I wanted to like it. For gods sake I have heroin bob tattooed on me. the shallow time of a hour and fifteen made me nervous from the start I know this movie didn't have a budget like the last one but if Kevin smith can make clerks I'm pretty sure James could have rubbed a little bit of a better especially with the time he took to make this too. It felt overly rushed I almost can't describe it. The characters were barely there. The whole plot of the movie takes place because of a event described for a few minutes. bobs skull cap was horrendous especially in the opening sequence. Little things for the time period were off (again low budget not necessarily in his control) but this is supposedly the early 2000s then why are they using 2010+ cell phones that's just poor direction. Also the fact of no mention whatsoever of Steveo seemed weird. Shawn drew it together and was the only character and maybe Trish that I enjoyed seeing again very well written stories for those two. In the end it tried too hard to capture on slc punk and grow and yet start something new with Ross and his two friends if it had more time to develop it would have been better. If your a die-hard SLC punk fan see it once to see some old faces again then forget about it.
23 Reviews
A Severe Lack of Irony
scythertitus12 August 2021
I don't know what happened to the writer/director between this and the original, maybe just age? Either way after having watched both back to back it is insane that they came from the same mind.
The first is both poignant and satirical, dripping with irony and original takes. The sequel is, bar some interesting ideas thrown in but never realised, simply a celebration of Punk and escapism. It lacks almost everything that made the original great. Even in the first 5 minutes you can tell the difference. Everything in the sequel is glamorised, there are touches of struggle, but mostly it's something to aspire to. The original starts off showing how crappy the lifestyle is and how false a lot of the philosophy is. There is a real sense of hopelessness and anarchy, whereas this film is basically saying "yay, it's cool to be yourself!"
Overall there are things to like here and it works for a 12 year old to watch and want to emulate, but somehow the original is much more advanced despite being over 20 years old. It makes no sense, maybe it is supposed to be ironic. The original message seemed to be that everyone sells out in the end, and this could act as a meta proof of that, if so it is genius!
The first is both poignant and satirical, dripping with irony and original takes. The sequel is, bar some interesting ideas thrown in but never realised, simply a celebration of Punk and escapism. It lacks almost everything that made the original great. Even in the first 5 minutes you can tell the difference. Everything in the sequel is glamorised, there are touches of struggle, but mostly it's something to aspire to. The original starts off showing how crappy the lifestyle is and how false a lot of the philosophy is. There is a real sense of hopelessness and anarchy, whereas this film is basically saying "yay, it's cool to be yourself!"
Overall there are things to like here and it works for a 12 year old to watch and want to emulate, but somehow the original is much more advanced despite being over 20 years old. It makes no sense, maybe it is supposed to be ironic. The original message seemed to be that everyone sells out in the end, and this could act as a meta proof of that, if so it is genius!
In a way, the movie kind of becomes what it's supposed to be fighting against.
Hellmant12 April 2016
'PUNK'S DEAD: SLC PUNK 2': Two and a Half Stars (Out of Five)
A sequel to the 1998 cult classic 'SLC PUNK!'; once again written and directed by James Merendino. Actors Michael A. Goorjian, Devon Sawa, James Duval and Adam Pascal all reprise their roles (from the original film); as Heroin Bob, Sean, John the Mod and Eddie. Matthew Lillard (the star of 'SLC PUNK!') did not agree to return, to his most iconic role. The film also stars Ben Schnetzer, Machine Gun Kelly, Hannah Marks and Sarah Clarke (replacing Annabeth Gish, as Trish). The film tells the story of three outsider rebels, on a road trip to a punk rock show. It's definitely nowhere near as good (or as classic) as the original.
The story, this time, revolves around a 19-year-old misfit, named Ross (Schnetzer); the son of Heroine Bob (Goorjian) and Trish (Clarke). Bob died before Ross was born, but he still narrates his story; from beyond the grave. Ross just got dumped by a girl, and has decided to go on a road trip with two punk friends, Penny (Marks) and Crash (Kelly), to a punk rock show. Along the way he does drugs and alcohol, for the very first time, and his mother becomes very concerned; upon hearing about it.
The movie is extremely low-budget, and amateurish looking; which is very fitting for a movie about punks, and punk rock music. I admire the message of the film, and a lot of things the filmmakers were trying to say, but I just don't think it came together right (as a whole). The jokes are not funny, and the characters all seem like bad fake stereotypes. In a way, the movie kind of becomes what it's supposed to be fighting against. I respect it's ambition, and effort though; but it definitely doesn't live up to the original. There are some good live performance in it (from the likes of Dwarfs and Screeching Weasel), and the soundtrack is pretty cool though!
Watch our movie review show 'MOVIE TALK' at: https://youtu.be/n2qWxeZ0Tck
A sequel to the 1998 cult classic 'SLC PUNK!'; once again written and directed by James Merendino. Actors Michael A. Goorjian, Devon Sawa, James Duval and Adam Pascal all reprise their roles (from the original film); as Heroin Bob, Sean, John the Mod and Eddie. Matthew Lillard (the star of 'SLC PUNK!') did not agree to return, to his most iconic role. The film also stars Ben Schnetzer, Machine Gun Kelly, Hannah Marks and Sarah Clarke (replacing Annabeth Gish, as Trish). The film tells the story of three outsider rebels, on a road trip to a punk rock show. It's definitely nowhere near as good (or as classic) as the original.
