SLC Punk (1998)

Featured Audience Ratings

• Dan S

  
  A furiously paced, unabashed, raw story of two best friends (Matthew Lillard, Michael Goorjian) who choose not to conform to the boring, conservative lifestyle that inhabits their hometown of Salt Lake City, instead opting for a life of punk-filled adventures and acts of violence… More
  A furiously paced, unabashed, raw story of two best friends (Matthew Lillard, Michael Goorjian) who choose not to conform to the boring, conservative lifestyle that inhabits their hometown of Salt Lake City, instead opting for a life of punk-filled adventures and acts of violence against the system. DIrector/writer James Merendino's screenplay is loaded with vicious assaults against the norms of society, and he backs it up considerably well with "Fight Club"-esque cutaways full of such enthusiasm from his lead star. Lillard's energy and infectious spirit is completely believable and a breath of fresh air, as he fully takes this movie upon his shoulders and makes it his own, which is surprising when you consider how far he has flown under the radar ever since the release of this film. Although it has some occasional terrible acting (mostly from supporting characters) and it does not utilize its location as well as it could have, it still remains a minor-"Fight Club" entry that has some interesting ideas and some devilish humor thrown in for good measure that keeps it clicking effortlessly.

• Jay H

  
  The film is an anthem to punks, to hipsters, to all young rebels, and ultimately concludes that it's not a lifestyle, but merely a naïve phase. But does writer/director Merendino look to extol the demerits of youthful rebellion? Hardly. "SLC Punk!", more than anything,… More
  The film is an anthem to punks, to hipsters, to all young rebels, and ultimately concludes that it's not a lifestyle, but merely a naïve phase. But does writer/director Merendino look to extol the demerits of youthful rebellion? Hardly. "SLC Punk!", more than anything, is a coming-of-age film, and Matthew Lillard's portrayal of his interesting character is quite good. For all the hype and emphasis the film puts on its conservative setting, Salt Lake City, though, there's virtually no local flair about the film. Oh well. It's not an easy film to put into words, but it sure is fun to watch.

• KJ P

  
  Finally, a punk film that doesn't only just have the old sex & drugs representation, but a wide variety of what life can be like, depending on your crowd. As Stevo (Matthew Lillard), a hidden brain who has been accepted to Harvard law school, spends all his time forcing… More
  Finally, a punk film that doesn't only just have the old sex & drugs representation, but a wide variety of what life can be like, depending on your crowd. As Stevo (Matthew Lillard), a hidden brain who has been accepted to Harvard law school, spends all his time forcing himself to stay out of school while he and his punk friends screw around with their town and it's people as his family and friends all have their own problems as time passes by. "SLC Punk" forcefully proves that punks are bad news, but I thoroughly appreciated the realism of their feelings behind the scenes as they direct their emotions towards the camera. I do think they could have added a bit more character development, but overall this movie is just a great time, that surprisingly pulled on my heart-strings. This film is great!

• Melvin W

  
  Heroin Bob: Well, it's a crazy fucked up world and we're all just floating along waiting for someone who can walk on water, man.  I've heard from true punks that this movie is just a stereotype and that it is offensive to real punks. Well, that may be the case, but… More
  Heroin Bob: Well, it's a crazy fucked up world and we're all just floating along waiting for someone who can walk on water, man.  I've heard from true punks that this movie is just a stereotype and that it is offensive to real punks. Well, that may be the case, but I'm not a punk; so I don't really care. I like SLC Punk because of it's chaos loving characters, no matter how stereotypical they are. The movie isn't a masterpiece, but I believe it to be a really good movie, that is funny for the duration; that is until it drops an emotional bomb on us at the end. The main character Steveo played by Matthew Lillard is a punk. A true punk, not some poser who says stuff like, "Anarchy in the U.K." He's a smart guy that thinks the only way to bring as much chaos as possible to the world, is by not using his education. His dad wants him to go to Harvard and become a lawyer like himself, but that's just not punk. Steveo's best friend, Heroin Bob, played by Michael A. Goorjian is a fellow anarchist. Contrary to what his name suggests, Bob doesn't do drugs. He's called Heroin Bob because of his fear of needles. Bob is the most complex character in the movie and probably my favorite. My second favorite character in the movie is Mike, played by Jason Segal, pre How I Met Your Mother. Segal is one of my favorite actors to watch. He's not the most talented, but he's funny and he never over acts like a lot of other comedic actors. Mike looks like a nerd, but he'll beat the shit out of anybody for any reason. Steveo says he's one of the most hardcore punks of the scene and it shows. The story really has no clear direction for nearly the entire movie. This makes sense because it is a movie about punks who really have no direction in life. So why would the story about them have a direction. The ending is ironic for both Steveo and Heroin Bob.  SLC Punk is a cool little movie about punks. Is it accurate? I don't know, you'll have to ask a true punk. Is it a good movie? In my eyes, yes, it's a great movie.

