Brett Burton

(2012-04-28 03:28:26)

The most media maligned musicians ever get worked over yet again.

I'll keep this brief. Gary Oldman is good - No surprise there. Butaside from his snarling and slobbering portrayal of Sid, there's notmuch else to see here. In the brief intervals between Chloe Webb'swhining, the film manages to veer into interesting visual territory.But ultimately it's unrewarding, at times treacly, heroinmythologizing, and historical inaccurate. What does director Alex Coxreally know about the punk movement anyway? I would hardly rely on theimpressions of an upper class intellectual, who was on his way to beinga lawyer when punk happened. He was such an outsider that he turned toJoe Strummer of the Clash for help. Would no one from the Sex Pistolscamp talk to him? He didn't even get Johnny Rotten's accent right. Skipthis and watch Filth and the Fury instead.

(2012-04-27 16:55:42)

commentary better than movie

I first saw the movie about 10 years ago and thought it was one of the greatest movies i had seen since a clockwork orange. A couple years ago i read a book called sex pistols and america which was about thier tour of america and i realized that there were a lot of inaccuracies about the movie in particular the stuff with the sex pistols. But everything after the pistols break up in the movie still really affects me like no other movie can.This DVD is amazing for historical accuracy. The commentary is outstanding and the stuff from DOA is downright disturbing. The only problem with the disc is that on the grundy show and the making of documentary they couldnt get the rights to use any of the sex pistols songs so they have been dubbed over with really annoying laughter.This DVD is a must for sex pistols collectors.

WildHeart164

(2012-04-26 18:10:44)

AWSOME!!!

I loved it! It was very passionate,sad,funny,violent all things i likeaboutmovies. Chloe Webb and Gary oldman were great! Oldman looked almostexactlylike Vicious and Webb was an ok resemblance. Even though there was a lotofdrug use and a lot of cursing who cares! that's apart of life a lot ofpeople curse and a lot of people use drugs. RIP Sid andNancy!!!!

(2012-04-26 02:18:21)

Gary Oldman = AWESOME

This review is from: Sid & Nancy (DVD) When I first noticed the DVD, I wasn't quite sure what I was in for. I'm the kind of person that judges a movie by its cover (I really shouldn't though). To me Gary Oldman didn't look anything like Sid Vicious, nor did the actress playing Nancy. But there was still a lot of hope, I love Gary Oldman as an actor today. I guess he was the one who kept me interested. Until I started the movie and was completely blown away by his performance as well as the actress who played Nancy. I couldn't believe Gary completely transformed into Sid, as well as playing "My Way" with his own voice! Me personally, I think it sounded better than the true Sid Vicious version of "My Way". ;) Though, I give it a 4/5 stars because I thought she could've been prettier and more enticing to look at. (I'm a jerk for saying that, I know.) I loved most of the romance scenes with the two of them. Its sincere and puts a smile to your face. The end of the movie depressed me, but was done brilliantly. For sure, this is worth buying and watching. I'm glad I found this out of randomly looking for music/indie movies, and will keep it in my Favorites collection. Thanks Gary Oldman, for proving your one of the best actors in the business. :)-Sophia

(2012-04-19 17:37:58)

THE Punk makes a great film topic!

Sid was THE Punk. His story is all important to anyone who wants to know what it was like to be a Punker in the 1970's. The film is well made and beautifully acted by Oldman and Webb. While I think I've heard somewhere along the line that John Lyden (Johnny Rotten) did not like the effort this film still comes across as accurate and sympathetic to a pair of punk kids that may not have been the most deserving of that sympathy.The Ramones came first and The Clash may have been "The Only Band That Mattered" but it was Sid and the Pistols that will always be remembered as THE Punks. This film helps to confirm this truism.

(2012-04-19 05:42:27)

Not even close to great

This movie would be a great disappointment to all sid vicious fans. According to all the people that had know him said this movie is full of lies.This Would scar a true die hard sid vicious fan it you would beleive. A very much disapointment

(2012-04-10 15:28:38)

Not bad but...

