Joey Magidson
Green Day is a band that I always forget that I like as much as I do. Watching Nimrods, which is both based on the early days of the rock band as well as inspired by their music, I found myself remembering a ton of songs, and even albums of theirs, that I loved. That’s one of the charms to be found in this film, which is chock full of good music. Plus, the movie ultimately tells a very sweet story, even if it starts out with more of a punk rock spirit. By the end, it’s very much a crowdpleaser.
Nimrods has a bigger heart than you might expect, given the punk trappings. Early on, there’s a grittier vibe, though the heart is never far off. However, by the end of the flick, things have become not just emotional, but downright sweet. That surprising element gives this road trip coming of age story a bit more to offer than you might initially realize.
Teenage punks and Green Day superfans Tommy (Mason Thames), Fred (Kylr Coffman) and Chad (Ryan Foust) have their own band, the Analog Dogs, which no one ever pronounces correctly. Desperate to see the band play a New Year’s show, they’ve been scheming how to get into the concert. Then, it seems like their lucky day, as Tommy receives a call asking his band to open for Green Day. Now, it’s a prank by his older brother Wayne (Keen Ruffalo), but he doesn’t realize this. In short order, they’ve “borrowed” Wayne’s car and are off on a road trip.
It doesn’t take long before Fred accidentally fills the car with diesel fuel, stranding them. As the trio bicker and try to make their way to the concert, their families begin searching for them. They also run into a host of characters, including Olivia (Mckenna Grace), who hits it off with Tommy. When they eventually get to the show, their dreams appear to be crushed, but then again, considering how Green Day is involved with this film, maybe there’s a happy ending to be found?
The trio of guys are enjoyably different personalities. Mason Thames is the punk with a heart of gold, mourning the loss of his father, yet putting on an exterior to suggest that everything is fine. Kylr Coffman is the lovable troublemaker, someone Tommy’s mom (Jenna Fischer) has to ask not to masturbate in her home anymore. Ryan Foust plays the nerd, someone his bandmates chastise for being to prompt, ruining the punk rock vibe. Their chemistry suggests believable friends, while Thames gets to vibe with a spunky McKenna Grace. In addition to an under-used Fischer and the aforementioned Keen Ruffalo, supporting players include Fred Armison, Sean Gunn, and Bobby Lee, as well as Green Day themselves.
Filmmaker Lee Kirk directs a script he co-wrote with Green Day (Billie Joe Armstrong and Mike Dirnt specifically have Story By credits here), managing to make this both a tribute to the band and also a standalone coming of age story. Kirk is able to make the visuals and direction of the movie appear punk, while the story eventually is able to tug at your heartstrings. That this works both as a fictionalized Green Day origin story as well as a tribute to their music is not nothing. Kirk and the band are able to make this feel natural, as opposed to hero worship.
Nimrods sneaks up on you, given how it presents a punk rock exterior, all while containing a soft and gooey interior. It all comes across naturally too, never forced, which is huge. If you love Green Day, you’re likely to get a kick out of this flick. Even if you don’t, the coming of age vibe is very well done, making for an enjoyable time.
SCORE: ★★★
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