CBGB follows the story of Hilly Kristal's New York club from its concept as a venue for Country, Bluegrass and Blues (CBGB) to what it ultimately became: the birthplace of underground rock 'n roll and punk. When Kristal had difficulty booking country bands in his club on the Bowery he opened his doors to other kinds of rock music. Kristal had one demand of the acts he booked; they could only play original music. No top 40's, no covers. It was the credo he lived by, support th... (Full plot summary below)
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CBGB follows the story of Hilly Kristal's New York club from its concept as a venue for Country, Bluegrass and Blues (CBGB) to what it ultimately became: the birthplace of underground rock 'n roll and punk. When Kristal had difficulty booking country bands in his club on the Bowery he opened his doors to other kinds of rock music. Kristal had one demand of the acts he booked; they could only play original music. No top 40's, no covers. It was the credo he lived by, support the artist at whatever the cost. Hilly Kristal ironically became known as the godfather of punk giving a chance to such bands as Blondie, Television, Ramones, Talking Heads, Dead Boys and The Police.
Leave your thoughts about CBGB.
| Blu-ray.comBrian OrndorfUnenlightening and overworked, the effort turns the raw energy of a movement into a Saturday morning cartoon, counting on a soundtrack of classics to carry the viewing experience. |
| ColeSmithey.comCole Smithey[VIDEO ESSAY] If you're a punk fan then you're - at best - on the dark side of your '40s. Nonetheless, you will be drawn to see "CBGB" for yourself regardless of how disappointed you will be. |
| Easy Reader (California)Neely SwansonThere's a lot of information presented in the film; I only wish that it had been more engaging as it should have been. |
| Shockya.comBrent SimonYet another film from Miller, starring Rickman, with an engaging protagonist and an interesting backdrop or pitch, but little sense of psychological depth. |
| Assignment XAbbie BernsteinIt's fun, affectionate and certainly tuneful, but it doesn't get under anyone's skin. |
| Lagniappe (Mobile, AL)Asia FreyFrom the viewpoint of sheer nostalgia, "CBGB" is fun to watch. On the other hand, it's a little like going to a Halloween party, where you can compare the relative success of your friend's rock star costumes. |
| The Film StageForrest CardamenisWith nonexistent character depth, abysmal storytelling, and an aesthetic gimmick that hurts the film far more than it helps, all CBGB only benefits from a killer soundtrack. |
| The PlaylistCharlie SchmidlinDirector Randall Miller (“Bottle Shock”) could do worse than render the early-'70s punk scene as breezy broad comedy. He adopts that tactic and still falters though, deflating any energy or humor possible with his limp direction, sitcom consistency, and unfocused tone. |
| Salon.comAndrew O'HehirCBGB has more of the original prankish punk spirit than it even recognizes. |
| MetroMatt PriggeIt's '24 Hour Party People' without the wit and definitely without the love of the music it pretends to lionize. |
