73 reviews
I don't know if this is a good way to start a movie review, but after seeing this movie all I could think to do was message an old punk buddy of mine and warn him that the next time I saw him 'I was going to hug him and never let go.'
I have so much praise for this movie I don't even know where to begin (I would have expressed this praise to the filmmakers during their Tallgrass Film Festival Q&A, but when I was given the mic to comment, I just couldn't make ...words.) Y'see, it's a ton of bricks this movie... Not just in sad ways either, mind you, but across the board. The authenticity is overwhelming: The accuracy of the hangouts, the music blaring, the art that was happening, the bond between outcasts-if you've been there then you know the good times that are had with people who have nothing but would give you the shirt off their back if you needed it. But sadly, a part of that authenticity....the world is usually at war with us outcasts, and this movie shows that reality. Hard. Like all those bricks I mentioned earlier.
I'll quit waxing poetic and get to some movie stuff over here- The 3rd act of this film includes a scene that is still managing to shake my punk self and the film snob he grew up to be- to avoid violating the 'spoiler' criteria of this page, I will refer to this scene as the 'Truck Ride'. It may be the most haunting and true depiction of that journey I've ever seen committed to film. It's a perfectly filmed moment and- I pray I'm not out of line by saying-inspiring. Absolutely, we know the tragedy and bedlam that is looming when you take such a ride (and in no way am I trying to make light of the things that follow) but the filmmakers show that along with the fear and bloodcurdling uncertainty of that ride, there is a nobility. A quiet moment shared between the warriors who have no choice but to be on the way to somewhere they shouldn't be going. I'm not kidding, it's that powerful.
Oh yeah, movie review... (This movie made me get lost in thought again dammit!) Wonderful job done by all-Acting, Production, Cinematography, Direction. Sound. Everything is Outstanding. I will be owning this movie soon, and I WILL be owning it on DVD-it belongs on the bookshelf next to my copies of 'Another State of Mind', 'Decline of Western Civilization pt 1' and appropriately enough, 'The Outsiders'.
In the meantime I'll be raising a glass to fallen punks and fellow outcasts while I play my favorite Subhumans record-This one's for you Brian, I hope punk valhalla is treating you well my Brother.
I have so much praise for this movie I don't even know where to begin (I would have expressed this praise to the filmmakers during their Tallgrass Film Festival Q&A, but when I was given the mic to comment, I just couldn't make ...words.) Y'see, it's a ton of bricks this movie... Not just in sad ways either, mind you, but across the board. The authenticity is overwhelming: The accuracy of the hangouts, the music blaring, the art that was happening, the bond between outcasts-if you've been there then you know the good times that are had with people who have nothing but would give you the shirt off their back if you needed it. But sadly, a part of that authenticity....the world is usually at war with us outcasts, and this movie shows that reality. Hard. Like all those bricks I mentioned earlier.
I'll quit waxing poetic and get to some movie stuff over here- The 3rd act of this film includes a scene that is still managing to shake my punk self and the film snob he grew up to be- to avoid violating the 'spoiler' criteria of this page, I will refer to this scene as the 'Truck Ride'. It may be the most haunting and true depiction of that journey I've ever seen committed to film. It's a perfectly filmed moment and- I pray I'm not out of line by saying-inspiring. Absolutely, we know the tragedy and bedlam that is looming when you take such a ride (and in no way am I trying to make light of the things that follow) but the filmmakers show that along with the fear and bloodcurdling uncertainty of that ride, there is a nobility. A quiet moment shared between the warriors who have no choice but to be on the way to somewhere they shouldn't be going. I'm not kidding, it's that powerful.
Oh yeah, movie review... (This movie made me get lost in thought again dammit!) Wonderful job done by all-Acting, Production, Cinematography, Direction. Sound. Everything is Outstanding. I will be owning this movie soon, and I WILL be owning it on DVD-it belongs on the bookshelf next to my copies of 'Another State of Mind', 'Decline of Western Civilization pt 1' and appropriately enough, 'The Outsiders'.
In the meantime I'll be raising a glass to fallen punks and fellow outcasts while I play my favorite Subhumans record-This one's for you Brian, I hope punk valhalla is treating you well my Brother.
