Rating: Summary: 80's Hardcore Revisited Review: This movie does an outstanding job of capturing the essence of the hardcore music scene of the early eighties. Through flashbacks we follow two hardcore punks as they try to rebel against the Reagan era establishment via their clothes and mohawk haircuts. What makes this film even more interesting is that the story takes place in conservative Salt Lake City, Utah. Being a hardcore punk in that city is certainly not easy. Eventually, the main character finally realizes that it's much easier to change "the system" from the inside rather than from the outside. If are in your thirties today and were a "punk rocker" during the 1980's, this movie will definately bring back some memories. It did for me.
Rating: Summary: Hmm...Interesting Review: The film gets 5 stars from me, but Merindino's commentary drops it to about two. From what I understand, this was a semi-autobiographical work from the director. If he did in fact share Stevo's one-time punk sensibilities, the pretensions of the commentary illustrate how drastically they have been discarded. Coming from Salt Lake, I have to say that this movie hits so many nails on the head. Watch this movie to gain an understanding of credibility and lack thereof. Watch it to pick out someone you know (I almost wonder if I haven't run into some of these people...everyone except the German guy anyway). Watch it to find out who you really are. Plus Matthew Lillard does a great job. This is the best movie I've seen him in. And if you ever read this, Mr. Lillard, I think the vein in your forehead looks really cool.
Rating: Summary: The truth can be hard to swallow... Review: The people who gave this movie bad reviews, either can not take a realistic look at themselves (the "punker than thou" attitude, if you stick to the true meaning of the punk doctrine, than simply identifying yourslf as punk is a hypocrisy in itself), or simply missed that it was just from one guys point of view. This movie could apply to any similar clique (not just punk). And I simply see it as statment of the inevitable reality, that most people come to when they decide to "Grow Up". The movie contains two "statements" that are "absoloute truths": the dialog from his future wife at the party, and his concluding words.
Rating: Summary: Probably not what you're expecting Review: Okay, put the punk thing aside for a minute. I was 9 in 1985, when this movie is supposed to have happened. For me at that time, "Punk" just meant that you had a weird haircut and strange clothes. Certainly I now have a better understanding of what that was all about -- but really, that has very little to do with this film. SLC Punk is less about blue mohawks, safety pins and shock value than you might think. This movie makes social and political statements that transcend "Punk." I was honestly moved by this film -- even though I was born about a decade later than the generation depicted in it. Having had a mohawk is not a pre-requisite to seeing this movie. I recommend it without reservation to anyone who wont get hung up on the fact that Stevo and Heroin Bob don't look like everyone else. In fact, I would say that those who would get hung up on the way the characters look should watch this. It might just open their minds.
Rating: Summary: KICK ASS MOVIE! Review: THIS MOVIE TELLS YOU THE WAY LIFE IS.BUY THIS MOVIE.
Rating: Summary: Punk Bunk Review: This is a high-energy youth angst movie, set in 1980s Salt Lake City. Matthew Lillard is Stevo, protagonist punk and narrator. The movie basically tracks his post-college life in SLC as he tries to define just who the hell he is, along with his long-time buddy, Heroin Bob. Without wanting to spoil much of this movie, because it really is a lot of fun, I have to say that I think that Stevo's father IS the screenwriter, and he's confronting his younger self in this movie, and reconciling his lifestyle choices. There are patchwork references to anarchism and punk throughout this movie, but for anybody who knows about either of these areas, it's clear that the writer doesn't get it. How do I put this: it's a punk movie for poseurs, or for people who don't know jack about punk. How do I know this? Well, it's clear that Stevo is a shirtsleeve rebel from the start; only people who put a lot of faith in appearances and lifestyles could possibly believe he's anything but that. All the punk stereotypes appear in this movie - dyed hair, mohawks, leather jackets, and so forth. But anybody who really gets punk should know that there isn't a look to it, not if you're for real - nobody should look like a punk, or look like an anarchist; punk was about anti-fashion, about genuine nonconformity, about being yourself; anarchism is about self-expression and liberation. This is only practiced by two of the characters, and pointed out by another. The rest are charlatans, and they don't even know it. Because I knew Stevo was full of it from the beginning, his journey's end came as no surprise to me, his "revelation" wasn't revelatory. Still, it's an enjoyable journey, anyway. The soundtrack of this movie is excellent.
Rating: Summary: the Dead Culture Review: SLC Punk. I read a few reviews that said that the movie didnt have a plot. IT DOES! Its about teenage angst, rebellion, and reality. Throughout the movie we see Stevo's character evolve from a hardcore punk, to an "open minded" yuppi. I guess people say it doesnt have a plot line because they dont understand what the Dead Culture is all about, they think punk is Blink 182 singing all about fart jokes. Punk in essence is a political statement to all the oldschool fascist closed minded people in power. And thats what this movie portrays. Not only that the soundtrack is supeb it contains songs from when punk still had integrity (featuring the Dead Kennedys). Is it worth your money? Hell YEAH! Get it, get the soundtrack. But dont try to analyze it, just absorb the sincerity and realism of failed youths in a very concervative Salt Lake City.
Rating: Summary: SLC Punk! Review: SLC Punk is a great movie. I really felt like this movie knew what it's resone was. Most movies are only in it for the $. If you are a punker, see this movie. If you arent punk, maybe this movie will help every one see why we do the things we do.
Rating: Summary: Best Yet Review: These days Hollywood and Indie film makers don't touch on this subject much. Anarchy and Punk Rock are not big business, put them into a Salt Lake City setting and you're asking for trouble. I was prepared to sit through this flick if it killed me. I was not only pleased but inspired as well. I wanted everyone I knew to watch this movie. The music was fitting, the Punk representation was on, and the Sean and Heroin Bob characters made the flim. Matt Lillard even gives a good performance (not quite as good as in Hackers but, better than Scream). Get it, rent it- whatever. Just as long as you see it.
Rating: Summary: A true work of art Review: Some say SLC Punk has no plot. Perhaps that's true. It is, however, one of the few movies ever where that just doesn't MATTER. SLC Punk is definatly one of the best movies I have ever seen, and one of the most moving. I was a punk at one point, but I came to a realization much like Stevo's- we can't help it... no matter how hard we try, we're all poseurs at heart. Anyone who doesn't quite fit in (admit it, that's everyone) can really appreciate the soul of this movie. Lillard's performance is stunning, incredible. To be commended. A movie for everyone who has ever been ridiculed.
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