Review of What We Do Is Secret (2007) by Josh P — 31 Dec 2008

I have an open mind when it comes to "campy" rock-n-roll films, but this thing is an atrocity. If you want to see the 90210-isation of punk rock, here's your movie. The look of disgust didn't leave my face though out the entire 1:35 of time that was lost to the feeling of watching a cover band playing entire Germs songs.

The stylist completely missed the era by allowing current hair care products, apparel and accessories onto the set. Bijou Phillips (wig???) was retarded, as was "Darby's" brick that he wore on his head. Smear's hair was completely ignored as it went from short to long to short. If there's no budget, it would be easy to reproduce the home-made gear that the actual scene was wearing back then, sheesh! The continuity was ignored though out and the game of "find the mistakes" ensued. Was there such a thing as a $5.50 cent burger at Oki Dog in the late 70's/early 80's???

None of the scenes came though with passion or the gusto that the many artists of the era had, and there are frequent holes in the plot. The fast-forward button became quite handy as the homages to one of LA's finest became so drab - it was unbearable. There's nothing gritty about "What We Do is Secret" - and I wish that this film was kept a secret from my eye balls. I want this hour and a half of my life returned, please.

If you're still curious about the Germs and Darby Crash, read Lexicon Devil or watch a real documentary like Penelope Spheeris' "The Decline of Western Civilization.".