When I saw this movie, I WAS obsessed with it for a while, saw it maybe...God knows how many times...though I'd watch it 2 times a day. I know a lot of people are going to go, "DUH! HOW LONG DID IT TAKE YOU TO FIGURE THAT OUT??" but after finding more info on the Pistols and Sid and Nancy in particular, I realized this movie is a freakin fairy tale. It's only BASED on real events, and I don't understand why b/c I know a lot of people would like to know about Sid and Nancy and would like to know what REALLY happened. For example, in the club scene, when Sid knocks reporter "Dick Dent" with a guitar...that really happened, and the reporters name was Nick Kent. Why not use his real name? Everyone already knows...And the fact that Nancy goes to see her GRANDPARENTS when in NY...I'm sure everyone's read Nancy's bio and they KNOW she was at her PARENT'S...what are they trying to conceal? Gee, how subtle. And the very blunt dislike the grandparents show for her and kick her out, that's just not true, but a very obviuos attempt at making Nancy look more wretched and vile than she already is. And last but not least, the only other thing that really made the movie slightly unbearable was the fact that Cloe Webb is so UGLY! Good Christ, Nancy was 20 when she died, Chloe looks FIFTY!! (Just watch the movie and see). I think that Courtney Love would have made a better Nancy as Nancy is now sometimes referred to as "THe Original Courtney Love"And maybe somebody who wuold know would like to tell me differently but I think they overdid Nancy a LITTLE too much. I mean, nobody is THAT irritating! I've read her mom's bio on her, and that seems to support my statement right. She wasn't THAT immature! I think most of the time she was more [angry] than immature.

(2012-04-09 21:47:13)

Best Movie Ever!!

This review is from: Sid & Nancy (DVD) If u love Sid Vicious, u will love this movie!! Gary Oldman, who plays Sid, is a brilliant actor and really does a great job in this movie. He has Sid down to a tee. The whole dark, drug addicted romance between Sid & Nancy is really shown beautifully in this movie. I think this is the best role Gary Oldman ever had. Chloe Webb, who plays Nancy is right on with Nancys attitude and her grating personality. I can't believe she didn't become a star. If u love the Sex Pistols, Sid Vicious, or drug related movies, this is a movie for you. Gary Oldman is so young, and hot in this movie. I just had to get that one in there. The soundtrack is awsome, Joe Strummer's "Love Kills" is just a killer song.

(2012-04-08 14:19:26)

Harrowing As A Film

This is a fantastic film filled with some wonderful performances about one of my favorite bands. But their is a book full of historic inaccuracies. This is a good piece of hollywood. Not a biography. If your looking for the true story of Sid Vicious , or The Pistols your better off watching "The Filth And The Fury" . Avoid The Great Rock N' Roll Swindle which is just ridiculous lies.

producer-3

(2012-04-07 23:40:52)

Excellent Drama

One of the best Drama's ever.A great performance by Gary Oldman. There are interesting scenes thatdepict the times, but do not take this as fact.The DVD version has excellent footage from DOA, and a great commentary byJulien Temple saying how much the film is unrealistic. Really worth seeingif you have an interest in Sid Vicious, but do not take it as fact.

(2012-04-04 09:28:44)

Sid & Nancy - A Film I grew Up With

This review is from: Sid and Nancy (The Criterion Collection) (DVD) All throughout high school, my friends and I would skip school and watch this movie. Sure it's depressing, but it's also one of the coolest movies ever made. Sid & Nancy also introduced us to Gary Oldman, who sang all the songs in the movie and now has gone onto bigger things (whether that's good I don't know). The extra features on this DVD are really exciting. Phone interviews with Sid Vicious, a great video interview with the real Sid & Nancy, the infamous Bill Grundy interview, a making of documantary, and commentary by all the stars of the film.I must have seen this every day going to high school on videotape, now that that tape is all worn out, I have the DVD to see it 100 more times!

(2012-04-04 02:31:12)

Sex, drugs and rock and roll...