The story, this time, revolves around a 19-year-old misfit, named Ross (Schnetzer); the son of Heroine Bob (Goorjian) and Trish (Clarke). Bob died before Ross was born, but he still narrates his story; from beyond the grave. Ross just got dumped by a girl, and has decided to go on a road trip with two punk friends, Penny (Marks) and Crash (Kelly), to a punk rock show. Along the way he does drugs and alcohol, for the very first time, and his mother becomes very concerned; upon hearing about it.
The movie is extremely low-budget, and amateurish looking; which is very fitting for a movie about punks, and punk rock music. I admire the message of the film, and a lot of things the filmmakers were trying to say, but I just don't think it came together right (as a whole). The jokes are not funny, and the characters all seem like bad fake stereotypes. In a way, the movie kind of becomes what it's supposed to be fighting against. I respect it's ambition, and effort though; but it definitely doesn't live up to the original. There are some good live performance in it (from the likes of Dwarfs and Screeching Weasel), and the soundtrack is pretty cool though!
Watch our movie review show 'MOVIE TALK' at: https://youtu.be/n2qWxeZ0Tck
Worst Film I Have Seen This Year
nunobettencourtfan6 April 2016
First off let me start by saying that this holds no candle to the first one. This film is probably the worst film I have seen this year. I don't know which was more terrible, the soundtrack, the bad acting or the terrible costumes. The wigs alone looked old and cheap. This is NOT a punk movie. The acting is so bad, just as bad as Michael Goorjian's fake mohawk (which you can clearly see the line of across his forehead. BTW Bob's mohawk was never that long in the original movie, something they must have overlooked, but die hard fans of the first would never overlook. Bob did not even sound like Bob anymore. His voice was not edgy as the Bob in the original. Big fail on Michael's part. They call that a punk soundtrack? Really? It sounded like mainstream bullsht to me. When did 'punk' become mainstream? There are so many fails in this movie that I could go on for hours about, but I won't.
In my opinion, this movie should have never been made. It was horrible! The plot was horrible, the wigs were horrible, Bob was horrible, and it was a cheese fest. Avoid this movie! It is a waste of time, money, and I cannot believe they did this to what could have been something really good. I would give it zero stars if I could. Everyone in this film looked and acted like posers! No Steve-o, no film. BIG FAIL!
In my opinion, this movie should have never been made. It was horrible! The plot was horrible, the wigs were horrible, Bob was horrible, and it was a cheese fest. Avoid this movie! It is a waste of time, money, and I cannot believe they did this to what could have been something really good. I would give it zero stars if I could. Everyone in this film looked and acted like posers! No Steve-o, no film. BIG FAIL!
I was glad when it was over.
sdvmynyrzfpc26 October 2016
I was glad when it was over.
I wonder why anyone would make such a listless movie.
The characters each seem indulgent yet none are developed to the point where they provide any interest.
The usefulness of a car ride as a sort of journey device is marginalized by the redundant and boring settings.
The production value is mix and match mediocre.
The narrator's bad acting is creepier than the creepiness of employing a dead narrator character.
The climax of the story is not even anti climatic, but at least you know the end is near.
I wonder why anyone would make such a listless movie.
The characters each seem indulgent yet none are developed to the point where they provide any interest.
The usefulness of a car ride as a sort of journey device is marginalized by the redundant and boring settings.
The production value is mix and match mediocre.
The narrator's bad acting is creepier than the creepiness of employing a dead narrator character.
The climax of the story is not even anti climatic, but at least you know the end is near.
Huh?
stormofwar10 August 2016
To be honest, this movie isn't a sequel to the first film in any relatable sense. Some characters appear with the same names as some in the first film, there is some narration that happens, a goth kid goes to a punk show, gets hammered, has a revelation while getting the hell beat out of him, and end show? SLC Punk! was a surprisingly great film. This one? Not so much. The production values weren't good, the acting was uninspired, and the direction was horrible. The original was one of those films better left on its own. It was like they were pressured to make it at gunpoint and this was the post-mortem product.
This is what happens when you try to recapture lightning in a bottle while standing in a half-full kiddy pool.
This is what happens when you try to recapture lightning in a bottle while standing in a half-full kiddy pool.
The title doesn't lie, Punk really is dead.
Occult_Detective2 March 2016
I like many other misfits gravitated towards a film like SLC Punk! in the late 90's because it was a great coming of age tale. It was a movie for anyone and everyone who had ever felt like they just didn't belong, especially from a small town where most all forms of personal expression made you some kind of a pariah. So to find a film like James Merendino's original really spoke to the majority of us. It's sequel, however, falls short of delivering anything beyond a few tiny chuckles.
