Metascore

Universal acclaim - based on 29 Critics What's this?

User Score

Generally favorable reviews- based on 36 Ratings

  • Starring: Lennie James, Steve Coogan
  • Summary: Spanning from the late 1970's to the early 1990's, this is the story of the Manchester music scene, as seen by the founders of the legendary Factory Records label.
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 29 out of 29
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 29
  3. Negative: 0 out of 29
  1. Extravagant and funny it is, and also quite dark at times.
  2. 100
    Shines with a kind of inspired madness.
  3. Funny, riveting look at the music scene that ruled Manchester, England, from 1976 to 1992.
  4. Reviewed by: Ken Fox
    80
    Also featured are countless cameos from local superstars ranging from the Fall's Mark E. Smith to Mani of the Stone Roses, making the film an absolute thrill for fans of the Manchester scene.

See all 29 Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 13 out of 15
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 15
  3. Negative: 2 out of 15
  1. NazaraiA.
    10
    Great look at the early punk scene in Manchester. I do agree with some of the user critics that the first half of the film is kind of slow but that critique is probably due to it's psuedo-documentary style (I found it compelling enough as a teen viewer however). Halfway through the running time of the film is when things start to pick up and the punk transforms from new wave and into the early rave scene. Loving electronica and being born in 86' and missing out on the early scene it was a great 'ear' opener albeit knowing all the artists featured. Steve Coogan's performance is truly original, one of the best i've seen lately in modern cinema. Don't see this if you're just looking for a comedy; If you're a fan of music, and can appreciate some oddball humor you won't be disappointed. Expand
  2. This movie is the story history of Factory Records which created many great bands such as Joy Division/New Order and The Happy Mondays. It's kind of like "This is Spinal Tap" except that was fiction, this one is true. And that makes the funny parts in 24 hour party people even more funny because it's true!!! If you are a fan of the Britpop, Madchester or punk scenes then you should see this movie to get a sense of the scenes that music originated from. Expand
  3. AshleighW
    10
    Great Movie!
  4. The fall & rise of Anthony (Tony) H. Wilson & his part in Manchester's cultural uprisings.
    It looked a lot of fun to make but I found it a bit
    too self-indulgent.
    Steve Coogan does tend to be more like Alan Partridge than Wilson although there are some similarities.
    The Joy Division bits seem a bit lame now, especially if you've watched the fantastic Control.
    Great performances by Danny Cunningham as Shaun Ryder & Andy Serkis as Martin Hannett though.
    Expand

See all 15 User Reviews