- randallaviks
- Nov 5, 2017
- Permalink
Let me start by praising the outstanding cinematography in this film. The acting, especially by the leads, were all on point, particularly the punks.
Novice director, writer and editor Jameson Brooks (this was his first major film aside a handful of short films) did an impressive job for a novice director, but his writing was way too lose, and his editing was terrible.
Although only 95min length, it felt much longer with certain dragged out and slow-mo scenes that took away from the impact of those scenes. The pace needed to be faster, edited (cut) unnecessary prolonged scenes, and rid of some of the slow-mo shots that dragged the film. For the large amount of producers involved with this film, someone should have spoke up to re-write the screenplay to make it tighter.
Additionally, leaving out the fact the jock didn't get away without jail time (albeit for parole violations), detracts from the satisfaction (for karma) of some form of justice. This should have been displayed in the closing credits along with all the other factual notes: In June 2001 Camp was apprehended for underage drinking and was arrested for being a minor in the possession of alcohol. Michael Camp, father of Dustin, attempted to cover for his son's probation violations. Michael Camp was formally charged with making false statements to the police. He was sentenced to 60 days deferred adjudication (a type of probation) and a $100 fine after a plea bargain. In September 2001, Dustin Camp received an eight-year prison sentence for violating his probation.
Nevertheless, an enjoyable film worth seeing. It's no big Hollywood blockbuster, but yet pulled off quite well with B-grade actors and a novice director/writer. A well deserved 8/10 from me.
Novice director, writer and editor Jameson Brooks (this was his first major film aside a handful of short films) did an impressive job for a novice director, but his writing was way too lose, and his editing was terrible.
Although only 95min length, it felt much longer with certain dragged out and slow-mo scenes that took away from the impact of those scenes. The pace needed to be faster, edited (cut) unnecessary prolonged scenes, and rid of some of the slow-mo shots that dragged the film. For the large amount of producers involved with this film, someone should have spoke up to re-write the screenplay to make it tighter.
Additionally, leaving out the fact the jock didn't get away without jail time (albeit for parole violations), detracts from the satisfaction (for karma) of some form of justice. This should have been displayed in the closing credits along with all the other factual notes: In June 2001 Camp was apprehended for underage drinking and was arrested for being a minor in the possession of alcohol. Michael Camp, father of Dustin, attempted to cover for his son's probation violations. Michael Camp was formally charged with making false statements to the police. He was sentenced to 60 days deferred adjudication (a type of probation) and a $100 fine after a plea bargain. In September 2001, Dustin Camp received an eight-year prison sentence for violating his probation.
Nevertheless, an enjoyable film worth seeing. It's no big Hollywood blockbuster, but yet pulled off quite well with B-grade actors and a novice director/writer. A well deserved 8/10 from me.
- Top_Dawg_Critic
- Feb 12, 2018
- Permalink
You always watch a movie differently when it's based on a true story. This one couldn't reflect my vision on society and his morals any better. There's always been a justice for the rich and a justice for the poor, a justice for the so-called 'normal' and a justice for the 'different'. Aspecially in America, where you have to live by the rules they want you to live. There goes there so-called freedom of speech, the land of opportunity. It's all a big farce, and I don't think it will ever change there. People are just brainwashed on how you have to live your life, and anything else is concidered wrong. The movie is well made, with some great music if you like punk music. The end is just sad, even though I never heared about this story, and that I was still hoping for a correct outcome, the reality is just unjust and unfair. My condolences and biggest respect to the family Deneke.
- deloudelouvain
- May 3, 2018
- Permalink
You care about the people he cared about. You see Amarillo through Brian's eyes for better or worse. This may have happened or is happening right now in your town. It's a new tale on an old story instead of the greasers and the socias it's the preps and the punks.
