24 Hour Party People

Rating:
Summary: the 80s in a box; unexploited
Review: When one thinks of or hears of the 80s, one is confronted with ghastly images of tacky idiocy, slithering girls with garish side ponytails, and the origination of the dreadful manufactured boy band. Much of this did occur, obviously, but what is left behind when referencing the period is the immediate effects left from punk, and the unspecific shift from the artist to the dj.

24 Hour Party People merges equal parts documentary with drama, creating a refreshing and innovative approach to material very often ignored. Beginning with deconstructed opening titles, the film spends time examining the experience of punk, its after affects, and the gradual introduction of the rave culture. Steve Coogan delivers a truly great performance as the real Tony Wilson, charmingly arrogant tv-presenter, manager, and Cambridge graduate. Wilson, admitting his role miniscule in comparison to the significance of bands like Joy Division, or a `minor character in my own life story', is presented as a character cognizant of a documentary occurring around him, frequently speaking to the audience, pausing to expose the future outcome of events depicted onscreen, and making sure it is realized that it is a dramatic rather than true documentary. The actual Wilson appears in the film momentarily, covered with a narration by Coogan that specifies the intentionally heightened nature of the film; "But I agree with John Ford; "when you have to choose between the truth and the legend, print the legend."

Kinetically shot by Robert Muller, the film has a certain appealing mood to it, and the remarkable thing about his work on the film is the employment of and attempted recreation of stock footage. Stock footage is used in the film, but is often surrounded by what appears to be stock footage, actually grainy film shot through lenses with intentional imperfections. Acting here is completely exceptional on all fronts, almost creepily so, and is a testament to the efficiency and greatness of Michael Winterbottom, who handles the film in the most refreshing way possible.

A journey into independent pop culture and the Manchester music scene, this film is so captivating flaws are excused. It remains interesting, hilarious, and well-executed even as the narrative momentum begins to dwindle in the third act, and a certain lethargic quality becomes present as characters and the world around them begins to burn out. This is thankfully saved as the character envisions God as himself, and the charm of the film is restored before the great credits roll, giving the audience the incentive needed to leave the theatre with a smile.

Rating:
Summary: Good, But Not Great
Review: I was actually pretty disappointed in this movie. I expected it to be more vibrant and exciting, but it just wasn't. The music is great, obviously, but it just isn't enough to make this movie excellant. It could have been lots better.

Steve Coogan is better than the movie. His character(Tony Wilson) isn't all that interesting or likable, but Coogan does what he can with the role. The other actors are reasonably good too, so the movie isn't unbearable.

There are brief flashes of genius in this movie and they should not be forgotten. This movie is very different and may appeal some viewers more than others. Those with an open and receptive mind will probably like at least some parts of this movie, however, people who are used to more Amercanised movie-making may not get this movie at all and hate it.

Rating:
Summary: Mancusian madness
Review: The film chronicles the rise and fall of Factory Records, an influential record label in the 80s, through the eyes of its prime mover, Tony Wilson. A legendary imprint among new wave fans across the world, Factory Records brought us icons such as Joy Division and subsequently, New Order, and the Happy Mondays.

The narrative style and kinetic, handheld camerawork captures the anarchic vibe of the era, and director Michael Winterbottom uses a novel device of having Steve Coogan as Tony Wilson address the audience while being part of the story. Coogan delivers a deadpan, very natural performance, you wouldn't think he is acting. Andy Serkis was memorable as Martin Hartnett and the actors that played Ian Curtis and Bernard Sumner are exact replicas of the musicians their playing. I had shivers when I saw Sean Harris (?) as Ian Curtis doing the epileptic like dance Curtis was known for. I thought I was watching the late Joy Division singer live. Truly marvelous. And if you're familiar with the figures of that era, you can spot them playing other roles in the film (The real Tony Wilson is there as a TV director).

The DVD Extras are also great. The Manchester The Movie feature shows how a decaying industrial city contribute to a vibrant musical culture. About Tony Wilson Feature contributes more insights and things you might miss in the admittedly heady and trippy narrative. Of course, there's also the requisite deleted scenes and commentaries.

The only beef I have against 24 Hour Party People is it is quite inaccessible if you were not into new wave back in the 80s. There are a lot of events that are glossed over and if you're not aware of the timeline, it will just pass you by. Still, 24 Hour Party People is an important work for those who love music, past and present.

Rating:
Summary: Setting things straight
Review: This is a great film. Very tounge in cheek with a great performance by Steve Coogan. It's not so much the story of Factory records as a ramble through the strange characters that made-up the Manchester music scene of the time. From reading the other reviewers it seems clear that this is a British film written for British audiences. It's not a fans film about the bands or the misuc, but an ironic view on how the music emerged form such a shambles. Very funny.

Rating:
Summary: Like Spinal Tap but more realism and a true story to boot...
Review: If you have anything in common with the Sex Pistils and early punk, the comedian Steve Coogan, Monty Python, Joy Division, Happy Mondays or how Digital Video can suit a subject matter on film, then 24 hour party people will be a welcome rainy night nostalgic pleasure with more than enough giggles and *smut-lite* to keep you ticking over for most of its long 119 minutes. Told documentary style we follow the times and trials of Granada Television reporter/host turned night-time new-wave gig and record producer, Tony Wilson, when Manchester was at its peak in rock. Although very specialized in its subject matter, making it certainly hard to watch by many, it is a sort hybrid cross between Spinal Tap, Monty Python's Holy Grail and Steve Coogan's brand of television humour. It is not Trainspotting by a long shot, and although it does drag on at times without any clear focus, it is still a very interesting film to watch with many memorable moments. Anyway basically how much you like this film depends on how much you have in common with the above. If none of that interests you then you will probably find it a drag.

I would hold off on getting this one if you have not seen Spinal Tap. Spinal Tap is much better, but if you like Tap then you will probably like this one also.

Basically Tap fans should look no further than this offering if they are looking for a quick fix of something along the same vein. Yeah the humour is sort of like that BRITISH STYLEE!!!

And of course it has an A+ soundtrack for a 4 star movie.