities that ensure he remains a hero to millions around the world.
The cliffhanger? Watching Ozzy rise from the bottom of the stage on his custom-made black leather throne with a deviously defiant look on his mascara marked face you realize that this film is really just the trailer for the fully produced concert movie that is sure to follow!
Related Links:
For more information on OZZY OSBOURNE and the other organizations mentioned please visit the following links -
Ozzy.com |
Ozzy Osbourne: No Escape from Now
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