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Matthew Lillard, Michael A. Goorjian, Annabeth Gish, Jennifer Lien, Christopher McDonald ... see more see more... , Devon Sawa , Jason Segel , Summer Phoenix , James Duval , Til Schweiger , Adam Pascal , Chiara Barzini , Kevin Breznahan

What's it like being the only punk rockers in the biggest Mormon community in the world? Stevo (Matthew Lillard) and Heroin Bob (Michael Goorjian) provide the answer to this and other questions in SLC... read more read more... Punk. Stevo and Bob (whose name is actually an ironic reference to his fear of needles) are two friends fresh out of college who sport mohawks and blue hair, listen to hardcore and try to live up to their own anarchist ideals while figuring out what to do with their lives. Which wouldn't make them unusual in New York or Los Angeles, but they're fish out of water in Salt Lake City, Utah, where they drink beer, chase women and pick fights with "rednecks" along side a mixed bag of metalheads, hippies, hicks and posers who are fellow outcasts in the most clean-cut community in America. In the midst of all this, Stevo's dad hopes his son will follow in his footsteps and study law at Harvard; while Stevo surprisingly has the grades, he's not sure if he wants to go. Featuring a soundtrack of mid-80's punk from The Ramones, Minor Threat, The Dead Kennedys and others, SLC Punk was chosen as the opening-night feature at the 1999 Sundance Film Festival. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi

Flixster Users

88% liked it

47,829 ratings

Critics

63% liked it

32 critics

R, 1 hr. 37 min.

Directed by: James Merendino

Release Date: June 1, 1998

Keywords: punk

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DVD Release Date: October 19, 1999

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Stats: 3,450 reviews

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Flixster Reviews (3,450)

  • fb619846742
    February 16, 2012
    fb619846742
    A furiously paced, unabashed, raw story of two best friends (Matthew Lillard, Michael Goorjian) who choose not to conform to the boring, conservative lifestyle that inhabits their hometown of Salt Lake City, instead opting for a life of punk-filled adventures and acts of violence... read more against the system. DIrector/writer James Merendino's screenplay is loaded with vicious assaults against the norms of society, and he backs it up considerably well with "Fight Club"-esque cutaways full of such enthusiasm from his lead star. Lillard's energy and infectious spirit is completely believable and a breath of fresh air, as he fully takes this movie upon his shoulders and makes it his own, which is surprising when you consider how far he has flown under the radar ever since the release of this film. Although it has some occasional terrible acting (mostly from supporting characters) and it does not utilize its location as well as it could have, it still remains a minor-"Fight Club" entry that has some interesting ideas and some devilish humor thrown in for good measure that keeps it clicking effortlessly.
  • rjayhutchinson
    December 25, 2011
    rjayhutchinson
    The film is an anthem to punks, to hipsters, to all young rebels, and ultimately concludes that it's not a lifestyle, but merely a naïve phase. But does writer/director Merendino look to extol the demerits of youthful rebellion? Hardly. "SLC Punk!", more than anything, is a comin... read moreg-of-age film, and Matthew Lillard's portrayal of his interesting character is quite good. For all the hype and emphasis the film puts on its conservative setting, Salt Lake City, though, there's virtually no local flair about the film. Oh well. It's not an easy film to put into words, but it sure is fun to watch.
  • fb733768972
    October 8, 2011
    fb733768972
    Finally, a punk film that doesn't only just have the old sex & drugs representation, but a wide variety of what life can be like, depending on your crowd. As Stevo (Matthew Lillard), a hidden brain who has been accepted to Harvard law school, spends all his time forcing himself t... read moreo stay out of school while he and his punk friends screw around with their town and it's people as his family and friends all have their own problems as time passes by. "SLC Punk" forcefully proves that punks are bad news, but I thoroughly appreciated the realism of their feelings behind the scenes as they direct their emotions towards the camera. I do think they could have added a bit more character development, but overall this movie is just a great time, that surprisingly pulled on my heart-strings. This film is great!
  • blkbomb
    July 25, 2011
    blkbomb
    Heroin Bob: Well, it's a crazy fucked up world and we're all just floating along waiting for someone who can walk on water, man. 

