As Episode 1 of "Dirty Pop" (2024 release; 3 episodes ranging from 41 to 44 min.) opens, it is the early 90s and Lou Pearlman, inspired by the success of 80s boys band New Kids on the Block, decides to launch a bonus band himself, and recruits what came to be known as the Backstreet Boys. In 1993 they launch their first US tour of high schools as complete unknowns... At this point, we are less than 10 minutes into Episode 1.
Couple of comments: this is the latest from director David Terry Fine ("Legends Never Die: The Sandlot Story"). Here he examines the life and times of Lou Perlman, best know for two things: (a) he launched some of the best boys bands ever (Backstreet Boys, 'N Sync, O-Town), and (2) he turned out to be a con man of the highest order, embezzling hundreds of millions of dollars. This documentary focuses on the latter, more than on the former. So if you think you will get the ultimate insight scoop on the careers of these boys bands, you will surely be disappointed with this documentary. If on the other hand you want to understand how someone is able to embezzle millions upon millions in a massive Ponzi that went on for years and years, you will be enlightened by this documentary, PLEASE NOTE: this documentary is not titled "Dirty Pop: The Band Scam", as listed here on IMDb and other sources. It is simply titled "Dirty Pop", per the documentary's opening credits.
"Dirty Pop" started airing on Netflix in late July, and I just watched all 3 episodes in a single setting the other night. No idea why this is presented in 3 episodes, rather than a 2 hr. Movie, but whatever. Long story short, if you are interested in the rise and fall of Lou Pearlman (as opposed to getting the ins and outs of the boys band craze), I'd readily suggest you check this out and draw your own conclusion.
Couple of comments: this is the latest from director David Terry Fine ("Legends Never Die: The Sandlot Story"). Here he examines the life and times of Lou Perlman, best know for two things: (a) he launched some of the best boys bands ever (Backstreet Boys, 'N Sync, O-Town), and (2) he turned out to be a con man of the highest order, embezzling hundreds of millions of dollars. This documentary focuses on the latter, more than on the former. So if you think you will get the ultimate insight scoop on the careers of these boys bands, you will surely be disappointed with this documentary. If on the other hand you want to understand how someone is able to embezzle millions upon millions in a massive Ponzi that went on for years and years, you will be enlightened by this documentary, PLEASE NOTE: this documentary is not titled "Dirty Pop: The Band Scam", as listed here on IMDb and other sources. It is simply titled "Dirty Pop", per the documentary's opening credits.
"Dirty Pop" started airing on Netflix in late July, and I just watched all 3 episodes in a single setting the other night. No idea why this is presented in 3 episodes, rather than a 2 hr. Movie, but whatever. Long story short, if you are interested in the rise and fall of Lou Pearlman (as opposed to getting the ins and outs of the boys band craze), I'd readily suggest you check this out and draw your own conclusion.