Shoplifters of the World

Life before internet... before social media... WAS fun.

This review is more about the style of the 80s in this movie, from the POV of a '88 grad GenX deeply into the alternative music scene.

Writing this partially in response to a review stating no one dressed like Madonna. Yes, we did dress like Madonna, granted not as closely emulated as in this film. That said, the film itself wasn't great, but the (underdeveloped) characters were fun. Except Cleo. Ugh! The stereotypes were exaggerated but it was nice to see a Robert Smith lookalike because, yes, there were always a few of those dudes roaming the halls in high school, as well.

As for replicating the 80s, it was hit or miss. Cleo's makeup was too contemporary (Instagram model soft, blended eyeshadow? Please.), while others, including the extras, were authentically wearing heavy black eyeliner and frizzed out hair.

Side note - as an Aquanet devotee, that was NOT an 80s style container. We really did carry those in our purses, but they had big white click on lids on a perfectly cylindrical can. That was a modern can of hairspray. Annoying!

I'll admit though, watching for inaccuracies was pretty fun, and along with the soundtrack, the best part of the movie.

Felt I had to create an account to leave a review.

I wanted to like this or even tolerate it. I knew it was not going to be great cinema but as a huge Smiths fan of course I'd watch it.

It's horrible. Listen to their music instead.

The acting is awful especially from the main character Chloe. And the dialogue! Ugh! They try and cram every Smiths lyric possible into this movie. So cringy.

I wish I could unsee this. Definitely not "so bad its good" its beyond. Skip it.

As both a bit of a film buff and an obsessive Smiths fan of 35 years, I kinda knew this film would be bad - how could it live up to any expectations? And yes it was terrible but I kinda loved it too. It was awfully cliched - so many lines lifted from smiths songs which as a 17 year old I might have found clever. It was clearly written and directed with love but probably a University thesis - in the hands of a Dexter Fletcher (Sunshine on Leith anyone?) it would have been a masterpiece. As it was I forgave it for its insufferable moments and enjoyed the music. I have no doubt that its heart was in the right place and that will do for me. I guess it's like watching a bad smiths cover band. You know you're gonna clench your teeth but you'll still relive some of the magic of your youth.

Know what you are getting into, but it was charming.

Amazing soundtrack and some cringe-worthy dialogue, but the movie brought back the feeling of those nights. Do you remember those nights? When you went out with friends, drifted from place to place with a good song on the radio? It's not solving the problems of the world, but it's good to feel alive.