Review of 24 Hour Party People (2002) by J D — 20 Jan 2008

Great look at the Manchester music scene from '76 to around '97. Steve Coogan really makes or breaks this one as he's our narrator and main character, guiding us through his life as Tony as he discovers punk and new wave at its inception.

And he makes the movie. Tony has a huge ego, definitely, but he's intelligent, funny, and you can't help but like him. Having him narrate his own life is a great conceit and defines Tony as well, both an active participant of the events of the film and a sharp observer as well.

Andy Serkis is the other stand-out performance, nearly unrecognizeable by the time of his bloated, mad death. Great film with great music.