Quite literally, I might add. The tragic story of Sex Pistols' bassist Sid Vicious is displayed with surprising audacity by Director Alex Cox in this 1986 cult favorite. This is certainly a film where I can understand all sides of the discussion. The glowering reviews that praise the film for its brazenness and the stellar performances (especially that of Gary Oldman) are understandable considering the fact that very few films of this caliber (or respect) are this intentionally chaotic. The detractors are quite massive though, and those detractors cannot be ignored completely.So, here are my thoughts.The quasi-love story committed to the screen has loads of potential for profound potency, and yet `Sid & Nancy' remains someone scattered for its own good. The subject is strong, and the approach is visceral in texture, but when the smoke clears and the initial impact of the films tone has faded, there really is a lacking of `meat' here, and that detractor has been addressed widely, especially from those who knew the real Sid and Nancy. Focusing on their spastic love affair, with each other and with drugs, `Sid & Nancy' falls into the pit-trap of almost glorifying the very lifestyle that ultimately took the lives of the film's `stars'. The crazed sex, violence, drugs and reckless debauchery, while never `pretty', is never given the depth of darkness needed to truly make it as scary as it is. The ending sequence also derails the `truth' of Sid and Nancy's issues because it glosses over the horrific nature of their demise by painting their love as eternal. It focuses on the wrong thing at the wrong time.But, with that glaring detractor pushed aside, this film has some true highlights. Gary Oldman is astonishingly good here. Many of my friends have told me that this film will change my viewpoint of Gary Oldman (which up until this point was that of indifference) and it really has. This performance is fantastic. The way he incorporates a subtle shimmer of internalized depression into his on-stage antics and chaotic violent behavior is flawless. I was less impressed with Chloe Webb, who was engaging but at times her over-the-top nature felt less connected than Oldman's. The film editing and overall pacing is superb, truly in step with the film's core emotions.Supposedly the portrayal of these real life characters is off, even down to the other members of the band. If that is the case, and the homework was not done, then it really is a shame on Alex Cox, especially since these people are being presented to the world in a light that immediately calls up judgment. The public expects that when we watch a biopic, we are seeing at least a large margin of truth (all true stories are fabricated to a degree for the big screen, but that fabrication should never strip the integrity of the real `person') and so if this film is a complete misinterpretation of who Sid and Nancy were, then it should be criticized for that.I have a feeling that it wasn't THAT far off the mark, though.

JoshuaDysart

(2012-03-31 14:42:26)

Wonderful

One of my absolute favorites. There's a big debate regarding the filmstendency to be factually wonky. I don't understand that at all. Do weask that Herzog be tied down by the facts of his subjects when he'smaking non- docs? No. Well this is Cox's "Cobra Verde" or "Every Manfor Himself and God Against All". Cox uses the idea of Sid and Nancy toexplore the themes he's interested in. Like the role of nihilism andanarchy in political, social and personal life and the point at whichthose ideas stop becoming useful and turn destructive. And that's justone theme, there's also the rise and fall of artistic movements(breakdancing kids at the end, the shift from the UK to the USA) andthe study of two people who claim to believe in nothing, yet areultimately victims of the most antique of all isms: romanticism. Coxdidn't make a doc, he made an abstraction, an impressionistic study intheme, mood and tone. In his willingness to let go of what atraditional bio-pic is supposed to be and embrace his own vision andconclusions he shows himself to be just as much a product of what wasvital and necessary about the punk movement in the first place. Punksnot in the details. It's in the attitude. I hope criterion does arerelease.

(2012-03-30 21:26:56)

Bleak But Vital Biopic

Alex Cox's 1986 film Sid and Nancy is more than a biopic of Sid Vicious and Nancy Spungen it's more of a moral tale than a biopic at all. There have been many reviews saying how Cox got it all wrong. Filmaker Julian Temple in his contribution to the commentary track agrees with this position but maybe we need to look at the film for what it is, a slightly fictionalized view of a star on a downward spiral of self destruction. The film is a metaphor of punk culture not an accurate depiction of it.I remember seeing this film when it was released in 1986 and hating it for many of the same reasons that other reviewers have. The subject was just too fresh too well known and the warts were all I could see. Seeing the film after the passage of time improves it. The performances of Gary Oldman and Chloe Webb are excellent if inaccurate. Goldman fold himself into the role with utter abandon. Webbb's lacerating performance as Nancy while not spot on represents an entire mindset of the rock groupie culture. Cox blends fiction and fantasy into a film that is both cautionary and bleak. Under Cox's direction the film plays as a junkie lovestory a sort of twisted Romeo and Juliet for the late 1970's. The film is far from perfect but it is not as bad as many of the Sex Pistols fans say it is. I too was a fan of the band and would agree that the movie does not do justice to the band and its ethos but it does do justice to a time and a place that are now fading memories.The Criterion disc is well worth seeking out. It features a commentary track that is well worth the purchase price alone. Also included are a phone interview with Vicious, segments from the film D.O.A. and a film on the making of the film England's Glory. Of special interest is the now infamous TV interview with Bill Grundy.See this film as one of the essential pieces of modern cinema not for its accuracy but for its powerful portrayal of a culture that is now gone.

zach-georgetown

(2012-03-22 11:57:33)

Sid and Nancy

I recommend checking out the Criterion version of "Sid and Nancy" ifyou're able to get it. It's got some real footage of Sid Vicious andNancy Spungen from the tragic 1978 tour of the US. About the Alex Coxmovie itself: It's not a history of the Sex Pistols, which I thinkeverybody knows. It's got a lot of fiction, but it's still a great lookat drug addiction, misfits, outcasts, anarchists, and the punk world ofthat time... Whatever you think about the punk movement, love or hate it, this isstill worth checking out, if just on the basis of the screwd upromance. The amazing garbage scene when their kissing is enough towarrant this be seen. And check out Sid's ferocious singing of "MyWay". What's really the best part are the unforgettable performances ofGary Oldman and Chloe Webb. 8 out of 10

Knoxvicious

(2012-03-22 05:55:37)

Good, twisted and funny!

