In the age of innovative technology with blurry relevancy out of necessity, the original hand-on industrial instrument that is not driven electrically becomes a neglected gem valued timelessly relevant. Though only bounded in one state and occasionally led astray for the point of other more artistical usage, this fascinating documentary types up an excellent portrait for the typewriter's old-fashioned nostalgia with insights' passion that position the device under rejuvenated interest. (B+)

There can be no other movie made with such a deep love of subject and respect for those who share and contribute to that love. A bittersweet examination of time: its passing and its endlessness, its endurance and its ephemeralness, its consistent elusiveness and its chimerical character; and the beautiful souls—quirky, quixotic and qwertyful—who inhabit it.

The little shop depicted was one of those nerve centers where mostly quiet and important work went along rhythmically for over 70 years. From the essential role it filled from it's beginning to all the modern iterations of the machines within it's walls it never lost sight of purpose, or intensity of dedication to it's customer base. The family dinner table scene where they voice their responsibilities to the soon-to-be unemployed workers was heart rending in core ethos of the building's owners. A bona fide piece of Americana at it's best and a soulful tribute of regard for things receding from our collective image. Great people well-filmed being themselves.

If I could give this more stars, I would. OMG, I loved this so much! Yes, I admit that Tom Hanks was the reason I was even interested in it but wow, what an amazing documentary; probably the best one I've seen in years. It was well done, but not boring, and it was very fascinating. It's been so so long since I've typed on a typewriter and now I find myself wanting to try it just once. We take so much for granted with computers and as a writer, I would love to just put some paper into a typewriter and just type till my heart's content. What an amazing thing that would be. Tom Hanks isn't in this documentary much but I really loved the segments with Sam Shepard (God rest his soul) and John Mayer. Aside from Tom Hanks, John Mayer was my favorite. If I'm in California I want to go to that California Typewriter store and check it out. It looks amazing and it's nice to know it's there. I hope that it's there for a long time. Seriously, everyone should watch this documentary. It's funny and informative and if you've never seen a typewriter orchestra, well, you're really missing out!

The show was Amazing, I got my first type writer from my neighbor Frederica Pacheco at a very young age to write Poems , Still Admire the Type writer very much...

Surprisingly entertaining documentary with very likable people. I guess this movie should come with a disclaimer or a warning: This film may show minorities and other Americans saying positive things about the United States. If your one of those people who have a difficult time digesting such things, you should probably skip this film. Otherwise, it's a treat. I'm uncertain why the filmmaker felt the need to validate the theme by interviewing celebrities, but I guess that's the in thing. Trust me, this film is VERY interesting, and celebrates the concept of individualism, innovation, and hard work, from the man who repairs typewriters to the musical act that uses only typewriters.

A very interesting film, I truly enjoyed it. Was surprised about Tom Hanks passion but not surprised about Sam Shepard.

While admittedly a self serving documentary about an anti-technology fad, there is enough genuine quirkiness and cross-stratus interaction to make this interesting to everyone. A little longer than needed, we're taken into the lives of various aficionados to explore a once ubiquitous thing that is today little thought about. The trivia and history tell their own story though it would have been helpful if narration pulled us along for the more psychological aspects of the subjects. Put down your smart phone for a second and realize the way it used to be.

It dips and skims through the world of typewriters, their history, users, artists, fans and lives. It could so easily have gone wrong with self-important talking heads and smug hipsters, but somehow it managed to avoid the pitfalls. Both the staff of "California Typewriter Shop" and the typewriter part artist carried this for me, but I was totally intrigued by the concept that using typewriters is akin to the slow food movement in cooking.

Fabulous documentary. Meditation on creativity and the world of yesterday, The words of many interviewed here resonated with me.

I'm leaving a negative review because it features Tom Hanks in the first few minutes. This led me to believe it was going to be good and perhaps a cool drama or something. Tom Hanks doesn't feature again, there is no story. It's basically a very dull documentary about typewriters - I got to about 40 minutes in. (And I only lasted that long because I thought Tom Hanks would turn upagain - he doesn't) - don't waste your time, unless you love typewriters

I want a red typewriter! I still have a hybrid typewriter/word processor in my closet...if I had a place to put it I'd bring it out. As a baby boomer who actually took a typing class in college and whose Mom had a couple of old Royals in addition to an IBM Selectric, this movie touched me unexpectedly. And it was bittersweet to see Sam Shepard.

Fantastic movie!! One of the best documentaries ever!

this movie was so well done and so enlightening!

Maybe you have to be a certain age to appreciate this film, but my husband and I loved it. It reminded us that for the writer the old familiar clacking-clack of the keys really DID take on a rhythm that sounded progress and got the creative juices flowing. Everyone coming out of the theater was talking about getting one. But it's also a meditation on the intrusiveness of technology in our lives. We can't do without technology - it brings much good in our lives - but no one needs to be "online" every minute.

This was such a well-crafted, funny, and touching story. Pure art, with a lot of heart.Who knew these celebrities collected old typewriters, and used them in their daily lives and art. What a treat to watch. Inspiring. I loved it!

(B+) Yes, it's a documentary that romances said vintage machine. At first one presumes it's kind of a frivolous love letter by Tom Hanks and his army of fellow whiteout survivors. But then, somehow, this movie finds it's depth and purpose with John Mayer, of all people, as he articulates his newly discovered affinity. It runs a little long but this movie won me over about half way through. Not because of it's love of the analog element... but for it's affection for the creative process such vintage machinery uniquely affords. Recommended

I want a typewriter.

The definitive look at the history of typewriters and those who adore them, collect them, restore them and more. It is and will be in the future the go-to place to learn about everything typewriter. Virtually extinct, the typewriter has a loyal, albeit small group of users who explain why they like the using the antiquated device over new technology. It's a thorough ode to a piece of machinery that's been out of sight and out of mind for most. Even if you've never used the device, you're drawn in by the energy, passion and love the interviewees have for their sacred typewriters. It's worth the trip down memory lane for some and for others it will be as informative as anything you watch. FINAL SCORE: 9.1/10

A rich, thoughtful, meticulously crafted tapestry about the evolution of the beloved writing machine for purists, history buffs, collectors and others fighting to preserve or re-embrace analog life.