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24 Hour Party People

Review by James Anthony

Click here for DVD details at a glance

24 Hour Party People is a warts-and-all humourous look at the birth of punk rock in 1970s Britain and the collection of individuals who took New Wave music to the heights.

It isn't a mockumentary - there seems to be genuine affection for the real-life characters - but is very similar in style to that genre and focuses on the self-absorbed Tony Wilson (Steve Coogan), a real-life TV reporter who kick starts the musical revolution.

A visionary, he decides to sign bands to his new record label, Factory Records, and not be encumbered by such little things as contracts.

24 Hour Party People

For some reason, possibly his excellent knowledge of the music scene in Manchester, Wilson's gamble pays off and the New Wave takes off big time.

As is the case in many high-minded ventures things do turn to crap and the movie follows his meteoric rise and subsequent fall from the stars.

Coogan is once again terrific in his role as Wilson and he plays the whole thing deadpan. At times, his character earns all your best wishes and then at others you find his massive ego utterly annoying.

The main footage of the movie is nicely rendered and makes for a contrast with the real film of such momentous moments in rock history as the first performance of the infamous Sex Pistols.

Sound-wise, the 5.1 is very good, although front-heavy. It has to be said that use of the rear speakers is sparing, but intelligently used.

Throughout the movie explanatory notes appear on the screen pointing out various people associated with the real characters.

24 Hour Party People is not must-see stuff, but if you were pogo-ing in the Punk or New Wave days then, like this chap, you may want to relive a colourful and chaotic period.

Conclusion: Movie 80% Extras 85%

Continued: DVD details at a glance >

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