    I've heard from true punks that this movie is just a stereotype and that it is offensive to real punks. Well, that may be the case, but I'm not a pun... read morek; so I don't really care. I like SLC Punk because of it's chaos loving characters, no matter how stereotypical they are. The movie isn't a masterpiece, but I believe it to be a really good movie, that is funny for the duration; that is until it drops an emotional bomb on us at the end.

    The main character Steveo played by Matthew Lillard is a punk. A true punk, not some poser who says stuff like, "Anarchy in the U.K." He's a smart guy that thinks the only way to bring as much chaos as possible to the world, is by not using his education. His dad wants him to go to Harvard and become a lawyer like himself, but that's just not punk. Steveo's best friend, Heroin Bob, played by Michael A. Goorjian is a fellow anarchist. Contrary to what his name suggests, Bob doesn't do drugs. He's called Heroin Bob because of his fear of needles. Bob is the most complex character in the movie and probably my favorite. My second favorite character in the movie is Mike, played by Jason Segal, pre How I Met Your Mother. Segal is one of my favorite actors to watch. He's not the most talented, but he's funny and he never over acts like a lot of other comedic actors. Mike looks like a nerd, but he'll beat the shit out of anybody for any reason. Steveo says he's one of the most hardcore punks of the scene and it shows. The story really has no clear direction for nearly the entire movie. This makes sense because it is a movie about punks who really have no direction in life. So why would the story about them have a direction. The ending is ironic for both Steveo and Heroin Bob. 

    SLC Punk is a cool little movie about punks. Is it accurate? I don't know, you'll have to ask a true punk. Is it a good movie? In my eyes, yes, it's a great movie.
  • creepfreak
    December 21, 2008
    creepfreak
    Fu*king hilarious. Deep and emotional. Other than "Scream", this is Matthew Lillard's best performance.

    "Two punks live in Salt Lake City. The film covers their all-day routine. The realism of the character-narrated movie may be discussed. One of the punks gets ill, stays in h... read moreospital for three weeks, comes out again. Three parties are covered and one concert including a fight between punks, rednecks and others."

    Matthew Lillard plays the punk Stevo. It's a character I'm sure in many ways we might relate to. He's filled with anger and rage, and has quite the story to tell here(one in which he narrates). His best friend Bob has a drug problem, and loves to drink. Bob, as well, is angry with society. Hell, all of Stevo's friends are angry. But all these characters are likeable, they're funny, and they shine. Every performance here is solid. The direction and editing are well executed, and this movie even has a great soundtrack.

    The ending is where it gets most emotional. What a powerful and moving ending! It's depressing, but it has a message, one that helps Stevo open his eyes. Maybe without such a tragic event he would have never changed(although we do see some signs of regret throughout the movie). Everything Stevo has to say absorbs in us, it lingers, and it always makes us think. His performance is ferocious, it's like a speeding train that's about to collide, it's forceful, fast and vigorous. He's full of rage, but never becomes a hateful character. It's one that we study, take in and learn from, and grow to love.

    All the characters are also downright hilarious. This movie had me cracking up. It's good to have a movie with such a deep outlook, and a great sense of humor at the same time. SLC Punk sure knows how to have fun with all of it's characters. The biggest highlight for me, in terms of comedy, would be when Sean(played by Devon Sawa) goes in for a brief, but outrageous, job interview. I remember first seeing this, and after watching that specific scene, I couldn't breath from laughter. He has "FU" scribbled on his jacket and he's screaming at the poor lady who's in retail. Fu*king priceless moment! Another funny character would be Mark, the crazy, psychopathic(so it seems), gun swinging, and always misunderstood foreign guy. What a laugh riot!

    Funniest scene with Mark is when he's talking to Stevo about his new water bed...

    Mark: This one is a water bed. But it's not a normal water bed, because a normal one goes like this. Lots of waves. Funny thing is, this one doesn't have any waves.

    Stevo: Well, why didn't you just buy a normal mattress...that doesn't have waves?

    Mark: (thinks for a moment)...This one doesn't have waves.


    That was another scene that had me cracking up, even days after I've seen this movie. I'd just be sitting there with someone, and I'd remember that scene, and just start laughing. No one of course at the time knew what the hell I was laughing at, and all I could tell them was, "Just go see that movie!" That specific scene reminded me much of the same scene that was in "This is Spinal Tap". And for those who have seen it know exactly what I'm talking about. The part in This is Spinal Tap when Nigel says "These go to eleven." It's just so stupid to see people when their not actually paying attention, and give you the dumbest, but most subtle response to your question. It's hilarious to me.

