Review of Pump Up the Volume (2001) by Andrew M — 03 Dec 2008

First off let me say that this is one of my favorite films. though it seems like it would hae been a better book. itâ??s not a bad movie in the least but seems like it could have covered more ground in a just purely written form.

This is a movie very much of itâ??s time period. itâ??s a message movie, itâ??s themes are universal even with some fascism thrown in. This is a movie where by some stroke of luck everything came together all the ingredients combined to make the best package. Casting, direction, soundtrack, writing. It is certainly the best movie allan moyle had ever made (I have a hunch it will be the best he is ever going to make though he tried years later with empire records which some liked and even has a cult following).

Christian slater was never better Then in this movie. Samantha Mathis making her debut in this film. What the hell happened to her. She was excellent, sexy, trashy, intelligent, dangerous, rebellious, funny the ultimate artsy/punk rock fantasy girl.

Describing the plot it sounds like the teenage wolfman jack story, a shy student starts a underground radio show. That strikes a chord with teenagers about the alienation they feel and the unfir practices at the local high school as the adults, School faculty and the FCC not only try to find out his identity but also shut him down. But that is only the basics. This film is so much more. Like a rebel punk john Hughes story with an ambiguous but positive ending.

Itâ??s a good movie that I heavily identified with when I was in high School I still partially do.

They certainly donâ??t make them like these anymore. Even though it tries to be a message movie. My Favorite part is when those close to him find out that it is him who is the mysterious DJ the look on there faces says it all. Itâ??s the kind of look Iâ??ve been hunting for my whole life when it comes to myself and my art. Awe, Shock, surprise, proudness, and amazement.