Review of End of the Century: The Story of the Ramones (2003) by Dustin G — 20 Feb 2010

Awesome, definitive word on the band that, along with the amazing Clash and shitty Sex Pistols, invented punk rock as the world knows it. Makes some interesting claims that they were the first ones on the scene and that The Clash were just copying them. Fighting words if I ever heard 'em. Though the film does feature lots of interview time with Joe Strummer talking about how great and influential they were.

This doc is definitive though, not for the copious amount of music stars who share their love for the group, but because it traces and covers pretty much every aspect of the band's career from before the beginning to after the end. And doesn't shy away from the nitty gritty either. Like Dee Dee's outrageously embarrassing attempt as a rapper or one particularly interesting revelation that Joey and Johnny Ramone hated each other and didn't talk to one another for over 15 years. Crazy.

Also includes some performances, music video clips and footage of the bands induction into the rock and roll hall of fame, two months before Dee Dee Ramone died of a heroin overdose and two months after Joey Ramone died of cancer.

It's not a flashy movie, not a lot of visual flourishes which makes the delivery a little flat at times, but it's the best Ramones flick out there, entertaining for the info and footage it provides and a fine and important bio altogether.