The whole family caught this fine film via Netflix last night, finding it quite entertaining. Just like the year 1979 in which it takes place, the story is more earnest, innocent and romantic than most fiction you’ll encounter these days. Esthetically, the film produces warm feelings with it’s remembrances of vivid color and Clash songs you can sing along to. The plot moves along without lingering on useless atmosphere. The protagonist is a likeable kid who faces challenges, conquers them and grows as a result.
You’ll find nonsense criticism of this movie that complains about it being unrealistic, which misses the point as much as complaining that Van Gogh’s paintings are blurry. It’s romantic. It features Joe Strummer the mythical hero. It presents a vision of things how they ought to be. It has something profound to say about being 15, about transforming into an adult.