- wmoleskyjr
- Oct 7, 2018
- Permalink
I cried almost as hard as I did at the end of SLC Punk. I'm a Texan, born & raised, and the events depicted here sicken me & make me ashamed to be a resident in a state with such a condemnable justice system. The awful truth is that, in the south, justice is not served for people who are considered "alternative" or outside the norm. People may not consider it "discrimination" to single out those who prefer a certain genre of music, who wear black clothing, or who have piercings & tattoos. But those things neither necessitate a criminal lifestyle, nor can they be used to assume criminal intent. Yet we find the same thing tends to happen over & over when you mix youths of strong, unpopular beliefs or a "weird" disposition with the small-town mob-mentality. The West Arkamsas 3 were wrongly tried & convicted, and spent nearly 20 years in prison based on coerced confessions from a mentally handicapped youth, despite a complete lack of evidence &, in fact, despite alibis & evidence exonerating them. Even after their eventual release, they were made to plead guilty & give up their right to ever contest their wrongful conviction. Those who dole out justice are exempt, it seems, from facing it themselves. And for this reason, I find myself fearful of my state's system of justice as a unique individual, and tearful of the injustices & "singling out" that not only I have faced firsthand, but that everyone even remotely different like me has come to experience.
- amandagowin
- Apr 18, 2019
- Permalink
It's 1997 in Christian conservative Amarillo, Texas. Football is king. Brian Deneke is a young punk rocker struggling to make his punk club work. His circle of friends are often harassed by the police. Violence escalates between them and the local high school football players as the two sides meet in a deadly clash.
First, I love the twist in the trial. I almost gave up on that part of the movie until it delivers that big surprise. I would like to have Brian's name spoken out loud more. It's a normal movie proposition to accentuate the protagonist. It's also skewed too much on the punks' side of the story. It's expected but it would be more realistic to show some of their indiscretions. It's also missing a police raid on the club which should be expected in this type of movie. Overall, this is compelling true story and the surprise reveal really got me.
First, I love the twist in the trial. I almost gave up on that part of the movie until it delivers that big surprise. I would like to have Brian's name spoken out loud more. It's a normal movie proposition to accentuate the protagonist. It's also skewed too much on the punks' side of the story. It's expected but it would be more realistic to show some of their indiscretions. It's also missing a police raid on the club which should be expected in this type of movie. Overall, this is compelling true story and the surprise reveal really got me.
- SnoopyStyle
- Sep 14, 2018
- Permalink
Beautifully shot, wonderfully acted, a true love letter to the life of Brian Deneke. I've been aware of the story since 1999. As a young punk at the time, it hit close to home. I grew up in suburbia Ontario (Canada) but witnessed many similar realities. This film had my wife and I both in tears. Very heavy, realistic and an over all eye opener. A+ honored to have it in my collection. A true indie gem. Watch the film.
As someone who lived through the original punk era (late 1970's) as a teenager myself, I was looking forward to this reworking of punk as it appeared in the 1990's. I thought it may be reflective of this second wave of teenage nihilism and rebellion. Sadly, it wasn't.
I know the real story of what happened in Amarillo and the outcome for those involved (no spoilers from me). But, truth of the matter is, as the film progressed, it became more and more like this was just The Magnificent Seven with Mohican haircuts. Except, unlike that classic western/Japanese story, the characters herein are not developed in a way which makes the viewer care all that much about what happens to them.
For sure Dave Davis as Brian does an excellent job as the central protagonist but he's the only one with any chops in this movie. The remainder of the cast spend most of the film shouting loud obscenities, (badly) pretending to be drunk and swivel-eyed 'look at me, I'm so different' fakery. This was repeated over and over again in more or less each scene to the point where, as other reviewers here have commented, you could skip from minute 10 to minute 118 and not miss anything of any importance. It is very monochrome in that regard.
All that said, it's a 6 out of 10 film for me. This film would have worked much better had it been cut to an hour maximum. It needed to focus on Dave Davis' Brian more. It needed more of his family background, how and why he became a punk (when punk had been dead 20 years by this time anyway) and it needed to just tell the story without forcing sentimentality in our faces.
I know the real story of what happened in Amarillo and the outcome for those involved (no spoilers from me). But, truth of the matter is, as the film progressed, it became more and more like this was just The Magnificent Seven with Mohican haircuts. Except, unlike that classic western/Japanese story, the characters herein are not developed in a way which makes the viewer care all that much about what happens to them.
For sure Dave Davis as Brian does an excellent job as the central protagonist but he's the only one with any chops in this movie. The remainder of the cast spend most of the film shouting loud obscenities, (badly) pretending to be drunk and swivel-eyed 'look at me, I'm so different' fakery. This was repeated over and over again in more or less each scene to the point where, as other reviewers here have commented, you could skip from minute 10 to minute 118 and not miss anything of any importance. It is very monochrome in that regard.
