Bandwagon

it was a great movie, the character we're like people we all know, the story line was interesting, the conflict was realistic. it's the kind of movie i'd like to write myself

Bandwagon is a movie that every young man who is a fan of Rock'n'Roll must watch. This is a great feel good film that will make anyone who watches it start a garage band. The music is superb and it is a testament to how bad radio is right now that some of the circus monkey songs received no airplay. Although this movie has several dubing mistakes and a few instances of poor acting, in the end you turn of the T.V. with a smile on your face.

I thought this movie was done pretty well. I saw the box in the video store, & noticed that it claimed it had original music written on the soundtrack written just for the film. I read the back of the box, & took it home. After seeing it once, I had to buy the soundtrack because "It couldn't be Ann" stuck in my head. I thought the movie was good, because it showed how four people who had nothing in common, came together through playing their own music. It felt real to watch, having been through it myself on a smaller level.

Watching these guys go from their drummer's garage to actually touring together, was fun. It also helped me to realize that if the guys I play with off & on went on the road in a van that size, we'd probably end up at each other's throats too. But, like Circus Monkey, no matter what would happen, it'd be worth it just to do it, period.

There were some inconsistencies. The bass player's amp/cabinet alone required two people to carry it (as seen when they steal it back from that dealer). So you're going to tell me that all of their instruments, amps, mikes, mike stands, & an entire PA to tour with fit in the very back of that van? Yeah, right. I can't fit my whole drum kit in my car! And where did they get the money for the van & PA to tour with? Oh well, why gripe, it's just a movie.

I honestly thought this was a pretty accurate portrayal of a band starting out realistically. They didn't just suddenly start playing arenas, & become a huge success. In fact, I really liked how they didn't end up selling out to Rival Records. It felt honest & real. Not everyone wants to be the next Spittle.

If you play, or have played in a garage band that's tried to play your own material, check this film out. And also buy the soundtrack, if only for the four original Circus Monkey tunes. They made me wish that there was an entire album of their music to buy. The liner notes are interesting too. The same group of guys that recorded the Circus Monkey tunes, also recorded the Spittle songs. What irony...

All in all, a pretty light & enjoyable film worth seeing if you've ever wanted to get out of the garage & get on stage.

When a bunch of guys hit the skids they decide to form a band. Led by Tony Ridge the neurotic song writer who can't handle playing infront of people they face an uphill battle. Starring a bunch of basically unheard of actors (with the possible exception of Kevin Corrigan) they deliver what arthouse and independant films are all about. But ultimately as the film says "It's all about the music" with an absolute killer soundtrack and great laughs all the way through this movie has got to be one of the best movies ever made in my opinion. If you love this movie but cannot find the soundtrack please email me and I'll try to help you out :)

For a while, I actually recommend this movie at my video store without actually seeing it, because it starred the underknown Kevin Corrigan. I finally put it on to see if I was recommending anything worthwhile. The first thing that grabbed me was the soundtrack. Circus Monkey's "ultra-pop" is some of the best pop music I've ever heard.

But about the movie itself: What's really refreshing about this film is how low-key it is. Too many movies about rock bands fixate on the excess of rock and roll. This is a disarming, understated film about a bunch of normal guys who know how to play. The four leads are engaging, even Steve P. as the band's token jackass. The humor and direction are both very sly, often flying under the viewer's radar until it goes for the payoff. (The train scene is the best example, but I won't spoil it for you.)

There's a couple of inconsistencies that most musicians will catch: Lee Holmes and Matthew Hennessy don't look like they're really playing most of the time; use a quarter as a guitar pick, and you'll break your high E string; NEVER travel more than 100 miles for less than fifty bucks, etc. But this is a sweet movie that just might make you want to join a band.