Band on the Run

Let me come right out and say it: I'm a life-long Detroiter and alway go out of my way to see any movie that has anything remotely tied to this fair city. So this one went right into my viewing queue. And it did not disappoint.

The film takes place in the late 90s, at the hight of the garage band era. Now you have to remember, Detroit is one great music town. Whether it's jazz, or good ol' rock and roll. The whole punk movement was started by our very own MC5! But I digress.

The main theme is about two rival groups, Hot Freaks and Bull Roar. The two bands have a heated rivalry as they both head down to South by Southwest to perform. It's a fun roadtrip/buddy flick with plenty of amusing encounters along the way. And the drummer's dad, who has his share of medical problems, is along for the ride.

I really enjoyed the film from beginning to end. I thought the acting and storyline were both great. I especially like the fact that the drummer was in advertising. I'm a former copywriter myself and could relate to his encounters at work. I would have loved to have told my employers to "Shove it!" like he did. But alas, I had to put bread on the table.

Anyway, if you looking for a fresh take on the road trip genre, be sure to check out this fine flick!

--MovieJunkieMark.

Dreams, escapism, and that ever-unattainable rock 'n roll lifestyle get tuned up with heart in the indie comedy Band on the Run.

Band on the Run is a wacky road trip comedy written by Jeff Hupp, who co-directed alongside Brian Cusac and Merritt Fritchie. The trio taps into that timeless tug-of-war between youthful ambition and familial responsibilities. The movie isn't trying to reinvent the rock-movie wheel, but like a cover song with a surprising twist, it hits familiar notes with genuine, sincere energy. The movie's open sense of joy is what makes it worth sticking around for the encore.

Band on the Run is both as charming as an episode of Buffy the Vampire Slayer and as frustrating as ESPN's Stanley Cup coverage. The film flirts with being a goofy, van-crammed farce but also leans into heartfelt father-son bonding. The balance is tricky and the "Power That Be" directing trio mostly navigate around the usual pratfalls and pitstops. But at times the inconsistency between heavy jokes and softer relations feels like a Mike + The Mechanics power ballad performed during an Opeth concert.

Speaking of music, there's surprisingly little actual performance. The battle of the bands occurs on the road - and, humorously enough, on 1990's-style message boards - not on the stage. And when the long-teased rivalry with Bull Roar goes all Oasis, it unexpectedly fizzles rather than ignites. Band on the Run opts for safe choices where riskier ones might have left a bigger impact. Safe isn't bad - this is still an enjoyable indie feature - but the film could have cranked the volume up a little higher.

Band on the Run may not go full devil-horns or light its guitar on fire, but it's still worthy of applause. The movie is fun, heartfelt, and will leave you smiling, lighter raised.