"End of the Century: The Story of the Ramones" serves to remind us how much that band is still missed.
In fact, a good dose of the group's often politically incorrect punk would be welcome right now — in a country and world that are taking themselves far too seriously.
As for the movie itself, it's a bit by-the-numbers. But the inclusion of some little-seen musical performances by the band and the examination of its musical legacy make this documentary worthwhile. This is required viewing for fans of the band's music, of course, or for any younger would-be music aficionados who believe such modern-day acts as Blink-182 and Sum 41 could conceivably be called punk rock.
"End of the Century" had already been completed by the time guitarist Johnny Ramone (real name: John Cummings) passed away. He and the band's original drummer, Tommy Ramone (a k a Tommy Erderly), served as the film's creative consultants. The movie also includes archival interviews with singer Joey Ramone (Jeff Hyman), who passed away from cancer complications in 2001, and Dee Dee Ramone (Douglas Colvin), who died from a drug overdose while the film was still in production.
Most of "End of the Century" delves into how these four "bruddas" from Queens put the New York/CBGBs music scene on the map, and how they were true pioneers of punk rock.
Of course, there are more personal tidbits as well, such as discussions of different feuds within the band (Johnny and Dee Dee over a woman, Joey and Johnny over a woman, Joey and Johnny over the band's creative direction). One of the more interesting concepts, addressed briefly, is how the Sex Pistols' infamy may have prevented the Ramones from becoming bigger stars.
And there's no discounting a certain eeriness that comes with seeing such deceased punk-rock icons as Joey Ramone and Clash frontman Joe Strummer, and a section dealing with legendary musical impresario Phil Spector, who produced the Ramones' "End of the Century" album.
"End of the Century: The Story of the Ramones" is not rated but would probably receive an R for frequent use of strong sexual profanity, some drug content (talk of drug use and glue-sniffing) and use of some crude slang terms and vulgar humor (song lyrics). Running time: 110 minutes.
E-MAIL: jeff@desnews.com