Good Music Themed Films
1. Twenty Four Party People
Still not convinced about Steve Coogan playing Factory Records Label owner Tony Wilson, but as he says in the film 'its not about me, its about Manchester and the music'. Besides Michael Winterbottom is directing and he knows how to tell a story.
The locations are extremely convincing with the late 70s/early 80s North-West looking as grim as ever. The events are just as unsavoury, particulary Ian Curtis having a backstage fit while bassist Peter Hook rummages through his pockets for a fag. The actor, much to my suprise, plays Curtis to perfection, mimicking the singer's legendary wide eyed, convulsed stage dancing that raises the hairs on the back of your head. Off stage he's just one of the lads.
There's a lot of frank Northern wit that drives the film at a good pace through the years and two funerals. Incidentally, it appears as if nearly every British TV comedy performer has signed up for this from Peter Kaye to Dave Gorman.
Even though I don't rate the Happy Mondays much the japes continue as Factory struggles to support the band's recording vacation to the Bahamas and the loss making Hacienda. The film even informs us the historical context, with economic instability and drug gang warfare weilding influence.
However whether certain events in the film actually took place is debatable, most of the people portrayed in the film were on drugs or at least drunk half the time. But at least their presence lends creedence. It's good film that could have been really bad, and it's got Sex, Drugs and Rock'n'Roll in it. Michael Winterbottom does it again.
Go see.
2. High Fidelity
A great adaptation of the book even if they did Americanise it (They pronounce Beta Band,
Bay-ta Band) Everyone involved seems to know and care about the subject matter. John Cusack is likeable as ever. Jack Black and the other Moby look-a-like record shop worker steal nearly every scene. The music is good. Especially because of the scene where Moby explains the value of owning
Inflammable Material by Stiff Little Fingers It's got Tim Robbins playing some kind of New Age yuppie love rival called Ian, amusing in itself.
Second film in a row which has great locations. They filmed some of it in the West Side of Chicago, where I once visited, and it definitely does the film justice for bohemian, low-rent artiness. Details are good too with casual placement of stickers and posters from bands including Pavement and plucked from obscurity
US Maple!
The only flaw is Catherine Zeta-Jones as Cusack's old flame wearing that irritating smug, aren't-I-great expression throughout each scene. She
doesn't need to act.
3. Spinal Tap
err, this list
doesn't go up to 11
4. Fear of a Black Hat
Wasn't as funny the second time I saw it but if you're feeling particulary immature then this is a good satire. Its basically a Hip Hop Spinal Tap, with caricatures aplenty although the acting is not as good. We follow ghetto outfit Niggaz With Hatz through tours, recording, downtime and video
shoots. There are great moments as rap star gets pulled over by the fuzz for having a flash car then ex-member goes all PM Dawn hippy robes solo.
Its silly fun but if you like unsubtle spoofs know a bit about Hip Hop and its cliches then this will tickle you, can't remember if its better than the very similar
CB4 though.
5. Wayne's World
Before Michael Myers got shit (that Cat in the Hat film looked rubbish) he did this and made us all laugh with its savy look at the distinctly unsavy world of hair rock. Complete with riffing soundtrack and star turns (Al Bundy from Married With Children!) this film worms its way into even the most cynical heart. The sequel was good too (Ralph out of Withnail and I!)
6. School of Rock
Jack Black takes his character from
High Fidelity and goes to town, or should I say school. Struggling musician blags his way into a teaching job and promptly sets about teaching his class to win an upcoming battle of the bands. Its very unbelievable but Mr. Black's unabashed ethusiasm wins you over just as it does in the movie. The children are entertaining as they're not stereotypically cutesy and are endearingly bemused as their 'teacher' plays the fool. Joan Cusack gives a good performance as the oblivious, gawky headmistress with a Stevie Nicks fixation.
For fans of the feelgood power of
Rock!
