triggerhappyguy Let me start off by saying that this film had a lot of potential. The last 20 minutes of the film was terrific! The end of the film was exciting, tense, and I really rooted for the seemingly misunderstood bunch of misfits. It's a shame, because the rest of the film they annoyed the hell out of me. Don't get me wrong, nearly every character in this film was dislikable - from the aforementioned punks to the neighbourhood folk who have it out for them. The only nice person in the film was the police officer (Don Allen). I'm not saying every film should have a pleasant character in it, but considering the ending of the film, it just made it harder to root for the main characters.I thought this film would be about a group of punks who aren't accepted because they're different... I've been in the same situation myself when I was younger. However, the punks just go around being stealing food from people's houses, spray painting shops, degrading a women at a gig, and just generally being dicks to everyone. As I said, there were other characters in the film that were dislikable, but they were secondary characters. The punks were the main focus throughout, but the film didn't even manage to successfully create lovable anti-heroes out of them.One of the main problems of this film is that it has that Roger Corman stink about it. Sure, it's low budget, but it had some Corman trademarks thrown in there such as: bad day-for-night shots, terrible acting, and painfully long padding scenes. Did we really need 5 full songs being performed in the film? I like all the bands featured, but it just became a chore to sit through... if I wanted to watch a live gig I'd go to a club, or check the Internet. I was surprised the infamous Corman castle didn't make an appearance! Granted, the blame can't be dumped on Corman, seeing as it was Penelope Spheeris in the director's chair. Spheeris is a hit-or-miss director: when she's in the zone, she can create a great film, but this was not one of them. Although her involvement does explain the bad acting, as she knew a lot of kids and bands in the punk scene after making a great documentary about the L.A. music scene. I can understand wanting to use unknowns in a film a film to make it feel authentic, but the acting was painfully bad! The turning point of the film is when the punks lose a friend, and it really hits them hard. They begin to realise they're not infallible. The characters started to feel human... they weren't trying to being tough, or raise hell. They just wanted to mourn a friend, something we can all relate to at some point. Because of their previous actions, and a little sprinkling of prejudice, the punks aren't wanted at the funeral. At this point, it's understandable, as they've been complete tools to everyone. When the punks make one last revolt at the end of the film, it becomes clear what's going to happen. Nevertheless, the ending hits hard. Good stuff.I can't recommend this. If you're interested in the punk movement, there's plenty of better films you could watch. I'd start with the closest link to this film; Spheeris' previous film, The Decline of Western Civilization.

Scott LeBrun Writer & director Penelope Spheeris certainly knows her way around this sort of material, having previously made the landmark documentary "The Decline of Western Civilization". She treats her subjects with sensitivity; while not really condoning their actions, the film does let you know where these kids are coming from: a society that's let them down in one way or another, or which has failed to understand them. This is low key and believable, with some potent and emotional moments and fine performances by the young cast. This is as good an example of "punks on film" as one is apt to see.Spheeris does wonders with her low budget, creating a narrative that's absorbing and entertaining if undeniably disturbing at times. This movie *is* going to lose some viewers early on due to a scene with an infant, but some of those who don't immediately turn it off will find something pretty interesting and visually arresting. The concert performances by punk groups T.S.O.L., The Vandals, and D.I. add to the experience.Young Bill Coyne is front and centre as Evan, a teen who flees his alcoholic, judgemental mother, and hooks up with a pack of punkers who all squat in an abandoned home near an L.A. freeway. It's a filthy, run-down, vermin infested place, but they call it home. An uptight group who dub themselves Citizens Against Crime vow to combat the kids, whom they see as merely a menace to polite society. And things take a real downturn when our protagonists attend a funeral, believing that they have every right to be there.The punks are a fairly colourful bunch, and they include characters such as Razzle (played by future Red Hot Chili Peppers bassist Flea), runaway Sheila (Jennifer Clay), drug addicted Keef (Grant Miner), and charismatic leader Jack (Chris Pedersen). Their stories do keep one watching, even if there are moments that are off-putting. The finale is a real heartbreaker.Overall, this is enjoyable to watch.Eight out of 10.

Meghann Einhorn Yes yes. I was not raised in the 80's but I've always been into the punk scene thanks to not only my uncles but also my brothers. Though it was more like a B rate movie I loved it! The acting wasn't very good but damn it the actors got the point across! It was so accurate as well. I just loved it. I kinda wish they could of got more band to perform for it but I was extremely happy with their choice of bands. (T.S.O.L., D.I., and The Vandals) Especially D.I.! ("Richard Hung Himself" is one of the best songs ever!) This movie is clearly not a movie to watch with family. (Unless they aren't as strict as my own) This is due to the nudity, large amount of cussing and violence in the film. As learned from experience when my parents found it and thus burned all my band shirts, docs, jeans, and denim jacket.

scottcraig70 Wow. Was it 1984 this movie was made? I am getting old. Having live in San Bernardino California and LA Counties during the 80's and 90's as a teen and 20-something; and someone who existed in and around the cast-off, neo-punk and 'Oi!' scenes of the time, I can attest to this being our favorite, and 'most real' look at the trials and successes of the time and scene.I rate this movie high because of the director's realism and poignancy in the presentation. The acting (as it is) remains so convincing that you almost wonder if we are REALLY following around this group of kids and they aren't acting. or are these actors just being, unrehearsed, who they really are.The film is presented as a stark and dark look at runaways and punks. It shows how the family plays the roles too, and is in-your-face with it.If you understand the harsh reality of this film, and realize that this is your voyeuristic, removed opportunity to hang out with the coolest dregs in places most of you would never be admitted to, the film will have images and scenes that will stay with you for the truth they present.Should rent this movie.