SLC Punk! had and continues to have a huge following, of which this sequel couldn't have even been possible without all the fan support. But like many cult classics, it's follow up is overall redundant and doesn't really go anywhere we haven't already been before. After a couple quick feelings of nostalgia for seeing some familiar faces, Punk's Dead is pretty much just a less interesting rehash of the original. The drama is absent in this one, and the important points are ignored in order to make a quick joke that no one will really be laughing about. It pretty much is the polar opposite of SLC Punk! in the worst way possible. The characters, new and old, could have easily been replaced by cardboard cutouts and it really wouldn't have made that much of a difference.
It's worth watching once to say you've seen it, but it looks and feels like a much more amateurish film that the original. It spends so much time giving us commentary on how so much has changed and frankly, there isn't much that's interesting to say about this generation. If there's something to take away from the film, it's that simply, some stories are better left untold, even if the characters have moved on and changed since then. Where they end up is just disappointing and it feels as if they just go around in circles for the entirety of this movie. As for me, I'll stick with the first film and having seen this once, I never need to watch it again.
SLC Punk! had and continues to have a huge following, of which this sequel couldn't have even been possible without all the fan support. But like many cult classics, it's follow up is overall redundant and doesn't really go anywhere we haven't already been before. After a couple quick feelings of nostalgia for seeing some familiar faces, Punk's Dead is pretty much just a less interesting rehash of the original. The drama is absent in this one, and the important points are ignored in order to make a quick joke that no one will really be laughing about. It pretty much is the polar opposite of SLC Punk! in the worst way possible. The characters, new and old, could have easily been replaced by cardboard cutouts and it really wouldn't have made that much of a difference.
It's worth watching once to say you've seen it, but it looks and feels like a much more amateurish film that the original. It spends so much time giving us commentary on how so much has changed and frankly, there isn't much that's interesting to say about this generation. If there's something to take away from the film, it's that simply, some stories are better left untold, even if the characters have moved on and changed since then. Where they end up is just disappointing and it feels as if they just go around in circles for the entirety of this movie. As for me, I'll stick with the first film and having seen this once, I never need to watch it again.
Pretty good... for a sequel nobody asked for.
therskybznuiss8 June 2021
The first SLC Punk answered some questions that people might (or might not have) asked. About the 80's midwest HxC Scene, what was going through these suburban white kid's heads.
It did the scene some justice, and while not quite breaking untread ground, it was fun enough.
This one came out of left field. Didnt answer any questions. And while SLC Punk might have been a passion project, I don't really know what this was, or who really wanted it.
I will say, I loved the scenes with Shawn and Matt the Mod, and even Crash when Bob's son wasnt on the screen. Overall, not too bad... Would I recommend it:?
No. There's far, far better. Like Penelope Spheeris' Suburbia.
It did the scene some justice, and while not quite breaking untread ground, it was fun enough.
This one came out of left field. Didnt answer any questions. And while SLC Punk might have been a passion project, I don't really know what this was, or who really wanted it.
I will say, I loved the scenes with Shawn and Matt the Mod, and even Crash when Bob's son wasnt on the screen. Overall, not too bad... Would I recommend it:?
No. There's far, far better. Like Penelope Spheeris' Suburbia.
Great Nostalgia: Generic Story
dmoorejr23 February 2016
Slc Punk was one of the greatest films about the social commentary of the punk rock scene in the mid 80's. So when I heard this film was getting a sequel I was intrigued. It was great seeing SOME of the original cast return. Devon Sawa saved this movie. I was disappointed with the overall story of this film. It was a road trip film. Penny was behind the wheel most of the movie. The dialogue so bland I couldn't invest myself in the new characters. MGK was fine but was in the shadow of StevO, so he was fighting an up hill Battle. Ross was bland, over emotional with little explanation or character development of the relationship he was grieving over. Many returning characters were misused. At the end of the day, this film suffered from poor writing. Not really having anything groundbreaking to say unlike the first one. Very disappointing.
