Suburbia was Penelope Spheeris doing what she does best. Making films about rough youth fighting against an uncaring world. What’s super funny about that is it’s basically what Roger Corman did on movies like The Wild Angels. Why does this film from the early 1980s still get to feel edgy while Wild Angels seems so corny now? Stylistic intent seems to be the key there. That and this movie doesn’t feature young punks selling drugs and wearing Swastikas.
That’s not to say they don’t party. But, they do it like a reasonable tribe trying to form a better family unit. Unfortunately, that involves putting a child in danger and trotting around vigilante justice. If you’re a fan of classic punk music, that will help get you through it. Other than that, I hung with it due to that savage ending.
What Shout Select gets right
Shout Factory has done right by Penelope Spheeris over the last few years. Check out the stunning special features that Shout put together for the New World movie that could.
- NEW 4K Scan Of The Original Film Elements
- Audio Commentary With Director Penelope Spheeris
- Audio Commentary With Director Penelope Spheeris, Producer Bert Dragin, And Actress Jennifer Clay
- Still Gallery
- Trailers
The things that needed improvement
I love it when cult films get remasters for a new generation. However, people need a little help warming up to something outside of their comfort zone. It’s super easy to be the arthouse independent nerd screaming at popcorn cinema things to try something new. That’s easier said than done when you’re dealing with a country that has the tastes of a fast food kids menu.
If there is one area that I would’ve improved, I would’ve liked to see a documentary about the origins of the film. Small complaint, sure.
Suburbia is available January 29th!