• jd c

  
  Fu*king hilarious. Deep and emotional. Other than "Scream", this is Matthew Lillard's best performance. "Two punks live in Salt Lake City. The film covers their all-day routine. The realism of the character-narrated movie may be discussed. One of the punks gets… More
  Fu*king hilarious. Deep and emotional. Other than "Scream", this is Matthew Lillard's best performance. "Two punks live in Salt Lake City. The film covers their all-day routine. The realism of the character-narrated movie may be discussed. One of the punks gets ill, stays in hospital for three weeks, comes out again. Three parties are covered and one concert including a fight between punks, rednecks and others." Matthew Lillard plays the punk Stevo. It's a character I'm sure in many ways we might relate to. He's filled with anger and rage, and has quite the story to tell here(one in which he narrates). His best friend Bob has a drug problem, and loves to drink. Bob, as well, is angry with society. Hell, all of Stevo's friends are angry. But all these characters are likeable, they're funny, and they shine. Every performance here is solid. The direction and editing are well executed, and this movie even has a great soundtrack. The ending is where it gets most emotional. What a powerful and moving ending! It's depressing, but it has a message, one that helps Stevo open his eyes. Maybe without such a tragic event he would have never changed(although we do see some signs of regret throughout the movie). Everything Stevo has to say absorbs in us, it lingers, and it always makes us think. His performance is ferocious, it's like a speeding train that's about to collide, it's forceful, fast and vigorous. He's full of rage, but never becomes a hateful character. It's one that we study, take in and learn from, and grow to love. All the characters are also downright hilarious. This movie had me cracking up. It's good to have a movie with such a deep outlook, and a great sense of humor at the same time. SLC Punk sure knows how to have fun with all of it's characters. The biggest highlight for me, in terms of comedy, would be when Sean(played by Devon Sawa) goes in for a brief, but outrageous, job interview. I remember first seeing this, and after watching that specific scene, I couldn't breath from laughter. He has "FU" scribbled on his jacket and he's screaming at the poor lady who's in retail. Fu*king priceless moment! Another funny character would be Mark, the crazy, psychopathic(so it seems), gun swinging, and always misunderstood foreign guy. What a laugh riot! Funniest scene with Mark is when he's talking to Stevo about his new water bed... Mark: This one is a water bed. But it's not a normal water bed, because a normal one goes like this. Lots of waves. Funny thing is, this one doesn't have any waves. Stevo: Well, why didn't you just buy a normal mattress...that doesn't have waves? Mark: (thinks for a moment)...This one doesn't have waves. That was another scene that had me cracking up, even days after I've seen this movie. I'd just be sitting there with someone, and I'd remember that scene, and just start laughing. No one of course at the time knew what the hell I was laughing at, and all I could tell them was, "Just go see that movie!" That specific scene reminded me much of the same scene that was in "This is Spinal Tap". And for those who have seen it know exactly what I'm talking about. The part in This is Spinal Tap when Nigel says "These go to eleven." It's just so stupid to see people when their not actually paying attention, and give you the dumbest, but most subtle response to your question. It's hilarious to me. All the characters are great and there's just so many funny moments. But it's always true and honest, with the conception and form, of each character's passion to rebel. At least there's something to be said with SLC Punk, something that's worth taking into consideration. It hardly falls flat, and it's always smart and entertaining. A fast, fun, and furious ride down the path of some young mischievous punkers. I highly recommend SLC Punk! <img src="http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/mm89/JDHallowEEn/SLCPunk.gif"> "*** When people adopt a fearful and aggressive personal style, we forget that somewhere inside, hidden by the punk look, the haircuts, the body piercing, the chains, the tattoos or the gang regalia, is a person who basically just wants to be loved and understood. Telling the world to go to hell is often the response of people who believe the world has told them to go to hell. James Merendino's ``SLC Punk!'' knows that, and the essential sweetness of its hero is what makes the movie more than just an attempt to shock." - Roger Ebert