Pretttty awful
courtneybandish5 August 2016
Warning: Spoilers
I was really really bummed.. This movie was Terrible which emphasis on the capital T. I loved the first one and always will and respect Mr. Merendinos efforts to try and create another punk inspired movie with a uniqueness all its own. But this was a huge, HUGE fail. Probably my least favorite moment was the use of the word "fag" which I have zero tolerance for and in this day and age should never be used in a script. You couldn't find a better pejorative, Mr. Merendino? Moving on..The acting was mediocre at it's best. Sarah Clarke brought nothing new to the character of Trish. Her acting was bland, boring and could barely keep my attention. There was none of the quirkiness that I came to love with Annabeth Gish's portrayal of Trish. Jenny Jaffes character (can't remember the name and Ijust watched it) was ridiculously overdone by over dramatic acting and just plain, not believable. If acting is her career of choice she needs to rethink it. Ross was plain boring. Penny and Crash were pretty decent as far as acting goes. I give MGK props on his acting as this is, what I believe to be, his first major acting job. Bob really disappointed me. I felt his narration and acting were forced. As for Johnny Jekyll and Sean, well what can I say, they carried this movie. They were the only characters and narratives that brought even a hint of entertainment to this dull, lifeless film by bringing the nostalgia I had waited for. They were the only ones who's acting I can say was good. The worst part of this movie was the utter lack of character development and aimless plot. They could have developed Pennys character, for instance, when we see her (a little dramatically) bashing her father's car with no real explanation of motive (aside from the hit to the face) Merendino had a perfect chance to develop Pennys character but for whatever reason he chose not to. So, then, why did he even put that scene in the movie if he had no intention of expanding on it? Who knows but it's a good question to ponder. It was not just Penny though, the entire movie lacks any real character development necessary to bring this movie to life with characters that are relatable and interesting. Huge fail. And the plot? Boring and aimless with no real point. I mean, my 13 year old son could have written a better screenplay. The concert scene was drawn out and way to long. And the pivotal climax? Well that never happened. *Yawn* I could go on and on. When the credits hit, I was left scratching my head in astonishment asking myself "Did the movie really just end like that? Apparently, yes it did. Maybe he wanted to end it like that because he has plans for a trilogy? Scary thought. I'm also curious as to why he claimed there would be a couple awesome surprise cameo appearances. I suspect it was to get people excited about whom they could be. Will it be Mark? Could it be Stevos dad? Or maybe Sandy? Although Merendino made it clear Stevos (Lillard) and Mike (Segel) would not return, many fans still held onto hope that maybe they would at least make a brief cameo. So, in essence, I believe these supposed cameo appearances were just a ploy to excite fans enough to donate money to the indiegogo platform. Why, you ask? Because exploiting fans excitement was the only way they were going to get enough money to make this God awful POS. Again, I LOVE SLC Punk! I was a fan of Punks Dead page for years and kept myself updated on everything that was happening in the making of the film. Although I was skeptical I kept an open mind. I wanted so badly for this to be another cult classic. What it ended up being was another ultimate sequel fail and huge disappointment to many fans. And the fans that claim to love it? They must be delusional. Sorry. Not. Sorry.
In case you thought punk was for the young, here's James merendino saying "f**k that!"
jitterbugduchess2 March 2016
Warning: Spoilers
I loved this movie! I saw the Orlando release on opening night and I wasn't really sure what expect. I adored the first one so much and sequels aren't usually known for being as good as the original, but like Heroin Bob would've recommended, I gave it a chance.
**SPOILERS** If you grew up thinking that being a punk or a mod or whatever was just a phase and once you hit a certain point, you have to grow out of it, this movie is for you. Why can't you still give in to your passions and just adjust them to your adult life? The film follows Heroin Bob's goth offspring soon after his first heartbreak, on a road trip with his friends, Crash and Penny, to a punk show. Meanwhile, his still odd mom, Trish, is calling her old friends to find out where her son is and why he'd suddenly dropped his straight edge sensibilities and gone AWOL.
a lot of your old favorites are back and there all plenty of call backs to the original to give you a nice laugh and let you feel that nostalgia. Its really just a day of self discovery, and even though bob is dead, his narration is almost like he's watching over Ross. it wasn't the original with new characters, it was something different, which is part of its appeal. the old characters i loved are older and different, but they still enjoy their eccentricities, they didn't turn their backs on them, and i think its what i love most. it makes the idea of growing out of something feel ridiculous. punk has no age limit.
don't go in expecting slc punk. that time is over. punk's dead is what happens when the scene has changed and you're the older statesman of it, relaying the history to the younguns, OR the new kid just coming out to experience your own scene. just one piece of advice: GIVE IT A CHANCE. its new.
**SPOILERS** If you grew up thinking that being a punk or a mod or whatever was just a phase and once you hit a certain point, you have to grow out of it, this movie is for you. Why can't you still give in to your passions and just adjust them to your adult life? The film follows Heroin Bob's goth offspring soon after his first heartbreak, on a road trip with his friends, Crash and Penny, to a punk show. Meanwhile, his still odd mom, Trish, is calling her old friends to find out where her son is and why he'd suddenly dropped his straight edge sensibilities and gone AWOL.
a lot of your old favorites are back and there all plenty of call backs to the original to give you a nice laugh and let you feel that nostalgia. Its really just a day of self discovery, and even though bob is dead, his narration is almost like he's watching over Ross. it wasn't the original with new characters, it was something different, which is part of its appeal. the old characters i loved are older and different, but they still enjoy their eccentricities, they didn't turn their backs on them, and i think its what i love most. it makes the idea of growing out of something feel ridiculous. punk has no age limit.
don't go in expecting slc punk. that time is over. punk's dead is what happens when the scene has changed and you're the older statesman of it, relaying the history to the younguns, OR the new kid just coming out to experience your own scene. just one piece of advice: GIVE IT A CHANCE. its new.
It's a road trip
campbellzachc18 August 2018
This turned out like an extended version of a Boy Meets World episode with more content related to my actual life. And it's significantly less corny. But the character development is nothing compared to the original SLC which may have to do a lot to do with it being told in 3rd person. It's also a road trip film and if you read Chuck Klosterman's take on road trip films, this is spot on and the film isn't about the anything other than an interpersonal character growth/reflection. I think the punk aspect is mostly an aesthetic and not very necessary to to the overall story, unfortunately. A lot seemed forced to make this happen, and as a fan of SLC Punk, I appreciate the attempt.
