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Writer's pictureJennifer Patino

“Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour” Movie Review Part II

Updated: Mar 29






** Read Part I Here **



We left off just as we were heading back to 2012. Red balloons filled the screen and I smiled because we were about to enter an era I was quite fond of. Changes in my own personal life were abound 12 years ago and Red was an album whose singles haunted me. My husband even grew fond of the song “22” the following year because he was turning 22. (Ok, I actually just annoyed him constantly by singing it to him.) It wasn’t until Red’s return in 2021 with the re-release of “Taylor’s Version” of the album that I really appreciated these songs. It was nice to hear these new versions of them and I couldn’t deny that they were better the second time around.



Red Era


In my opinion, Red is the “poppiest” of all the T Swift albums. These tunes are catchy. They get inside your head and the peppy sounds follow you as you wander through every department store. There is a spirit of youth threaded through this album, all the regrets, all the wonder, and the feeling of embarking on a new phase of life. “I Knew You Were Trouble” and “We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together” in the Eras Tour movie are break-up songs, but Swift makes them “cute”. The hard-edged lyrics are sung with a hint of sarcasm. I would even go as far to say that Swift poked a little fun at herself during these performances. Of course the highlight for me was the 10-minute “All Too Well” bit. I never get tired of that song and I can sing along to it and feel every lyric like it’s my first listen. I teared up again during this part because the passion in her performance can’t be denied. I was feeling it. The whole watch party was feeling it.


Folklore Era


I thought I was ready for this. We took an intermission during our watch party and the conversation surrounding the show so far remained positive. I talked up my love of Folklore before the movie started and how it’s the one that made me a “Swiftie.” I take this record personally. It got me through lockdown. I could write an entire essay about this album alone but I’ll save that for my journal. The details of what Folklore truly means to me will stay secrets I’ll keep close to my heart. The Long Pond Sessions recording is a treasure. (Seriously, listen to it.)


The “cottagecore” aesthetic graced the stage and Taylor Swift appeared atop a cabin on set and opened this segment with “The 1”. “None of you exist to me right now,” I told the room. “It’s just me and Tay-Tay right here.” “The Last Great American Dynasty” part had the best costumes and the story this album tells was told exquisitely. Taylor talked a bit during this era, explaining a little about how the album came to be and a few fun facts behind some of the songs. By the time “August” started I was an emotional wreck and I can’t go on enough about the bridge of “Illicit Affairs” being used as a perfect transition into “My Tears Ricochet.” Cue the fake falling snow effects and me reaching for a box of tissues. “Please play ‘Cardigan’!” I said to the screen and T Swift obliged.


1989 Era


1989 was a “crowd favorite” for the attendees of this watch party and we braced ourselves for “Style.” This is the dance album and everyone agreed. Half of the party was on their feet during “Shake It Off” and it was a big uplift from the emotions of the Folklore era. I have a sweet spot for “Wildest Dreams” and I loved the effects on the screens behind Taylor during this part. “Blank Space” and “Bad Blood” can’t be left out or outdone. “Bad Blood” was particularly sassy and I learned a bit of the lore behind the song from my friend sitting next to me. She’s going to see Taylor in November and after watching the movie, she’s even more excited than she already was.

Surprise Acoustic Set


Forgive me, I can’t recall if this is where we switched gears over to the surprise songs segment or not. It may have been earlier, but regardless, this part was awesome. I was informed that the songs played during this part of the tour change each show and if you stick around after the credits roll at the end of the movie, you’ll see even more performances. I’ll keep this a “surprise.” All I will say to those who criticize Taylor Swift for being “just a pop star”, (with all the negative connotations typically associated with that statement to imply that she ‘doesn’t even know how to play an instrument’, etc.) you will see her musical playing abilities showcased in an intimate way here.


Midnights Era


I don’t want to spoil too much, so I’ll just let you know that there are some VERY cool stage effects during this era. This set was dominated by midnight blue and sultry costumes. “Lavender Haze” started and the performance was so epic. Taylor was closing out this show with a bang and she made it known. “Anti-Hero”, “Bejeweled”, and “Mastermind” were visually dazzling. “Vigilante Sh*t” was the sexiest performance of the whole movie in my opinion. The dancing here was spot on and the use of chairs enhanced the whole thing. Taylor closed the concert with “Karma” and acknowledged everyone on stage. The final bow where everyone clasped hands before waving goodbye had the entire watch party applauding. “We made it! Three and a half hours!” We cheered. (This was before we discovered the post-credits performances.)



There you have it. If you’re a Taylor Swift fan you’ve already watched the movie (multiple times) and if you haven’t maybe you’ll want to give it a shot. I feel that even those forced to watch it will be in awe of the production as a whole. Put all the private jet discourse and who she’s dated/dating aside and try to see the movie for what it is, a very well-done and well-shot concert film that will be considered part of music history for ages to come. The evolution of Swift’s music has been extremely influential in the world of pop and again, whether you like it or you don’t, it’s true. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m going to give her entire discography another listen and quite enjoy doing so.


You can stream Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour on Disney+.



Jennifer Patino lives in Traverse City and loves music. Check out her blog at thistlethoughts.com


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