Review of London Town (2017) by Rose R — 19 Jan 2017

Whenever fifteen year old awkward teen Shay is introduced, the reply is always "Guevara?" It's a good-bad line, much like the herky-jerky nature of this well-meaning movie.

"London Town" is a coming of age story amidst the explosive background that was England in the late seventies, set to the music and vitriol spirit of The Clash. Caught in a private maelstrom of his own - thrust into parenting his little sister, and keeping the family piano business afloat - Shay is swept up into intoxicating big city punk life courtesy of a bubblegum snapping lass. Ah, puppy punk love.

Rather quickly and surprisingly often, Shay is running into lead singer and political spokesman of a snotty generation, Joe Strummer, and gets immersed in the London scene. It's a dream - nightmare scenario, filled with exciting adventures and lower-class struggles. In short: perfect movie fodder.

"London Town" almost pulls it off, but relies a bit too much on The Clash angle instead of focusing on the family. Still it has plenty of charm, and the music of course, is spectacular.