Nick Name & the Normals (2004) User Reviews

Screening in Dallas ROCKED!!!!

[spork99 · 10/10 · 13 May 2005]

I had a KILLER time at the NNTN screening in Dallas! It was a real treat to see this gifted and so obviously misunderstood underdog hero on the big screen. I thought the film provided a refreshingly entertaining view of a completely unbelievable, yet true story. My only regret is that Mr. Name himself was not present at the screening for some Q & A. I know there were many of us there who would have loved a chance to pick his brain. I can't wait for the DVD to come out, so I can see all the stuff I missed the first time. I wasn't prepared for such a major film. Loved most of the characters...especially Sunshine. She's a star herself. I hope this movie gets the opportunity to reach all the people who really need to see something like this. Super up!

"And now, the MOVIE!"

[cchase · 8/10 · 1 November 2005]

I have listened to several different kinds of punk rock throughout the years, both 'mainstream' and hardcore, and not having been an acolyte of the whole punk movement, I still like some of what I heard. But my first exposure to the world of "queercore" was NNTN, and I had never heard anything like it before. I got so into it that I bought a copy for my best friend and trainer and got myself another one. I had not encountered another artist who was this refreshingly masculine, pig-nasty, political and confrontational before, save once. It's like Henry Rollins came bursting out of the closet like some phallus-driven, foul-mouthed gay Superman with a 'hella' attitude.

All I needed to complete my "Nick fix" was to see him perform live. I haven't, but Howie Skora's documentary goes a live performance one better...It shows the soul of an artist trying to deal with his sexuality, duality and his bone-deep rage at the unfairness and hypocrisy of what one comes up against when trying to establish a place for themselves, as they really are, in today's PC-obsessed gay society. In a word, this is some awesome effin' stuff!!! Thanks to Howie for getting this all down on video for posterity, and to Nick, Rachel, Ben, Lucky and the whole amazing cast of characters for allowing us a good, long look into what NNTN really is all about. Funny, heartbreakingly sad, infuriating and jaw-dropping, this is a story of a man who is taking on the world AND his own personal demons, winning and losing many battles and still slogging his way through the war, while his friends try to stand with him...or at least behind him, in case somebody decides to throw something! But seriously, check this out, and for a stark contrast, make it a double feature with NAKED FAME.

This film ROCKS and smashes stereotypical images of gay men ! Why isn't it on Here or Logo?

[musclebearla2 · 10/10 · 31 August 2005]

Nick Name and The Normals smashes the stereotypical images of gay men that currently pervade the media. Nick Name is a bitter, masculine, American Shaven-headed muscle boy and boy singer who regularly gets thrown out of both straight and Pride events. The film charts his testosterone fueled trip around the United States with his straight band "the normals". Singing songs with hardcore lyrics and taunting the pink bourgeoisie and unreceptive heteros in equal measure. The music totally rocks and the film probes deeply into how religion can damage people...and yet produce artistic genius at the same time. It's both very funny and dramatically engaging at the same time. Funniest parts- watch out for Nick's attempts to enter the UK for his widely publicized visit to a London club and watch out, too, for the reactions of a straight Las Vegas fetish crowd at one of his concerts. Very funny stuff! This movie needs to be seen by a wider audience. Why isn't this movie on Here TV? Logo? I saw Hellbent is on Here TV which Nick name is in. Why isn't this also playing? Unlike Latter Days, the other gay Mormon flick with its gentle approach to love, Nick Name and the Normals smashes the stereotypical images we see all the time and a nice change of pace from the usual icons of gay conformity.