Vinyl (2012) User Reviews

Unique (And True) Music Industry Film

[TheAll-SeeingI · 7/10 · 6 September 2019]

Sara Sugarman's music industry film "Vinyl" is built on a terrific premise, and the fact this dramedy originates from a true story makes it all the more ripe for this big screen telling.

Imagine: A long-in-the-tooth rock band is forced by the industry's relentless ageism to release music under the guise of being a much younger rock band. It happened in 2004, as Mike Peters of The Alarm put out music as The Poppy Seeds, along with a music video of lip-synching lads fronting the tune as if they were its proper creators. Sure enough, the tune got radio play. Gotcha!

In "Vinyl," Phil Daniels is the surly, aging frontman, and Jamie Blackley is the younger, fresher face aping the real band's music on camera. It allows for some great moments of both comedy and drama, and in equal measure. True, there is at times a sheeny, Austin Powers artifice to the film, which doesn't always accessorize with the music's scrappy emergence from the cast-off lot. But at its heart is a great story brought to a truthful life on screen, and with terrific competence. "Vinyl" is an underrated, understated success.

Put the needle on the record

[Prismark10 · 6/10 · 3 February 2014]

This is a low budget British film with ageing actors still showing that they can rock it.

It is inspired by true events from 2004, when Mike Peters of the Welsh rock group The Alarm released a single under the pseudonym of a teenage band called The Poppy Fields.

Peters plays a cameo in this film and The Alarm provide songs for the film.

Phil Daniels and Keith Allen are fellow band members who reunite after a funeral of a fellow rock star. The band fell out 20 years earlier in acrimonious circumstances. They start jamming while drunk and discover they still produce good music.

They look to get a record deal but get knocked back for being yesterday's men. The record executives want young bands with attitude and a teenage fan base.

Daniels gets the idea of getting some youngsters to form a band and mime their songs and hit the charts.

However Allen distrusts him and is an obstacle to this scheme. One of the teenage band member is a talented musician and might have history with Daniels.

Also it seems no one had a good look at the record contract the fake band signed.

The film starts of brightly, Daniels still has a lot of oomph in him. The latter part of the film loses its momentum when it goes for some melodrama. The film is short enough to have a feel good factor and great acting from the veterans.

From Jimmy (The Mod) to Johnny (The Geezer) in 1 easy step

[Twins65 · 6/10 · 26 August 2015]

Wow, it was great to catch up with Phil Daniels after all these years! Living in the USA, I literally hadn't seen him in anything since I ventured into a Mpls. theater in late '79 for my initial viewing of "Quadrophenia". Oh, I'd heard him 'rapping' on Blur's "Parklife" and as the lead voice in "Chicken Run", but it was my first actual Phil sighting since the 70's! And I've got to say, he can still bring it as a lead actor. We're roughly the same age, so please keep it going, Phil. It's nice to see there's still hope for the over 55 crowd when you're getting plum roles, even if I'm still sitting here at this god-awful desk.

As for the movie, I'm going with a six rating. I was unfamiliar with Mike Peters' 2004 hoax where he released a song under a pseudonym, but I'm glad he was able to pull one over on the music industry which ultimately led to this film. And I always liked The Alarm, even if they were slagged off as short-lived "U2 wannabes" in the states.

Keep yer clothes on, Daniels!

[euroGary · 6/10 · 15 August 2013]

In 2004 Mike Peters, a member of The Alarm - an ageing popular music ensemble - scored high in the hit parade with '45 RPM', released under the pseudonym of a teenage band called The Poppy Fields. That hoax is the basis for 'Vinyl', in which a band of washed-up rockers including Phil Daniels and Keith Allen accidentally produce the best music of their lives during a drunken session of 'jamming' (as I believe musical folk call it). But record companies aren't interested in anyone over the age of thirty, so the rockers hire a group of teenagers to mime to the song.