• Daniel J D

  
  I'm sure it would've helped if I were a punk, a teenager, or some combination thereof. That said, it had to be pretty decent to garner 3½ stars from me.

• Chris W

  
  This is a well-made look at the American punk culture of the 80's, and I really loved the documentary-style shooting and GoodFellas-esque narration. The music is classic, and the performances are amazing, especially Matthew Lillard's). The only real complaint (though it… More
  This is a well-made look at the American punk culture of the 80's, and I really loved the documentary-style shooting and GoodFellas-esque narration. The music is classic, and the performances are amazing, especially Matthew Lillard's). The only real complaint (though it doesn't apply to me) is that this film is not for everyone, although it could be if approached with an open-mind.

• Ken S

  
  Great look at punks in Salt Lake City in the 80's. Stand out performance by Matthew Lillard

• Jason S

  
  A weird little movie with a great line. "I didn't sell out son... I bought in."

• Wildaly M

  
  A grand movie I should call it and the ending was quite surprising but absolutely a perfect way to end it.

• Bannan i

  
  So after not being able to see the full thing, I was finally able to and was completely delighted by the entire movie. It not only gives one an inside look into the whole Punk Generation, but it also lends some perspective as to how one would view the entire topic. Sometimes, even… More
  So after not being able to see the full thing, I was finally able to and was completely delighted by the entire movie. It not only gives one an inside look into the whole Punk Generation, but it also lends some perspective as to how one would view the entire topic. Sometimes, even punks need to grow up. Fantastic film, peppered with humour, sarcasm and wit.

• Michael G

  
  Would've been better without Matthew Lillard.

• James A

  
  You see, Matthew Lillard can't act! Punk has been dead for a very long time now and should stay there! This is just a movie based on idiots and fashion! Take that Travena!!!!

• Erin C

  
  This movie had some entertaining parts, but I was pretty bored for the most part. It seemed a lot longer than it really was. Lillard was more annoying than usual, and it became a little irritating at times.

• Lee K

  
  i like matthew lillard and wish i could see more from him in the future i stumbled upon this flick on i.f.c and thought it was pretty cool

• Leo L

  
  Hilarious film! Favorite scene: the coming of '666' as seen in the convenience store.

• Jay R

  
  Pretty good movie... Fun... Definitely a coming of age story... has its moments and i actually like the ending... good stuff...

• Kevin M

  
  Beware the dangers of LSD. It's like cyanide for your brain. Maybe you won't listen to me, so instead look for Devon Sawa's character. Getting stuck in a rebellious phase (punk/thug/hoodrat/skid) is only temporary, unless you fuck up your future and remain at that… More
  Beware the dangers of LSD. It's like cyanide for your brain. Maybe you won't listen to me, so instead look for Devon Sawa's character. Getting stuck in a rebellious phase (punk/thug/hoodrat/skid) is only temporary, unless you fuck up your future and remain at that low level forever.

• Anthony V

  
  My teens on display.

• nathometer

  
  An interesting look at a different lifestyle and how they change.

Read all 20 featured audience ratings