Skum Rocks! (2013) User Reviews

A funny story about despicable men

[luongaly · 8/10 · 6 December 2015]

Skum Rocks is an entertaining watch about a band that was huge on the 80's music scene without having any musical talent.

The film left me feeling incredulous. It's astounding how these men could be so talentless, unprofessional, and vulgar and still achieve success (in some form). The highlight of Skum Rocks is the hilarity in how ridiculous Skum's history and path of destruction is. The whole thing is like a lesson in scamming and publicity.

My issue with the film is with its subjects; once I realized that I hated these men, I had a hard time staying engaged with their story.

Overall, the documentary is pretty fun. It's funny in its look at the nature of celebrity and celebrity publicity -- Skum members and otherwise.

Skums Redemption

[tannergibas · 6/10 · 17 February 2016]

Part documentary, part madness. Coming out of left field is a film about a band (kind of) that you may or may have not heard of and their unusual path to their first album.

The first act of the film left me really intrigued as I wasn't sure what I was watching. It walks a fine line of being a reality TV show and a "mockumentary" but once the history of the band is explained it settles into a traditional narrative, showcasing the force that was SKUM! The film then takes a shift into present day showing the bands last attempt at proving that their reputation is not all non-sense, but something that does resemble a rock band.

Surprising and unique

[K-R-Hallagan · 7/10 · 9 September 2014]

'Skum Rocks!' (2013) is unlike any documentary I've seen, it really breaks down the barrier between viewer and subject, entirely unafraid of exposing the process of its own production in its quest to unearth a story about a wholly unique set of performers. The filmmaking style plays extremely well to the characters, in a way giving the viewer a bit of the true 'Skum' experience. In terms of story, 'Skum Rocks!' almost covers three stories with the same characters, organizing them into three acts, with three filmmaking styles, and a definite progression of personalities. You won't get any 'Spoiler Alerts'from me, but this documentary will definitely keep you thinking about what makes a performance or presentation 'good'.

Skum for Sure

[stephunspoken · 5/10 · 22 February 2016]

The name "Skum" is fitting for a band with no musical talent who got by purely by throwing great parties more than great musical showcases, and who lied to investors to continue their "career." This documentary provided a unique view of these master manipulators who managed to keep up a façade of an actual band for years.

The documentary itself was interesting, to see the band come clean and admit that they weren't talented, but still defend themselves with the fact that being in a band is about more than music. While I agree with that to an extent, I think musical talent means more than the rest. I can see where their cult following would come from, people certainly enjoyed the atmosphere at their "shows," but the ethics of these men certainly left a lot to be desired.

Skum Rocks!

[kellenbanos7 · 10/10 · 12 August 2014]

Skum Rocks was a great documentary, it truly allows you to feel like your in the position of these rock stars. Even though they are not very talented (music world) they still put on a great show and it makes for a great movie! You are really able to see how these group of men can basically fool everyone that they are this great band even though they have never put on a full show. Not to mention that Director Clay Westervelt does a fantastic job on exposing each member of the band and getting each one of their stories. I felt that it was a very well done documentary and everyone should take some time out of their day to view it. SKUM ROCKS!! (literally they rock)

Rocking Doc

[brookecolor · 8/10 · 22 March 2016]

Skum Rocks is the type of movie that gets stuck in your head when you're trying to fall asleep - something about the rock music, the zany characters, the unbelievable time line of the band, and the eccentric narrative the documentary prescribes really gives off a dynamite feel. The film does a great job of painting a picture for each band member, and not only who they are as an individual, but how they collectively come together to make their band such a train wreck. Yet, somehow, they keep chugging that train further into the ground. The film makes you want to sympathize with them, but the film also makes you see how crazy these guys were. You think - should I describe the things they're doing by 'genius' or 'insanely stupid'? It's not a story about how they became famous or how they got back together...it's a story of an epic, two decade long journey of so many highs and lows, the guys themselves can't keep track. It's obvious the passion behind why this film was made.