There's nothing remotely new here: the characters are all two-dimensional (heartless young music execs, talentless kids etc), the plot follows well-trodden paths and the revelation of one of the kids' parentage is entirely predictable. But having said that, it's an enjoyable feel-good film... I just could have done without the frequent shots of Daniels without his shirt (and sometimes without his trousers, too). Ew!

Quirky, cheeky, off-comedy that didn't completely waste my time.

[jonathan_lh95 · 5/10 · 13 November 2013]

Vinyl- Director Sara Sugarman/ Written Jim Cooper, Sara Sugarman

3/5

By Jonathan L Hermitt

Independent films are somewhat risky where they can either be a cinema gem or confusingly banal.

I took the plunge with an indie comedy and discovered that my precious time hadn't completely been drained, staring into my laptop screen.

In a peculiar genre emerges a small, low budgeted British off-comedy, Vinyl, lead by veteran actors such as Keith Allen (Minto) and Phil Daniels (Johnny Jones) and fresh, upcoming pretty boy Jamie Blackley (Drainpipe). Filmed in land of the Welsh, tells the true story of a 1980s band that ignites a media phenomenon by casting a group of young children to masquerade the hit single of the ageing eighties band. Raising awareness upon the issue of image, capitalising obsessed music labels and the ignorance of consumerism; projecting an almost satire objective.

A cheeky little tale that manages to maintain one's attention throughout; alongside relevant subplots that plays large contributions to the main plot. Occasionally forced the odd chuckle and included spots of crude humour (the best kind) to give it that British edge. A deeper character development wouldn't have hurt the film, although there wasn't much complexity in the characters unless we dug...dug deep.

The acting performances overall were mediocre, however Phil Daniels and Jamie Blackley did stand out from the rest of the group- this could be due to being scripted more speech, but the penultimate scene when both had to dig deep and find those tears was rather indicative of skill. The presence of tears weren't the indication but more the timing and control of the quantity were reflective of the characters and the respected reputation of Phil Daniels and potential of Blackley.

Could it better? Of course.

Regardless, sometimes that is the sacrifice of a low-budget film- needless to say, the film hasn't won the rights to boast although I wouldn't discard it completely.

Music industry fooled by ageing rockers

[ceri_creffield · 8/10 · 12 February 2013]

Plenty of laughs in this file which is loosely based on a true story (and full of in-jokes for those in the know). It could easily have fallen into the trap of being predictable but it doesn't. It comes over as fresh, quirky and fun. The serious moments are very natural, not forced, the music is good and the young band are very easy on the eye for the younger viewers. For the rest of us, there's Phil Daniels as the ever-optimistic Johnny Jones and Keith Allen, looking typically curmudgeonly as Minto, plus some well-aimed swipes at the contemporary record industry. Very much in the tradition of Very Annie Mary or The Full Monty.

Saw it at the Santa Barbara Film Festival

[craigshurn-467-110425 · 10/10 · 4 September 2012]

I managed to catch Vinyl at the Santa Barbara Film Festival. Wasn't expecting much from it as I'd not read anything about it and didn't recognize any of the cast. But I was so happy that I saw it. It was such a pleasant surprise. And it was based on a true story which made it feel even more charming. It follows an old British rock group trying to break back in to the music scene with no luck. So they audition and create a younger group who mime to their songs and become successful. The songs are great especially the main song, I guarantee you'll be singing it for days after you see it. A real crowd pleaser. Would love to see it again. Hope it comes out soon.

Great music, great story!

[panchita_jones · 10/10 · 2 May 2012]

I recently watched this film at the Newport Beach Film Festival. It is such a fun story with great music and acting. A lot of fresh new faces. I love when the underdog triumphs, as in this story. I'm sure there are a lot of guys out there like this main character: searching for recognition and acknowledgment in an industry obsessed with youth.

You don't have to love punk music to love this movie. I was surprised to learn from the director, writers and producer at the Q&A afterward that this was all based on a true story about The Alarm and Mike Peters. It wasn't even over yet and I wanted to watch it again!

