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Imagine if you mashed together a classic coming-of-age story with British New Wave music videos, and tossed in a lot of heart — that's basically Sing Street. Set in 1980s Dublin, it follows a teenage boy who starts a band to impress a girl, but winds up discovering a real sense of purpose and creativity. The film gets the ache and awkwardness of being a teen just right, and the original songs are genuinely catchy (I've still got "Drive It Like You Stole It" on my playlist). What really stands out is how naturally the movie captures the thrill of making music with your friends, and the escapist joy it can bring during tough times. The dynamic among the band members (especially between the protagonist and his quietly supportive older brother) feels lived-in instead of forced. The depiction of family tension and growing up in a rough economic time adds realism that tempers the sweetness, so it never gets saccharine. If there's a flaw, it's that some supporting characters could use a little more depth, and the ending might feel a bit too fairy-tale for some. Still, if you love stories about bands, underdogs, and that moment you realize music can change your life, you'd really enjoy this. It's not just for people who grew up in the '80s — the vibe is universal.
If you’re even a little curious about the post-punk and rave explosion in Manchester, "24 Hour Party People" is an absolute trip. It’s a semi-chaotic, semi-true biopic that follows the rise (and spectacular chaos) of Factory Records through the eyes of Tony Wilson, played with equal parts smugness and charm by Steve Coogan. The movie darts from the birth of Joy Division all the way to the Hacienda club’s wild days, mixing archival and staged footage so smoothly you’re never sure what’s legend and what’s real. What stuck with me is how self-aware and witty it all is—there’s this ongoing wink to the camera that makes you feel in on the joke. The music, obviously, is phenomenal, and it’s paired with manic energy that never really stops. You won’t get a traditional, tidy biopic here—it's messy, inventive, and sometimes almost surreal, but that completely fits the era and culture it’s chronicling. Still, if you’re expecting a deep dive into any of the bands or a straightforward narrative, it might throw you off—some characters blur together, and the story jumps around quite a lot. But honestly, if you like your music histories with humor and style (and don’t mind a fair bit of myth-making), this is a really enjoyable watch. I think anyone who’s into ’80s and ’90s alternative music, or just loves seeing how wild creativity sometimes works, will have a blast.