Punk may not be dead, but if this rather tepid offering is any indication, it appears to have nodded out. Director Susan Dynner takes pains to remind us that this is “more than just a tribute documentary,” but that's exactly how it starts out, as the first portion of the film recalls the original punk phenomenon of the mid-'70s, when the Sex Pistols and their ilk hurled insults and gobs of sputum from the stage while their fans—weird hair, raggedy-ass clothes, and multiple piercings—moshed themselves into bloody oblivion. The so-called “punk renaissance” of the ‘90s, a time when bands such as Rancid, Bad Religion, the Offspring, and Green Day came to prominence, is also covered, as is the current scene, with “pop punk” purveyors like Good Charlotte and Sum 41 (there are dozens and dozens of groups represented here, from famous to obscure, and in keeping with punk's DIY ethos, many of them contributed their own photos, videos, and such to the project). But how much of this stuff can legitimately be described as “punk” is debatable (Target's sponsorship of the Warped concert tour is a fair indication that its outlaw status is ancient history), and while some of the musical performances convey the energy and madness of the music, the film itself too often takes a side trip to Yawnsville. In the sage words of Captain Sensible, bassist for England's The Damned, punk should be “appalling” and “disgraceful,” so it stands to reason that a documentary about punk should be at least edgy, but even though Punk's Not Dead has its moments, it fails to consistently convey the kind of vibe that would do its subject justice. Still, this title—which includes DVD extras such as interviews and behind-the-scenes footage—should be considered a strong optional purchase. Aud: C, P. (S. Graham)
Punk's Not Dead
(2007) 93 min. DVD: $16.95. Music Video Distributors (avail. from most distributors). Volume 23, Issue 5
Punk's Not Dead
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