    All the characters are great and there's just so many funny moments. But it's always true and honest, with the conception and form, of each character's passion to rebel. At least there's something to be said with SLC Punk, something that's worth taking into consideration. It hardly falls flat, and it's always smart and entertaining. A fast, fun, and furious ride down the path of some young mischievous punkers. I highly recommend SLC Punk!




    "*** When people adopt a fearful and aggressive personal style, we forget that somewhere inside, hidden by the punk look, the haircuts, the body piercing, the chains, the tattoos or the gang regalia, is a person who basically just wants to be loved and understood. Telling the world to go to hell is often the response of people who believe the world has told them to go to hell. James Merendino's ``SLC Punk!'' knows that, and the essential sweetness of its hero is what makes the movie more than just an attempt to shock."
    - Roger Ebert
  • djdemersseman
    November 8, 2008
    djdemersseman
    I'm sure it would've helped if I were a punk, a teenager, or some combination thereof. That said, it had to be pretty decent to garner 3½ stars from me.
  • cosmo313
    October 7, 2008
    cosmo313
    This is a well-made look at the American punk culture of the 80's, and I really loved the documentary-style shooting and GoodFellas-esque narration. The music is classic, and the performances are amazing, especially Matthew Lillard's). The only real complaint (though it doesn't a... read morepply to me) is that this film is not for everyone, although it could be if approached with an open-mind.
  • kenstachnik
    March 27, 2008
    kenstachnik
    Great look at punks in Salt Lake City in the 80's. Stand out performance by Matthew Lillard
  • superclerk25
    August 2, 2007
    superclerk25
    A weird little movie with a great line. "I didn't sell out son... I bought in."
  • wildaly14
    May 21, 2007
    wildaly14
    A grand movie I should call it and the ending was quite surprising but absolutely a perfect way to end it.

View All SLC Punk Reviews

Critic Reviews

Jeffrey M. Anderson
May 26, 2006
Jeffrey M. Anderson, Combustible Celluloid

Funny. SLC Punk! got to me. Full Review

Philip Martin
January 29, 2005
Philip Martin, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette

...one of those movies that's a lot more fun to watch than it is to think (or write) about Full Review

Audrey Rock-Richardson
August 27, 2004
Audrey Rock-Richardson, Tooele Transcript-Bulletin (Utah)

A bitter, boring mess with no worthwhile message

Andrea Chase
May 4, 2003
Andrea Chase, Killer Movie Reviews

The script's deficiencies are balance by a surprisingly mature performance by Lillard, who is obviously capable of better roles than he's been offered.

Brian Mckay
March 19, 2003
Brian Mckay, eFilmCritic.com

There's nothing about the "SLC" in SLC PUNK that makes it stand out. The tale could have been told in any city, really Full Review

John Venable
June 28, 2002
John Venable, Supercala.com

It's a rental for when you've seen everything else and are in the mood for some rebellion.

Dustin Putman
January 1, 2000
Dustin Putman, DustinPutman.com

An assured first feature from Merendino, a filmmaker whom I look forward to his next film from. Full Review

Michael Dequina
January 1, 2000
Michael Dequina, TheMovieReport.com

Would be all sound and fury without a strong center, and the film does have one in Lillard. Full Review

David Luty
January 1, 2000
David Luty, Film Journal International

SLC Punk cannot quite reach the richer depths it grasps for, because it doesn't have the material to support the large dramatic distance Stevo has to travel. Full Review

Elias Savada
January 1, 2000
Elias Savada, Nitrate Online

...a moderately enjoyable scourging of red-necks and Ronald Reagan. Full Review

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    • Sandy: Beauty is the end Stevo, the end...
    • Stevo: In a country of lost souls, rebellion comes hard. But...in a religiously opressive city, with half its population isn't even of that religion...(rebellion) it comes like fire!
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SLC Punk Trivia

  • In the movie SLC Punk, what is Matthew Lillard's final conclusion?  Answer »
  • In the movie SLC Punk! which body part was Steve-O's 666 tattoo on?  Answer »
  • This actor was in Hackers, Slc Punk, Scooby Doo, and Without a Paddle.  Answer »
  • "If the guy I was then met the guy I am now, he'd beat the shit outta me" From what movie is the quote above?  Answer »
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