Disappointing but not awful
postfactworld12 November 2017
Warning: Spoilers
What seems obvious to me is that this movie was definitely written with the return of the Matthew Lillard "Stevo" character in mind. All the secondary characters from the first movie who returned for this one claim an uncle-type relationship with Ross, the son of Bob, who is the main character in this movie. But none of those guys had particularly close relationships with Bob, or Trish, the mother, in the first movie. The only character who did was Stevo. So yeah, the subtext here is, the movie was written for Lillard but he decided not to do it.
My guess is, Lillard wouldn't do it because he read the script, which is...unreliable. I enjoyed the random elements of the first movie. For example, when the character Mark (played by a young Til Schweiger - later Hugo Stiglitz), the independently wealthy European drug dealer, left town and never came back, even though he was one of the more well-developed and interesting characters. I loved that. People actually do sometimes leave town and never come back. James Merendino just gave Mark up to the void. He could have kept him around for the whole movie and thereby kept the door open on all kinds of interesting antics, but he had a real story to tell and Mark's part was over. I like it when a writer's not afraid to leave a good character behind for the sake of the story.
No such artistry here. The only character who really gets left behind is Lillith, Ross's first love, who was not developed at all. So when she ended up making out with some other guy in some dark corner of a bar and obviously breaking Ross's little heart, I for one felt nothing, even though this was supposed to be the seminal moment in the movie that sent Ross off on an entirely new path in life. By the way, it's pretty obvious that at some point in his real life, Merendino had a girlfriend and caught her making out with another guy, because the same scene happened to Stevo in the first movie. Does this happen that often in reality?
Also missing from this movie was any kind of counterpoint to the youthful rebellion that is punk. Christopher McDonald as Stevo's father in the first movie was a vital (not to mention hilarious) representation of the kind of vapid, money-motivated society that punk kids want no part of. But what are the kids rebelling against here? There's one nonsensical scene in which the female lead Penny runs into her father at a gas station and he slugs her in the nose for drinking and carousing. But how the hell did that happen? They were taking back roads all over Utah and they just happened to pull up at a gas station where her redneck father was getting gas? Very contrived. There were a lot of parts of this movie that were obviously contrived, which is, again, disappointing.
Still, I enjoyed the movie for nostalgia's sake. It was good to see Bob narrating from the afterlife. Unfortunately it kept reminding me that the first movie contained some real substance. I actually cried when Bob died in the first one.
Overall, I'd recommend it for people who loved the first SLC Punk. I can't imagine, though, the boredom that would probably be felt by someone viewing this movie as a stand-alone comedy-drama, with no frame of reference from the original. It really isn't even in the same category. The original SLC Punk was a very insightful commentary on the conflict between youthful idealism and the reality of transitioning to adulthood. This movie? Just a road trip to nowhere.
I'm giving it 5 stars. I don't want to encourage or discourage anyone about seeing it. Those who saw the first one won't need any encouragement, and those who didn't should probably stay away.
My guess is, Lillard wouldn't do it because he read the script, which is...unreliable. I enjoyed the random elements of the first movie. For example, when the character Mark (played by a young Til Schweiger - later Hugo Stiglitz), the independently wealthy European drug dealer, left town and never came back, even though he was one of the more well-developed and interesting characters. I loved that. People actually do sometimes leave town and never come back. James Merendino just gave Mark up to the void. He could have kept him around for the whole movie and thereby kept the door open on all kinds of interesting antics, but he had a real story to tell and Mark's part was over. I like it when a writer's not afraid to leave a good character behind for the sake of the story.
No such artistry here. The only character who really gets left behind is Lillith, Ross's first love, who was not developed at all. So when she ended up making out with some other guy in some dark corner of a bar and obviously breaking Ross's little heart, I for one felt nothing, even though this was supposed to be the seminal moment in the movie that sent Ross off on an entirely new path in life. By the way, it's pretty obvious that at some point in his real life, Merendino had a girlfriend and caught her making out with another guy, because the same scene happened to Stevo in the first movie. Does this happen that often in reality?
Also missing from this movie was any kind of counterpoint to the youthful rebellion that is punk. Christopher McDonald as Stevo's father in the first movie was a vital (not to mention hilarious) representation of the kind of vapid, money-motivated society that punk kids want no part of. But what are the kids rebelling against here? There's one nonsensical scene in which the female lead Penny runs into her father at a gas station and he slugs her in the nose for drinking and carousing. But how the hell did that happen? They were taking back roads all over Utah and they just happened to pull up at a gas station where her redneck father was getting gas? Very contrived. There were a lot of parts of this movie that were obviously contrived, which is, again, disappointing.
Still, I enjoyed the movie for nostalgia's sake. It was good to see Bob narrating from the afterlife. Unfortunately it kept reminding me that the first movie contained some real substance. I actually cried when Bob died in the first one.