I hope this film has a wider distribution in the United States. I'm not sure if or when there is a general release date.

forget your preconceptions. You WILL love this film!

[psimm66 · 9/10 · 18 January 2013]

Whats not to like about this great film? The soundtrack? Phil Daniels? Perry Benson? Seeing the music biz being caught with their pants down? That last notion is worthy enough as a plot for a movie but watching the story unfold with Phil Daniels leading the charge, as only he can with his 100mph attack on life, makes this tidy little film truly worthy of your time watching it. The story will make you laugh, it may make you cry and it will definitely leave you feeling good and glad you watched it. It is a fun caper that never takes its self too seriously yet succeeds in showing all of us that rock n roll should always be 'by the people, for the people and of the people'. If you grew up in the 70s or 80s you will love it and many of its touch points. If you are still "growing up" watch and learn. FREE ROCK N ROLL

Great fun

[craig-shurn · 10/10 · 10 January 2013]

Not sure what the last review was about, obviously saw a different film to me. I saw this at the Raindance Film Festival and loved it. A crowd pleaser that was great fun. Almost plays like a continuation of Quadrophenia, see Phil Daniels 30 years on. The young kid in it who plays Drainpipe is a face to watch out for. Considering this is obviously a low budget film the production is great. But it's the story that wins you over most of all. The humour reminded me of Full Monty. Nice to see the UK making films like this again. Want to watch it again and will buy the DVD when it comes out. Hope it gets released and does well so more like this get made.

"Free Rock & Roll"

[david-w-west1971 · 10/10 · 19 January 2013]

As a lifelong fan and supporter of the man and band that this film is loosely based upon, I managed to catch about 45 minutes or so of this film at 'The Gathering' event in 2012 (others who were there will know what happened next!!! only to say it will go down in folklore!!!!!) I was absolutely captivated and entertained by the film. A second showing has been granted for this years 'Gathering' event and I'm very much looking forward to seeing the second half!!! If you like and enjoy British movies, with a proper and entertaining story (which did actually happen in 2004), then this film is for you. The performances by the strong cast were great, and there even was a surprise cameo from Mike Peters himself!!! Go enjoy. 'FREE ROCK & ROLL'

Vinyl is an outstanding film

[recordsocrwriter · 9/10 · 13 March 2013]

Vinyl is just a fun movie. The movie is fantastic and you can tell it was a labor of love to get this film made. No, it's not going to win an Academy Award (well, maybe for the soundtrack), but what's wrong with 90 minutes of good entertainment and a story that will have you leaving the theater with a smile on your face? I was fortunate enough to attend the American premiere in New York City. Back then, distribution was seen as a major issue. It's good to see the film is getting on some screens in the UK. I'd certainly like to go see it again and hope it can get on some screens here in the States. I was lucky enough to talk to director Sara Sugarman and -- unlike what the twit at the bottom of the screen said -- found her to be utterly charming. You could see the dedication and sacrifice she put in to get this film made.

Go see this movie!

Light hearted funny British film

[sara-diana · 10/10 · 13 March 2013]

I was lucky enough to see both the uncut version of the film and the finished product at the Welsh Premier in Wrexham. I must say how proud I am to be from North Wales which is where most of the filming took place, indeed the ending scene takes place in Rhuddlan Castle at a rock gig I attended.

This film is a proper British film based on a true story of what happened to Mike Peters of The Alarm and front man for Big Country in 2004.

Light hearted, funny, entertaining, a real feel good film and one of those films you will want to buy so that you can watch it again.

Some great actors in the film and good music too.

Definitely a hit in my eyes.