SKUM really does ROCK

[hollaatyogurl · 9/10 · 3 October 2016]

Imagine being in an iconic rock band like Guns N' Roses, Aerosmith, Rolling Stones, or Nirvana. Now imagine being in one of those bands and never actually playing music. The band Skum, entered the 80s music scene completely talentless yet somehow made it big, and its oddly inspiring.

"Skum Rocks" follows the ironically named band Skum who is armed with members who are musically incapable to say the least. Landing gigs just to throw parties or calling the cops on themselves just to avoid having to actually play music. Skum became an urban myth in the music scene. Investors invested and celebrities and fans swore by their music. This film shows the quick rise and fall of the band and just how they pulled off the impossible time and time again. I found myself laughing and in astonishment of just how incredible their story became. It's a great watch for just about anyone who loves music or wants a unique satirical boost.

Skum Redefines Success!!!

[jedimasterlj · 9/10 · 5 October 2016]

I had never heard of the band Skum and I will probably never hear of them again.... I LOVE them nonetheless! These guys took success and defined it in their own image and relentlessly pushed it to the limit. They leave nothing less than turmoil in their wake as they travel down their talentless pathway to glory, but that's what makes them so rock-n-roll!!! The long list of cameo's blew my mind! If there is one lesson to be learned from these absurd dilettantes, there's more to life than being talented. The enigma of their rise, the grace of their fall and the moxie of their return are a delight. The number of allies are few, and the foes are plentiful. They have truly mastered their ruse!

Amusing at times, well-made doc, but not thoroughly entertaining

[cschenkemeyer · 6/10 · 12 November 2015]

This documentary properly displays the pathetic side to the rock and roll lifestyle. Although, I can look at this documentary and see that is well put together, I just have no liking towards any of these gentleman (hardly).

First off, all these "rockers" are all old, bald or balding men, with sunglasses on while doing their interviews. All of them!! It's hard for me to know who is essentially who in this doc, even when I have to rewind it two or three times to keep up with. Why should I like these people?

I admit I have a bias towards the rock and roll industry, in that I think the culture is quite pathetic. if anything, the doc, in ways, points this out to us, especially when it comes to this particular band.

The only person I feel sorry for in this doc is the filmmaker when he gets framed for burglary by the band members for filming in the wrong location (although I did get a good chuckle).

I like the structure of the doc, proving humor when needed, as well as the pacing was on par. I am not trying to take anything away from the filmmaker here, I just am not enthusiastic on the subject matter and there is no drive for me to like or love these characters/subjects of "Skum Rocks." Alice Cooper was a great narrator though.

Skum - What could have been.

[kylehardy · 7/10 · 22 July 2015]

Have you ever been to a concert that showcased a terrible band? Well this documentary will most likely rehash that past incident.

I am sure you are familiar with the saying, "Work hard, play hard". Well Skum had the 'play hard' portion down quite well. Sadly, they didn't have much in the way of 'working hard'. This is a big reason for why most people have no clue who they are. I know it was the first time I had heard of them.

As for the documentary itself, it was well done and had a lot of comedic points to it. It's a sort of true Spinal Tap. I say it's worth a watch!

If you want to make it in this business, always work harder than you play. Ask Skum about that one.

The "Ed Wood" of Rock 'n Roll documentaries

[nicholas-demmy · 18 March 2015]

Skum Rocks tells the story of a rock band with no real talent who grew in popularity during the 1980's as a result of the wild parties that would coincide with their shows. Seemingly blurring the line between what really happened and taking on a life of its own through some possibly fictional detours, the documentary plays with the notion of what makes something objectively good. Ironically, by not playing on stage for any prolonged stretch of time, the band made something of their own that is wholly unique and rock 'n roll.

With some good laughs along the way, Skum Rocks is a quality time for rock fans all over.