Overall, I'd recommend it for people who loved the first SLC Punk. I can't imagine, though, the boredom that would probably be felt by someone viewing this movie as a stand-alone comedy-drama, with no frame of reference from the original. It really isn't even in the same category. The original SLC Punk was a very insightful commentary on the conflict between youthful idealism and the reality of transitioning to adulthood. This movie? Just a road trip to nowhere.
I'm giving it 5 stars. I don't want to encourage or discourage anyone about seeing it. Those who saw the first one won't need any encouragement, and those who didn't should probably stay away.
Punk is Dead if Machine Gun Kelly is in it.
hjwuj22 April 2023
Enough said for this observation, this movie loses sight of what the original was even about. And the director/writer did the first one. This is a clear cash grab opportunity. The fact that the recent generation of phone drones don't know how to do a proper musical or cultural shift in retaliation of a clear attempt to control our ways of thinking and speech really goes to show you that, much like the title says, Punk truly is dead and I weep for the now old punkers grasping for any meaningful attempt to spark a change in any walk of life in this messed up world. Machine Gun Kelly.....really?! What's wrong with people?
Missed Opportunity
Falconeer22 July 2020
It was 50/50, half good, half rotten. If the creator of this sequel just focused on the three main characters, Ross, Penny and Crash, and their road adventure, while relegating the adult characters to background players, this could have been a very good movie. The three kids were great in their roles, especially the actress who was Penny.. very genuine performance. When the focus was on those guys the movie took off. But when the scene shifted to Trish and the Goth girl in the shop, the whole thing crashed with a dull thud. Trish was AWFIL, and Devon Sawa's character was poorly written too. Of course it was awesome seeing James Duvall as John, the Norwegian Black Metal guy.. I liked him since "Doom Generation," and he's always good. I can't believe how ripped he looks here! Unfortunately his character is only seen interacting with the ones who bring the movie down. Anyway there was a good movie in there, but it's been diluted with too many scenes that just don't work. They really screwed it up!
Just loved it ! Not a "basic" sequel but much much better.
victoireferrari2 March 2016
I saw the movie in NYC and I loved it. It's not a basic "sequel". It's the natural evolution of the characters, as we all did evolve since SLC Punk. New characters give even more depth to this story and the whole thing is a movie full of fun, wisdom and humanity. This movie also shows that besides major studios big money, you can still enjoy indie movies with a great story, amazing actors and a smart and strong director willing to carry his movie till it's made. I got involved in the Indiegogo crowdfunding which was a great idea. I gave the money I could give and don't regret a cent. Plus I will definitely buy the movie as soon as DVD's are available. Don't trust trollers and watch it.
Loved It!
greendayrock13 March 2016
This movie is phenomenal. It's not like the first one; however, it retains the ability to stand on its own. I guarantee you can relate to at least one, if not more, of the characters. James Duval's portrayal of John the (former) mod is an absolute delight! Ross's character, which could arguably be considered as one that isn't the standard definition of "punk", was a refreshing twist. I found it remarkable that Ben Schnetzer was able to channel a part of Heroin Bob's essence; his performance was incredible as well. James Merendino did NOT disappoint! I sincerely hope this movie goes down as a classic and is as well loved and received as the first. Thank you so much for your hard work in creating this masterpiece.
Fun movie for all generations of alternative families
allIwantedwaspepsi3 March 2016
Warning: Spoilers
Such is life that I will never be able to be 21 again and see SLC Punk for the first time. It's a movie I proudly watch with my kids. Punk's Dead is incredible. As an alternative Mom, I identify with Trish. I've got responsibilities but I still can't fit in. I think it's okay and my kids turned out okay. Punk's Dead is nostalgic, pays homage to SLC Punk and Punk Rock, I cried a few time and laughed a lot. The actors old and new are amazing. Hannah Marks reminds me of myself at her age and Ben Schnetzer is perfect, portraying a kid that grew up to fast. I like the different vibe between the kids who are just having fun and the adults bitterness.
Why This Movie Kicks @55
niji-857228 March 2017
I found this movie on netflix today. F*ckin loved it like the first one, shown to me by my best friend, the first punk kid i've ever met.
So here's why this movie is awesome to me.
I was the goth/cyberpunk kid who grew up with punks. We went to shows together, we played rancid to heartbreak. We lived this movie. This was our teenage years, driving 100 miles drunk off our asses down the 101 blasting the f*ck out of punk rock. Going to shows in LA, moshing our asses off for every single song that's played, dripped in sweat and someone else's blood.
This movie was great because it reminds me of the first show I ever went to. And the next one. and the next one. Its a reminder that, no matter how old you get, you can wear a tie and work a day job, but you're still a punk no matter what. I wanna say i saw the first one close to 10 years ago.
This is one of those movies I'll be buying (along with the first one), showing my kids if DVD's are still a thing, going "listen here you little sh*ts. Your uncle Adam and I lived this. This here is what love looks like. All that f*ckin energy.
In short, this movie is excellent because its something anyone in the scene who's getting older can relate to. Its excellent because its originality even when its a story that has been told and experienced over and over by almost everybody, and its excellent because it makes a person remember who they are. Its excellent because it reminds you of your teenage heartbreak, the booze and moshing after, and that cute blonde you make eye contact with on the rebound of your first show.