Before you see this film there is a big important point you must know.Only 50% of this film is fictional. A lot of Sex Pistol fans might aswell be outraged if they see this and think that's it's nothing likethe real Sex Pistols and a lot were. John Lydon for instance who is TheSex Pistols lead singer said that he thought this film was a piece ofcrap and a Peter Pan version. All respect to John. He has the right tosay this out of anyone. Sid was his best mate. There were a lot ofstuff about this film that weren't real. You must know this. If you'regoing to see this film and expect it to be 100% accurate you shouldprobably stay away and see a movie called, "The Filth and the Fury," amore accurate documentary of The Sex Pistols. Or maybe read a bookabout The Sex Pistols, like John's book. But, seriously, if you're aGary Oldman fan you must rent this movie right away! I gave it tenstars because I only liked it and this is coming from a obsessed GaryOldman fan but still a big fan of the Sex Pistols and Sid Vicious. Ifyou're not a Gary Oldman fan or a Sex Pistols fan I can't honestly knowwhat to say to you. This film is depressing and sometimes had its verylow points. It certainly brings out the worst of drugs out of anything.I'm sorry, if I can't really help you on this.

(2012-03-13 08:19:01)

Ah, what could have been....

I can sum it up for you with four basic points:1. Great performance by Gary Oldman2. Appropriately bleak direction by Alex Cox3. Incredible attention to detail by the wardrobe department4. ...awful screenplayThis film could have been the greatest punk rock biopic ever...instead, it ranks just below "The Great Rock 'N' Roll Swindle" on the list of Lies Perpetrated Against the Sex Pistols. It's easy to see why John Lydon despises this film...it does nothing but mistreat him the entire time. It makes him out to be a manipulative, egotistical tyrant...which is about as far from the truth as one can come. Drew Schofield is not necessarily a bad actor, but his characterization in no way resembles the real John. And on top of the obvious differences in the character of the real John and this concocted film image of him, Schofield neither looked nor sounded like John. Let's face it...he kept the same hair color throughout the entire movie...John changed his hair color more frequently than he did his clothing in those days. And as for facial resemblance, there was none. And John doesn't speak with a Scouse accent...never has. Apart from that, the film's depiction of the early punk scene in London circa 1977 was totally inaccurate, as were most of the characters and incidents. Nancy gave Sid his padlock? Don't think so...Chrissie Hynde gave it to him. Baked beans and champagne for breakfast? John doesn't drink champagne. Gary Oldman does a wonderful job portraying Sid, and though his performance may be historically flawed, he captures something of Sid's memory. Chloe Webb's performance as Nancy was fairly accurate........she really WAS that annoying...and that VOICE...like fingernails on a chalkboard. But Webb really isn't ugly enough...ever seen the real Nancy? Terrifying. Like a bleached-blonde biker in drag. At any rate, watch this film for a laugh, but don't confuse it with reality. For a real portrait of the Pistols and Sid, watch "The Filth and the Fury"...after which, you won't understand why Alex Cox felt the need to espouse so many lies in this film. The truth is far more compelling, and far more touching, than his myth could ever aspire to be.

(2012-03-12 22:45:52)

punks not dead

this was a really good movie, in fact, it's the only good love story i've ever seen. the actor for johnny rotten isn't very good but the overall feel of the movie is great. Gary Oldman bares a remarkable resemblence to Sid. Sex drugs and Rock and Roll.

Nancy Spungen

(2012-03-06 10:38:21)

Pretty oh so pretty it aint vacant

I love this movie and im picky with movies I pick out all the bad parts and count them up this had I think one bad part in it that was when the one prostitute was whipping the news reporter that to me was kind of weird and how the guy playing Johnny Rotten looked nothing like him ok thats two no more that I can think of but the rest of it was good the accent of Nancy was amazingly good is she from New York of something? Anyhoo all around its a good movie.

youaretheblues

(2012-03-05 22:40:16)

The Prince and Princess

When this movie came out in 1986, I had a total mid-life crisis that landed me in the looney bin for three whole days, there was no Prince for me. I loved this story, what girl wouldn't? To know that someone would stand by you til death til you part and even kill you if you asked him to? How romantic, the acting was excellent, I believed them.