“CBGBs: The Movie” is finally here and I”ve seen it so…
Okay, firstly.. It’s not nearly as bad as I expected. In fact it’s moderately enjoyable for a while. They decided to go for a lighter than cotton candy cartoon portrayal of Hilly Krystal et al, as well as the somewhat historical events surrounding the establishing of the premier underground rock club of all time.
The movie makers literally use visual framing devices straight out of a magazine. (“Punk” magazine to be specific). Treating everyone and everything in a farcical style works for a while, but by the third act it’s worn out it’s welcome, and falls flat.
The problem is, there were some real heartaches and bad things that happened, and the director didn’t find a way to include them in this confection of a movie convincingly. Alan Rickman does a funny oddball take on the real life late Hilly Krystal in his portrayal. It’s entertaining for a while, like the movie. I know Hilly was an odd guy, I met him a couple of times. While I doubt that he was as cute as Rickman portrays him, I’ll leave that judgement to those who really knew him. I have a few close friends who did know him well for years, and I’m curious to hear their reactions.
The music is good, and the bands are assembled about as well as they ever are in movies. This is really Hilly’s story though, and although Rickman is interesting to watch I ultimately was distracted by the end.
Thumbs?? I’d say, rent it if you are a veteran of the scene and want a lighthearted diversion.