All that said, it's a 6 out of 10 film for me. This film would have worked much better had it been cut to an hour maximum. It needed to focus on Dave Davis' Brian more. It needed more of his family background, how and why he became a punk (when punk had been dead 20 years by this time anyway) and it needed to just tell the story without forcing sentimentality in our faces.
I was living in Amarillo Texas when this happened, although I was only 8 I can still remember the news story's and the trial. I grew up to be a punk and have a similar life to the punks in this movie. I watched the credits in tears and thought of my youth. I knew the story and what was going to happen and I still became very emotional watching this. I personally know many people who were directly affected by Brian and his tale. The movie was brilliant, very well directed and was visually Amazing.
- alysa_gyllenband
- Feb 12, 2018
- Permalink
Disturbing true story played out in the grim way it unfolded.
Well put together but not a film to watch If looking for a pick me up
Well put together but not a film to watch If looking for a pick me up
- bryangary65
- Dec 7, 2018
- Permalink
Based on a true story and shot using excellent cinematography but super, super, super lacking on story or script.. probably both.
- TheOneThatYouWanted
- Jan 4, 2019
- Permalink
- ferguson-6
- Feb 6, 2018
- Permalink
This film comes together in the end, trouble is, nothing has happened for the previous 70 minutes. Lots of yelling obscenities and underwhelming scenes that do nothing to connect the viewer with any of the characters, which is a shame. If there had been more effort into establishing the character of at least one of the main players then this could have been a little masterpiece, as all the ingredients are there for it.
You could probably watch the first 10 minutes, skip an hour, and watch the remaining 20 and it'd be the same as watching the whole thing. That's where this film lets itself down and that hour of film literally could have told any story it wanted, rather than the hodgepodge of comparisons between the local punk kids and the local football team that leave the viewer wondering what there is to fuss over.
- bradleyferrier
- Feb 10, 2018
- Permalink
I cannot understand the high ratings. I get that it is low budget and the director's first film, but it is poor. Firstly, the acting is terrible.
Both the punks and the jocks come across as complete prats, so it is hard to root for either of them. The punks probably annoy more, because they are in the film more. I get the impression you are meant to root for the punks, but they come across as idiot trouble makers who bring it on themselves. Aside from this the film is incredibly slow and a large part in the middle seems to have no relevance to the story.
Both the punks and the jocks come across as complete prats, so it is hard to root for either of them. The punks probably annoy more, because they are in the film more. I get the impression you are meant to root for the punks, but they come across as idiot trouble makers who bring it on themselves. Aside from this the film is incredibly slow and a large part in the middle seems to have no relevance to the story.
Don't get me wrong, the story here is not quite as good overall as The Outsiders. Nor is it nearly as convincing in who is to blame. But of course The Outsiders is fiction, and this is based on real life. Who's to blame, and how much blame is actually deserved in reality, is so much harder to pinpoint than in most works of fiction.
While I think this film is reasonably good, and well worth a watch; I really don't think the film is nearly as effective as it thinks that it is. It also seems to show a little bias of it's own in fact. Watch it yourself and see what you think. The guy who ends up sentenced was actually given 10 years probation, a long time, and then when caught drinking which violated his probation, he wasn't treated so lightly. He actually ended up serving nearly 4 years in prison.
While sometimes I don't mind some of the points that Marilyn Manson has brought up from time to time about American culture, I really felt he didn't help this film much, if at all; As his narration at the beginning is somewhat interesting & thought provoking, but when he finishes what he has to say at the end, it really amounts to little more than stupidity. Manson also states that not one day was spent in jail by the young man portrayed here, but in fact, as I already stated due to his probation violation in connection to this event, he did eventually end up serving many, many days. But Manson rarely seems interested in truth, but rather his interests lie mostly in shocking people. To me, I understand an artists desire to stir things up, to try and provoke change. Manson however is not one to attack things in a fully authentic fashion, hence the lack of his effect on cultural change on any large scale.
Overall I think the film is a good cautionary tale. Even though it seems to think it is more than that. 7/10.