Even with the irony of the title, its a reminder that punk's not dead, because punk is where the love's at. Its one of those movies that make you remember.
Thank you heroine bob.
So here's why this movie is awesome to me.
I was the goth/cyberpunk kid who grew up with punks. We went to shows together, we played rancid to heartbreak. We lived this movie. This was our teenage years, driving 100 miles drunk off our asses down the 101 blasting the f*ck out of punk rock. Going to shows in LA, moshing our asses off for every single song that's played, dripped in sweat and someone else's blood.
This movie was great because it reminds me of the first show I ever went to. And the next one. and the next one. Its a reminder that, no matter how old you get, you can wear a tie and work a day job, but you're still a punk no matter what. I wanna say i saw the first one close to 10 years ago.
This is one of those movies I'll be buying (along with the first one), showing my kids if DVD's are still a thing, going "listen here you little sh*ts. Your uncle Adam and I lived this. This here is what love looks like. All that f*ckin energy.
In short, this movie is excellent because its something anyone in the scene who's getting older can relate to. Its excellent because its originality even when its a story that has been told and experienced over and over by almost everybody, and its excellent because it makes a person remember who they are. Its excellent because it reminds you of your teenage heartbreak, the booze and moshing after, and that cute blonde you make eye contact with on the rebound of your first show.
Even with the irony of the title, its a reminder that punk's not dead, because punk is where the love's at. Its one of those movies that make you remember.
Thank you heroine bob.
SLC PUNK 2: PUNK'S DEAD - Review by Sara Conrad
jph197614 March 2016
Warning: Spoilers
SLC PUNK 2: PUNK'S DEAD
Seventeen years after writer-director James Merendino released his semi-autobiographical film SLC Punk!, he has returned with Punk's Dead: SLC Punk 2. In the most recent chapter of this series, we follow Ross, "Heroin" Bob's love child with Trish – if you have not seen the first movie – go rent it, come back and then read this review – and his passage thru adolescent angst. This movie is not a "sequel" in any traditional sense of the word. It does not pick up exactly where the other movie left off and fill in the blanks all nice and tidy The movie begins in typical SLC Punk fashion with "Heroin" Bob crashing thru the underworld to narrate the story of his son's trials and tribulations, introduce characters, and wax punkly poetic. I am pretty sure Bob is still in the apartment Stevo & Bob lived in during the original film – nothing like the promises of the afterlife only to end up back in Utah, but I digress. Bob begins by detailing a "here's what happened" synopsis to get us caught up to present day Due to the fact that Bob OD's and Trish, is crazy, Ross does have an overly morbid worldview. Ross has a couple friends – Crash and Penny. Crash, portrayed by rapper Machine Gun Kelly and Hannah Marks portraying Penny. Kelly actually does a pretty impressive job of depicting a troubled teen with a "you wish I gave a ***" attitude – not entirely sure if that's acting on his part – but he does manage to bring some heart to the relationship between Ross and himself. Penny is portrayed as "one of the guys" though I am not entirely sure as to why. After Ross gets his heart broken, the best way to get over a break up is to go party – at a punk concert, which by the by, the way the movie is shot is pretty impressive you're literally in the middle of mosh pits, huge crowd fights, on stage with the band. It's pretty phenomenal. Meanwhile, back in Salt Lake City – Trish, and emo/Mormon, Shelley, Sean, John – the mod, and Eddie – all from the original film join forces to find Ross as he is nowhere to be found and given his recent heartbreak and general gloominess, that can't be good. On a personal note, aside from the analysis of this movie, I am a fan of the original SLC Punk! I thought the soundtrack for both this movie and the original was absolutely amazing. It marries both ends of punk spectrum. I never was part of the punk scene, I'm afraid I was just born too late. I couldn't be a part of it and watch it grow and eventually dissolve. What I did watch was the way that the different genres of music were affected not only by punk music but its mentality. It was the irreverent attitude, the absolute disregard for order, the disdain of conformity, that I found myself, as a teenager, believing in. I think that regardless of whether or not you were a part of this movement or whether or not you even like rock music, punk rock, heavy metal, whatever. You find that these people despite their differences from yourself and their lives from yours, they are familiar somehow. You know them, you love them, you want them to love you, you hate them, they hate you, you want to punch them in the mouth. Somehow though, it is the music and this mindset that brings people together and shatters the differences that separate us.
