CBGB

PLOT:

CBGB follows the story of Hilly Kristal’s New York club from its conceit as a venue for Country, Bluegrass and Blues (CBGB) to what it ultimately became: the birthplace of underground rock ‘n roll and punk. When Kristal had difficulty booking country bands in his club on the Bowery he opened his doors to other kinds of rock music. Kristal had one demand of the acts he booked; they could only play original music. No top 40’s, no covers. It was the credo he lived by, support the artist at whatever the cost. Hilly Kristal ironically became known as the godfather of punk giving a chance to such bands as Blondie, Television, Ramones, Talking Heads, Dead Boys and The Police

REVIEW:

I bet you’re thinking to yourself, “What does CBGB stand for?” Well, the answer is County Blue Grass Blues. It just so happens that for about 30-40 years or so, there was a club in New York that specialized in just this sort of thing, but just because it happened doesn’t mean it makes for an interesting film, or does it?

What is this about?

Renewing the legend of one of New York’s most storied nightclubs, this raucous drama features the punk and rock legends who made CBGB famous. While the club’s owner had hoped to open CBGB as a country venue, it soon became something quite different

What did I like?

Music. For a film based about a club that served as a place for many groups to grow their name, debut, or just come and jam, music has to be a major part of this film. If you were thinking there isn’t any music in this film, then I hate to disappoint you. The Ramones, Blondie, Talking Heads, Iggy Pop, and even The Police, among others, are all populating the airwaves of this film, creating one of those soundtracks any music fan just has to have.

Cast.To say this is an impressive cast would be doing them a disservice. Names like Alan Rickman, Malin Akerman, Rupert Grint, Ashley Greene, and even a fairly small role for Johnny Galecki are sure to strike a chord with the fans. Rickman and Greene in particular shine above and beyond the material they are given and, in the scenes they have together, they have great chemistry.

Dream big. I keep hearing more and more about how the American dream is dead. Well, here we have a guy who was about go into his third bankruptcy, lived in a crappy apartment, and just had everything going the wrong way for him, and yet somehow he was able to pull out his dream of a club, and it turned out to be a humongous success (despite all the issues along the way).

What didn’t I like?

Back to the club. For about 30 minutes of this film, the focus is on Alan Rickman’s character trying to get the Dead Boys signed to a deal. Previous films with similar subject material have shown us that this can be done with an interesting spin, but apparently these filmmakers didn’t get the memo. First of all, this part of the story was just randomly introduced into the storyline and second, I found myself looking at my watch and patiently waiting for this phase to be over and get back to the club, which is what this film is actually about, in case they forgot.

Magazine. The film starts with these two guys in a room deciding they wanted to start a magazine. That is the last we hear about them until they randomly show up interviewing some chick for a reporter job. For me, having them in there doesn’t really make much sense, since they didn’t really have anything to do with the club, Hilly Kristal, or any of the bands. The only good thing may have been the comic book screens between scenes.

Runaway baby. Perhaps the filmmakers were trying to get across that Hilly Kristal was some sort of legend with the opening scene. Baby Hilly wakes up from his crib and just walks out the door and down the road a couple of miles. The next scene we see is grown Hilly being told he needs to stop trying to open a club. What these things have to do with each other, I have no idea, it is about as confusing as it sounds to have a random baby scene like that.

To say I was looking forward to CBGB would be a bit of a lie, but I am always up for hearing about parts of music history. Granted, parts of this film changed what actually happened, but there is still that part of it that is close to what went on back in those days. Sadly, this is not a film I can recommend. I almost want to say check it out for the music, but you can just as easily download the soundtrack and avoid it. Rickman and a few of the other cast members are trying their hardest, but in the end, this is just an incoherent mess that is an insult to the legacy of the real CBGB. Please avoid this film. It is for your own good!

2 1/2 out of 5 stars