While I think this film is reasonably good, and well worth a watch; I really don't think the film is nearly as effective as it thinks that it is. It also seems to show a little bias of it's own in fact. Watch it yourself and see what you think. The guy who ends up sentenced was actually given 10 years probation, a long time, and then when caught drinking which violated his probation, he wasn't treated so lightly. He actually ended up serving nearly 4 years in prison.
While sometimes I don't mind some of the points that Marilyn Manson has brought up from time to time about American culture, I really felt he didn't help this film much, if at all; As his narration at the beginning is somewhat interesting & thought provoking, but when he finishes what he has to say at the end, it really amounts to little more than stupidity. Manson also states that not one day was spent in jail by the young man portrayed here, but in fact, as I already stated due to his probation violation in connection to this event, he did eventually end up serving many, many days. But Manson rarely seems interested in truth, but rather his interests lie mostly in shocking people. To me, I understand an artists desire to stir things up, to try and provoke change. Manson however is not one to attack things in a fully authentic fashion, hence the lack of his effect on cultural change on any large scale.
Overall I think the film is a good cautionary tale. Even though it seems to think it is more than that. 7/10.
- TheAnimalMother
- Nov 8, 2021
- Permalink
- PhilipGHarris
- Sep 17, 2018
- Permalink
- dinokiller-70950
- Jul 14, 2022
- Permalink
- cscottrunit
- Apr 26, 2023
- Permalink
I have seen my share of movies with a shocking twist or a devastating ending or just something absolutely great that you can't stop talking about. This isn't that movie......... well, not in the traditional sense. I want to tell everyone about it but it feels like I'm invading someone else's life so haunting that I can't and don't want to tell anyone about it. I want to TALK to someone about it that's seen it and has that feeling it leaves you with inside. It's like your one of them now. You feel every drop of humiliation, horror, injustice, rage, alone, with times of joy mixed with not just the confusion of growing up in a regular unpopular (or popular) stigma, you feel the confusion and self hate of not fitting in so you just find what little bit of joy you can whether it be the way you wear your hair, dress, talk, act out, act perfect, and so on.... THE DAMN CLICKS NEVER GO AWAY and parents do nothing but deny it's their children that's the problem! Wake up people! Someone's "ANGELS " are really well cloaked "DEMONS" and it's never the ones you thought! Well, most of the people that see the clicks on the surface. Anyway, off subject. It really brings up feelings that you can't understand until you open your mind and forget your walstreet biases and remember these kids hurt deep and bleed just like yours. I wasn't popular or an outcast. I was just there so I feel I really felt this story and I hope you watch it , give it a chance and feel it too. I feel guilty that this happened yet I wasn't part of the problem but I also haven't been part of the solution. I don't know what it is but watching this and actually UNDERSTANDING and feeling it is a step.
I love this movie! Thank you for it. I watched it months ago and I'm still thinking about it.
I love this movie! Thank you for it. I watched it months ago and I'm still thinking about it.
- Jen-longwell
- Nov 28, 2019
- Permalink
Perfectly written, acted, portrayed...all the sites, it all brings back a lot of memories. Absolutely wonderful movie, and it will stay in my collection from here on out.
- nogodnomasters
- Aug 7, 2018
- Permalink
Great Movie,i love the story,i love the cinematography, and More important i like the moral value that i can get from this movie.
