Music-changing event beats out film
by Nick Nance, managing editor

    During the ’70s, music endured its greatest facelift. A big part of that change, according to some people, occurred in Manchester beginning in 1976.

   That music-changing event is the basis of 24 Hour Party People.

   The film portrays the influence of one man, Cambridge-educated Tony Wilson (Steve Coogan).

   Wilson, a Granada TV presenter, takes his journalism influence to the music world.

   Inspired by what happens at a concert put on by a new band, The Sex Pistols, Wilson and friends set up a record label.

   Factory Records first signs Joy Division, who later becomes New Order.

   Next the label signs James and the Happy Mondays, who all become influential artists of their time.

   The movie gives insight into the music world that is intertwined with sex, drugs and larger-than-life characters.

   All of these aspects give birth to one of the most famous dance clubs in the world, The Hacienda. The opening of the club ignited the club scene, sparking other clubs such as Studio 54.

   This detailed depiction of Manchester in the ’70s contains graphic drug and sex references, which, despite being part of the plot, are way overdone.

   The real-life account of one man’s influence on music in Manchester is intended to be comedic in nature. However, it fails in that mediocre attempt.

   After viewing this movie, some audience members may be thankful they were not alive during this period. Music tastes apparently were nonexistent as were sober individuals on the set during filming.

   24 Hour Party People should only be considered for those who like horrible films. Do not waste any time viewing this poorly done tale of music history.