A feel-good documentary that will appeal to casual music fans, American Idol obsessives, and anyone in need of some cinematic Zoloft, Don't Stop Believin': Everyman's Journey follows previously unknown Filipino singer Arnel Pineda as he's plucked from obscurity to front the mega-successful rock band Journey, who created such enduring hits as "Separate Ways", "Any Way You Want It," "Faithfully," and of course, the song that gives the film its title.
This remarkably straightforward movie from director Ramona S. Diaz efficiently gives us the pertinent background to the story. Journey are ready to record an album and tour again, but they've split from iconic longtime frontman Steve Perry. Guitarist Neal Schon scours the web looking for someone who can fill Perry's distinctive long-tailed jacket, epic hockey mullet, and powerful pipes when he happens upon a YouTube clip of a cover band in the Philippines led by Arnel Pineda, a charismatic singer who can effortlessly evoke not just Perry, but Jon Bon Jovi, Sting, or any other distinctive vocalist.
The band contact Pineda and bring him in for an audition, where he impresses everyone. The guys in the group know the possibility exists that Pineda will be overwhelmed by his new responsibilities -- he has much to learn about being a lead singer on this large a scale. There's charming, funny footage of his first show where, singing on the biggest physical stage he's ever set foot on, Pineda can't keep from running all around it, eventually losing his breath and the power in his voice. In addition to the physical rigors of the job, he also needs to become an integral part of the group -- not just a session player along for the ride. Diaz shows this process, while also painting a portrait of the squalor and addiction problems Pineda experienced before his momentous break.
There are no surprises in the film; if you've seen one tour bus you've more or less seen them all, and of course when Pineda talks about how much he misses home, the soundtrack plays "Faithfully," Journey's lament about how hard it is to be a rock star. However, instead of producing boredom, these sections of the movie feel more like comfort food, allowing us to enjoy the fact that Cinderella stories actually do happen, even in the testosterone-laden world of rock gods.
The whole thing wraps up with a triumphant concert by the band in Manila, capping off the local-boy-makes-good story with a rousing version of both the title song and a new tune the band came up with about Pineda's journey. It all adds up to a remarkably winning documentary that even Journey haters can begrudgingly enjoy.