24 HOUR PARTY PEOPLE:”YOUR BEST BUDDY ON A FREE WEEKEND NIGHT, WITH A FEW GLASSES OF FUN”

It is perfectly bizarre, yet relatively grounded in truth. That’s common, of course. This movie is introspective, musical and sneaky hysterical. Most of the sneaky hysterical comes from Steve Coogan, who is absolutely phenomenal as Tony Wilson, British music industry entrepreneur from the mid 1970's through the early 1990's, and he is sort of a cult-ish legendary figure... if you care about the origins of some of the earth's legit entertainment culture. The film has actual live performance material that pops in on the film footage in addition to suitable historical references and cameos. I guess you would describe this as a comedic biopic that cleverly mashes together the panache and humor of both Monty Python and Guy Ritchie.

The film takes place from 1976 to 1992. Even though released in 2002, the independent production attitude authentically screams the appropriate time frame. It takes us through the earliest days of punk and post punk including the Sex Pistols, Iggy Pop, Buzzcocks, The Jam, Siouxsie and the Banshees, and The Stranglers, but eventually centers in on Joy Division.

We are navigated through Tony Wilson's regional music televsion show in Manchester called "So It Goes"... Leading to his partnership in a nightclub starting up live band "Factory Nights" ... Soon after, creating the renowned Factory Records... Tony signs Joy Division to his record label... After initial success, bad things eventually happen... Then comes New Order on Factory Records... Next the infamous Hacienda (club) in Manchester... Followed by the Happy Mondays, Madchester groovy psychedelic rock scene, rave culture, ecstasy culture and gun culture... Later coming to an end, for you to watch.

My belief is that this film would be your best buddy on a free weekend night, with a few glasses of fun. It worked for me... that time.