Great fun film

[pilgrim70 · 9/10 · 30 March 2013]

This should be one of the "must-see" films of the year. It probably won't be because it doesn't feature any so-called 'stars' of the movie world but don't let that put you off going to see it. A few years ago, Welsh rockers The Alarm fooled the rock industry when they asked a group of youngsters to appear in the video for their new single. The single charted and the real band behind the song revealed the scam to a stunned industry. This is the inspiration behind this film. It's fun, it's fast, it's laugh out loud funny in places - and it features the music of one of the best songwriters (Mike Peters) and best bands (The Alarm). The language is a bit 'choice' in places but it doesn't take itself seriously...and neither should you! It deserves a wide audience. And buy the soundtrack as well!

Classic British Film based on some true moments involving The Alarm band. Great soundtrack and performances

[ortek-584-767998 · 10/10 · 28 March 2013]

First saw the actors involved at a Rhuddlan Castle concert in N. Wales a few years ago, where there was a surprise filming for the movie's final scene, and then got to see the preliminary version in the past year where most of the plot was revealed.

Have since seen the UK Premiere of the final version at a film festival in Wrexham, followed by the official Gala Premiere with the cast, Director and the band in attendance in Leicester Square.

It is mainly based on the infamous 45rpm, which got worldwide press coverage when Mike Peters of The Alarm got airplay for them on age-prejudiced radio stations by pretending to be a latest new band so that their song got listened too rather than instantly condemned because the band were 'all over 30' Many amusing moments and everyone comes through winning at the end to give a feel good feeling.

A great range of actors, from the well-known veterans of other classic British films, to newly discovered talents who are now getting good recognition. And the inspirational Mike Peters also gets a cameo appearance Also a great Soundtrack, mostly all from Mike Peters, that fits in well with the film's scenes Really deserves it be a hit, alongside similar classic British movies that might be done on a low budget but have considerable realism .

Free Rock and Roll...

Anti Social Behaviour Order.

[hitchcockthelegend · 9/10 · 14 August 2014]

Splendid slice of British Rock Rock Rockery. Vinyl is based about a Rock "N" Roll Swindle perpetrated by Mike Peters and his band The Alarm in 2004. With the record companies only interested in imaged driven bands with which to cash in the coin, Peters recorded a single and got some pretty youngsters to pretend it was their song. The record company bought it wholesale, with Peters and chums chuckling away until the reveal caused much mirth in the industry. So a sort of Milli Vanilli meets Blue meets The Sex Pistols!

Film is based in Wales and features Phil Daniels, Keith Allen, Perry Benson and Christopher Roy Turner as the middle aged punkers who meet up at a friends funeral. Their band The Weapons of Happiness is a long distant memory, gone are the days when they opened for U2 and toured with The Buzzcocks. Hooking up for drinks after the service, the men, in spite of having different ideals in life, get drunk and lay down a jam session, that amazingly in the morning sounds rather ace. But with the record company only interested in image based bands like The Jammie Dodgers and Bling Bling, Weapons of Happiness can't catch a break, that is until lead singer Johnny Jones (Daniels) hits on novel idea...

The whole film pulses with a sense of fun and vibrancy, the cast having a great old time of it acting up as a rock band past their prime but still carrying around a torch for the glory days. Their hangs ups and past differences are still there, and much of the comedy is derived from these scenarios. Once the youngsters arrive to be the fake face of the band, fronted by a superb Jamie Blackley, the age divide also provides scope for humour that is utilised fully. A running thread of Johnny and his frustrated partner (Julia Ford) trying to start a family, also provides mirth, while there's one or two surprises in the story as well.

It's no rocket science movie, it's very lighthearted and directed breezily by Sara Sugarman. However, the caustic asides inherent within the narrative (prejudices of the music industry/hanging on to the past being good or bad?) do strike the right chords. The soundtrack is kicking, the "band's" song "Free Rock and Roll" beautifully catchy, the comic performances mightily strong, and the serious undertones never cloy the frivolity. From a Ramones/Buzzcocks/The Saints inspired hit single, to Daniels' ass! Vinyl is a winner and worthy of seeking out by music fans of all ages. 9/10