Review by Sara Conrad
Seventeen years after writer-director James Merendino released his semi-autobiographical film SLC Punk!, he has returned with Punk's Dead: SLC Punk 2. In the most recent chapter of this series, we follow Ross, "Heroin" Bob's love child with Trish – if you have not seen the first movie – go rent it, come back and then read this review – and his passage thru adolescent angst. This movie is not a "sequel" in any traditional sense of the word. It does not pick up exactly where the other movie left off and fill in the blanks all nice and tidy The movie begins in typical SLC Punk fashion with "Heroin" Bob crashing thru the underworld to narrate the story of his son's trials and tribulations, introduce characters, and wax punkly poetic. I am pretty sure Bob is still in the apartment Stevo & Bob lived in during the original film – nothing like the promises of the afterlife only to end up back in Utah, but I digress. Bob begins by detailing a "here's what happened" synopsis to get us caught up to present day Due to the fact that Bob OD's and Trish, is crazy, Ross does have an overly morbid worldview. Ross has a couple friends – Crash and Penny. Crash, portrayed by rapper Machine Gun Kelly and Hannah Marks portraying Penny. Kelly actually does a pretty impressive job of depicting a troubled teen with a "you wish I gave a ***" attitude – not entirely sure if that's acting on his part – but he does manage to bring some heart to the relationship between Ross and himself. Penny is portrayed as "one of the guys" though I am not entirely sure as to why. After Ross gets his heart broken, the best way to get over a break up is to go party – at a punk concert, which by the by, the way the movie is shot is pretty impressive you're literally in the middle of mosh pits, huge crowd fights, on stage with the band. It's pretty phenomenal. Meanwhile, back in Salt Lake City – Trish, and emo/Mormon, Shelley, Sean, John – the mod, and Eddie – all from the original film join forces to find Ross as he is nowhere to be found and given his recent heartbreak and general gloominess, that can't be good. On a personal note, aside from the analysis of this movie, I am a fan of the original SLC Punk! I thought the soundtrack for both this movie and the original was absolutely amazing. It marries both ends of punk spectrum. I never was part of the punk scene, I'm afraid I was just born too late. I couldn't be a part of it and watch it grow and eventually dissolve. What I did watch was the way that the different genres of music were affected not only by punk music but its mentality. It was the irreverent attitude, the absolute disregard for order, the disdain of conformity, that I found myself, as a teenager, believing in. I think that regardless of whether or not you were a part of this movement or whether or not you even like rock music, punk rock, heavy metal, whatever. You find that these people despite their differences from yourself and their lives from yours, they are familiar somehow. You know them, you love them, you want them to love you, you hate them, they hate you, you want to punch them in the mouth. Somehow though, it is the music and this mindset that brings people together and shatters the differences that separate us.
Review by Sara Conrad
My impressions of the film
socialmediaisdisinfo27 March 2016
Warning: Spoilers
We just finished watching the film, though I pre-ordered and have had it for a bit. It just so happens I was feeling in a darker place today, and my wife grabbed it and popped it in. I loved the original, as one who grew up a confused, sometimes crazed, punk n the 80s and into the 90s (I was an adult in the 90s but somethings you just hold onto) I massively identified with so much in SLC Punk. In life with and the death of others, it was all so familiar, a bit like the story of my life, and I know so many others as well. I mean I cried when Bob died, just as teary and snotty as Steveo! I never really expected a sequel. When I heard there was going to be one, I was super excited for it, I had mixed feelings on it. After all, how can you build on such a thing? Well let me just say that it was more than I expected, in so many ways. I saw myself in Ross. Having lost my own father around the same time SLC Punk came out, and not really truly knowing him, it hit home. Walking through life sort of numb, shielded and not letting others in, yes, I identified with that. Being betrayed and shattered when he did, once again I did. Going off into chaos and the unknown, truly trusting his friends and letting them in, once again, I saw something of me. Even him falling for Penny, it was so much like me and my wife. I used to think love was a lie, a thing we deceived ourselves with, just like Ross. It was rather funny, I told my wife, hey it's me and you! Yes the roles were a bit reversed, I was the punk and she was the goth. But exterior aside, inside is where it's at right? Well, dare I ramble on to much, I'll just leave it at this. This was a truly worthy continuance of the story and characters so many of us loved and identified with. In so many ways that I didn't point out, this is a brilliant and moving as well as entertaining film, thank you for your obvious labor of love!
Pretty Good for a sequel.
bittongroup19 February 2017
SLC Punk is a great coming of age movie focused on after college life, through the eyes of modern day rebels. This movie is focused on parenthood punks and high school punks, it does the original movie justice. Cinematography and editing are off different from original, not that classic feel. In any case, really good movie and dialog touches and goes to interesting places. A good sequel for the budget.
Did everyone miss the point?
jenxpaintz10 September 2022
Warning: Spoilers
Found this on Tubi and watched all the way through to the end - for real, I couldn't stop. I may have watched this differently than most reviewers I feel, because the whole film feels like a test and a joke at same time. Like purposefully making 'continuity' mistakes or even calling Sarah by her real name in limo instead of Trish. Maybe done on purpose or subconsciously? Either way I felt anything 'wrong' was adding to a whole other reality existing in the film. It was too many technical flaws - that means director & editor left it in because doing something. Funny how people bashing it for not being Punk were making negative critiques on how the film was made. The existence of the film is punk in of itself. The 3 leads were wonderful in car. I wish we got more depth into Crash but that maybe on purpose as well - too much of enigma to box in. Colson Baker brought out his humor and the energy of a Red Bull layered with innocent observations. 6 years later he's grown tremendously as an actor. He commits hard and it's been paying off. Can't wait to see Taurus!
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