Review: Blur: No distance left to run (15)****

An overly enthusiastic reporter's attempt to sum up his appreciation of the band is one of the documentary's most cringe-worthy – and funny – moments.

The journalist's sycophantic ramblings do, however, give an insight into what it is like to be in what lead singer Damon Albarn claimed was "Britain's biggest band" in the mid-90s heyday of Britpop.

There may have been sex, drugs and rock 'n' roll, but there was also a catalogue of mind-numbing interviews and promotional duties.

The recording of bassist Alex James having to film a series of promo clips is a case in point, as he battles through a stream of one-line adverts he has been roped in to do for TV and radio.

And that's what sets this film apart from most music documentaries.

It comes as no surprise that the hugely ambitious Damon was the driving force. But it's the screen time given to the other band members which is often the most valuable, showing the dynamics of what made the band tick and ultimately implode.

The Britpop years will be known to many, but it's the subsequent disintegration of the band which is often the most revealing. And last summer's all too brief reunion tour provides some of the most emotionally-charged moments.

City Screen, York.