Maybe someone have a bad Cover ex: Punk(by a lot people say), but in his conscience he has a good side, he real he doesn't have two personality he really good. Different with "People Tie" by the covers he smart, he good, he friendly, but by the inside he have a evil, he have a knife that will kill you, he has a position that will knock you down
i'm sorry if my english language so bad.. I'm just trying to review this film and saying my opinion
i'm sorry if my english language so bad.. I'm just trying to review this film and saying my opinion
- farrazmaulana
- Feb 22, 2018
- Permalink
THIS IS THE STORY OF THE AMERICAN DREAM AND THE AMERICAN JUSTICE:
THERE WAS THIS TEENAGE PUNK ROCKER KID WHO WAS RUN DOWN BY A WHITE JOCK IN HIS DAD'S CADILLAC
THIS BOY DIED BECAUSE HE LOOKED DIFFERENT
THIS GUY KILLS THIS KID AND IS CLEARLY GUILTY, HIS GUILT IS ADMITTED AND GUESS WHERE THIS ALL-AMERICAN ATHLETE IS: HE'S IN COLLEGE
THE JURY FELT THE PUNK ROCKER DESERVED TO DIE BECAUSE HE LOOKED THE WAY HE DID
BUT THEN, IN THE TRIAL, HE WAS KILLED AGAIN BECAUSE THEY CRITICIZED HIS LIFESTYLE : BECAUSE HE DIDN'T, YOU KNOW, WEAR A TOMMY HILFIGER SHIRT AND KHAKI PANTS
AND THEN THE KILLER WAS EVEN APPLAUDED AT GRADUATION BECAUSE HE WAS A FOOTBALL STAR, THE AMERICAN DREAM, STRONG, NORMAL
HE NEVER A SPENT A DAY IN PRISON
THIS BOY DIED BECAUSE HE LOOKED DIFFERENT
THIS GUY KILLS THIS KID AND IS CLEARLY GUILTY, HIS GUILT IS ADMITTED AND GUESS WHERE THIS ALL-AMERICAN ATHLETE IS: HE'S IN COLLEGE
THE JURY FELT THE PUNK ROCKER DESERVED TO DIE BECAUSE HE LOOKED THE WAY HE DID
BUT THEN, IN THE TRIAL, HE WAS KILLED AGAIN BECAUSE THEY CRITICIZED HIS LIFESTYLE : BECAUSE HE DIDN'T, YOU KNOW, WEAR A TOMMY HILFIGER SHIRT AND KHAKI PANTS
AND THEN THE KILLER WAS EVEN APPLAUDED AT GRADUATION BECAUSE HE WAS A FOOTBALL STAR, THE AMERICAN DREAM, STRONG, NORMAL
HE NEVER A SPENT A DAY IN PRISON
- ibnelnafees
- Apr 13, 2018
- Permalink
This movie feels longer than it's actual running time (95 minutes), could've cut some scenes or just avoided the unnecesary slow motion efects. Besides of that i couldn't cope with any of the characters, none of them are likebable (I know it's based on a true story) nor portrayed good, the bad acting didn't help either.
The film captures all the classic indie genre clichés, doesn't add depth to the main character (wich is the centre of this story) and has no clear message or reflection in the end.
Even for a novice director the writing has to be better, it was way too predictive as the film itself. The editing was terrible, I get the film doesn't follow a conventional structure but at times feels rush and annoying when you're watching some actual plot and then switching to random stuff.
2/10.
The film captures all the classic indie genre clichés, doesn't add depth to the main character (wich is the centre of this story) and has no clear message or reflection in the end.
Even for a novice director the writing has to be better, it was way too predictive as the film itself. The editing was terrible, I get the film doesn't follow a conventional structure but at times feels rush and annoying when you're watching some actual plot and then switching to random stuff.
2/10.
Bomb City is not a perfect film but it is a solid one nevertheless. It takes a while for the viewer to get sinked into the story but when it does it will surely stay in your mind for a while.
One of the strongest points of the film is its portrayal of the differences between two completely different groups of people. They might be a bit stereotypical at times but are certainly not far from reality. The system or the machinery that runs our society does not support people who are different, defy and question authority and who are not afraid to stand by their principles, we all know that, it has been proven hundreds of times. If some injustice happens to these people, justice and the system are not always to be counted on. It is very sad and upsetting.
As far as the performances and direction are concerned, it is all solid. The opening and closing narration by Marilyn Manson is worth listening to as well as he makes some great observations. As mentioned before, it is not perfect but definitely worth seeing.
One of the strongest points of the film is its portrayal of the differences between two completely different groups of people. They might be a bit stereotypical at times but are certainly not far from reality. The system or the machinery that runs our society does not support people who are different, defy and question authority and who are not afraid to stand by their principles, we all know that, it has been proven hundreds of times. If some injustice happens to these people, justice and the system are not always to be counted on. It is very sad and upsetting.
As far as the performances and direction are concerned, it is all solid. The opening and closing narration by Marilyn Manson is worth listening to as well as he makes some great observations. As mentioned before, it is not perfect but definitely worth seeing.