We Jam Econo: The Story of the Minutemen (2005)

88% of critics liked it
(17 reviews)
93% of users liked it
(824 ratings)

Formed by two childhood friends from San Pedro, CA, D. Boon and Mike Watt, the Minutemen were at once one of the key bands in the Southern California hardcore punk scene of the '80s and a group who flew in the face of all rules, including those of punk rock. Named in part because their early songs… More Formed by two childhood friends from San Pedro, CA, D. Boon and Mike Watt, the Minutemen were at once one of the key bands in the Southern California hardcore punk scene of the '80s and a group who flew in the face of all rules, including those of punk rock. Named in part because their early songs usually lasted 60 seconds or less, the Minutemen were a band who stripped their music down to the bone -- short songs with minimal solos and wiry structures -- but at the same time found ways to integrate elements of funk, jazz, and world music into their bubbling aural bouillabaisse. Despite the stark frameworks of their music, no one could argue that the Minutemen couldn't play -- bassist Watt and drummer George Hurley were one of the most potent rhythm sections in underground music, and Boon's guitar work marked the place where Jimi Hendrix and Captain Beefheart's influences met. While many punk bands bellowed harsh political rants, the Minutemen offered pithy but intelligent discourse on the world around them, focusing on how larger issues impacted ordinary folks in a way few people in rock ever managed. And the Minutemen's "econo" philosophy took D.I.Y. to a new level, as they set out to show by example how even the most cash-strapped musicians could bring their music to the people. (Their best album, Double Nickels on the Dime, was a two-record set recorded for less than 2,000 dollars.) The band were critical favorites on the cusp of a new level of popularity following a tour opening for R.E.M. when their career was stopped in its tracks by the tragic death of Boon in a car wreck in late 1985. We Jam Econo: The Story of the Minutemen is a documentary which tells the full story of this unusual and influential group, featuring performance footage of the Minutemen on stage, extensive interviews with Watt and Hurley, and contributions from friends and family members. Interview subjects include Thurston Moore, Ian MacKaye, Flea, Henry Rollins, Keith Morris, Greg Ginn, and many more. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi

Rating, Runtime: Unrated, 1 hr. 30 min.
Directed By: Tim Irwin
Genres: Musical & Performing Arts, Documentary

In Theaters: Feb 25, 2005 Limited
On DVD: Jun 27, 2006
Studio: Rocket Fuel Films

Critic Reviews

Elizabeth Weitzman, New York Daily News
This is an insider's tour -- the uninitiated are, frankly, not likely to be converted.
Ned Martel, New York Times
The spiky documentary in their honor keeps alive the echoes of their slapdash, Smithsonian-worthy sound.
Mikael Wood, Village Voice
It's refreshing to see a doc in which the biggest boldfaced name is Flea, who gushes over Watt and Boon's reluctance to tune their instruments.
James Parker, Boston Globe
The filmmakers have assembled a remarkable cast of voices, including Henry Rollins, Flea, Ian MacKaye, Thurston Moore, Richard Hell, J Mascis, critic Richard Meltzer, and Watt's mom.
Jeffrey M. Anderson, Combustible Celluloid
One of last year's finest documentaries, and one of the greatest rock movies I've ever seen.
Mark Athitakis, Filmcritic.com
a spirited tribute
MaryAnn Johanson, Flick Filosopher
For the initiated, though: revel in the reminiscences of Minutemen Mike Watt and George Hurley of that brief period in the early 80s when the band astonished fans of underground music.
Tom Dawson, BBC
We Jam Econo is a must for the trio's fans, although non-aficionados of the group's cacophonous music may be puzzled by all the on-screen accolades showered on the band.
Matthew Smith, Film Journal International
Largely conventional documentary lovingly portrays the brief life of '80s California band The Minutemen.
Noel Murray, AV Club
For people who are Minutemen fans and movie buffs, We Jam Econo is kind of a mixed blessing.
Chris Hewitt (St. Paul), St. Paul Pioneer Press
This footage nicely captures the punky energy of the band's early performances, but the homemade approach doesn't work so well in contemporary footage with band member Mike Watt.
Ken Fox, TV Guide's Movie Guide
Tim Irwin's entertaining documentary is packed with great, no-fi footage from the band's glory days.
Jason Ferguson, Orlando Weekly
Even now, there's no group out there like The Minutemen.
Jeff Shannon, Seattle Times
The Minutemen were influential then and now, and We Jam Econo is a valentine to the band and D. Boon's memory. They're immortal now, and that's as it should be.

Read all 14 critic reviews

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Featured Audience Ratings

Burger S

Really good documentary, even if you are not into their music. A lot of great interviews with interesting people.
matt s

Sometimes sad, but always entertaining look at one of the founding fathers of alternative rock/ punk music. My favorite parts are watching the muscular, body-builder-like George Hurley wail on the drums with this unicorn hair-do.