A lot of people don’t know this about me, but I used to be in a band. I was like 13; we put on one show and broke up immediately after, but there’s something sweet about that memory I still hold onto. There’s a special joy about making music together, and being on stage is an unmatched high that I still remember (and can’t help but miss). Nimrods, ultimately, is about that feeling.
Nimrods is a passion project by director Lee Kirk, who co-wrote the story for the film with Green Day. It follows Tommy and his band Anal OG Dogs (pronounced Analog Dogs, though this leads to a repeating gag) as they travel to Los Angeles to open for Green Day on New Year’s Eve, or so they believe. This film is at its heart a love letter to 2000s-era punk, and tackles the classic road trip coming-of-age formula in a way that doesn’t feel dated. Despite a slick, very modern-looking production, it doesn’t clash with the movie’s vibe.
The cast does a great job, with star Mason Thames as the film’s obvious standout. It’s been a bit since The Black Phone and he’s definitely shown he can hold his own as a lead. The cast is filled with some great character actors, and even some big names like Jenna Fischer and McKenna Grace. Though the script sounds a little awkward at times, mostly the performances carry this one through.
This movie’s strength though is in the music, and it’s just excellent. Anal OG Dogs aren’t incredible musicians, but it just makes them feel real. They sound like an actual teenage band would sound – together, fun and unpolished. Green Day’s music is obviously the standout, and man, it just works. By the time the film reaches the final New Year’s Eve concert, I was grinning ear to ear. It’s one thing for a movie to have a killer soundtrack, but it’s another thing entirely to incorporate the music in a way that makes you feel something and this film does both.
I think my main regret is that more folks won’t see this movie. It’s coming into theaters against some real juggernauts (like The Odyssey and the new Spider-Man), but I really think folks should give this one a watch too. It’s brimming with nostalgia in a way that makes you want to go pursue your dreams, and pull out your old CDs. I’ve got my copy of American Idiot playing right now and after watching, you will too.
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