The now iconic Woodstock Concert almost failed to deliver the “three days of peace and music” that they had promised the public. Permit problems, bad press, red tape and lack of support from the Upstate New York community had brought the plans to a screeching halt. Enter Elliot Tiber (Demetri Martin), Teitchberg in the film, whose parents (Imelda Staunton and Henry Goldman) ran a rundown motel in the Catskills glamorously dubbed the El Monaco.

Taking Woodstock is the story of how young Elliot pulled strings, favors and generally schmoozed his little town of White Lake, New York, and his parents, into hosting what evolved into the biggest entertainment “happening” the county had ever witnessed. In doing so, Elliot changed the course of his own life as well as influencing the youth of a nation.

Had not the music festival been used as a backdrop, the film might simply have been titled “Taking Stock.” Very few stage shots or musical interludes were used in the making of this film. The story centers on Elliot, his personal dilemmas, and finally, his epiphany that sets his new life in motion allowing him to follow his dreams without regret. The fact that his life-changing events run parallel to the concert, make the film a joy to behold.

Bursting with talent, this offering from director Ang Lee is sure to please both Boomers and anyone seeking a peek at the event that defined a generation. You will enjoy performances by Dan Fogler (the leader of an avant-guard theater company), Emile Hirsch (a battle-weary Viet Nam vet) and Liev Schreiber (a cross-dressing ex-Marine). They all manage to “get by with a little help from their friends.”

Pull out an old tie-dyed shirt, some love beads and huarache sandals, practice your peace signage and join your brothers and sisters in a two-hour “trip” back to 1969, Man.