A film exploring the history of the famous New York punk club CBGB is due out this fall. The satirical biopic almost has too many stars, including Rupert Grint, Johnny Galecki, Ashley Greene, Donal Logue, Ryan Hurst, Justin Bartha, Bradley Whitford, Joel David Moore, and Estelle Harris. Professor Snape (Alan Rickman) stars as lead protagonist Hilly Kristal, the original and legendary owner of CBGB’s. And to top it off, Foo Fighters drummer Taylor Hawkins will be making his big screen debut as Iggy Pop. Now that’s a great casting.
The biopic is set to feature all the big bands CBGBs is known for hosting, like Talking Heads, the Dead Boys, the Ramones, Blondie, the Police, Iggy Pop, the Patti Smith Group. Purists will at least be satisfied by the inclusion of those rock legends.
You can check out ‘CBGB’ in theaters everywhere on October 11, 2013.
Linda Ramone, widow of the famous Johnny Ramone, is at odds with the film’s producers. First, according to Showbizz411.com, she is insulted by the casting of her husband.
“Johnny was Irish and pale. He was 27 years old. The guy they got is Puerto Rican and looks nothing like him. He’s much older. I asked them to change it, and they said, Too late. Too bad.”
Mrs. Ramone also points out how the two producers of the film have no idea what it was actually like at the time as they weren’t even there.
“I just felt so insulted. They didn’t consult us on anything. The two people who are doing the movie know nothing about CBGBs or the Ramones. They don’t know what they are doing.”
Initial reactions to the film have not been good. Punk purist, hipsters, and people who respect the majesty of that period in music history have been quick to speak up.
ugh why is ashley greene in CBGB
— ♡ lex ♡ (@pandalexa) August 7, 2013
We don't really need this CBGB movie, do we? http://t.co/EWmDUdvqXF #fb
— Brittanie (@brittanieshey) August 7, 2013
What’s your opinion on the up-coming biopic? Share your thoughts in the comments below.