The cinematic equivalent of trading in your Poison tape for a Pixies CD.
Cinemas
Mark Hunter, a lonely high school student, uses his shortwave radio to moonlight as the popular pirate DJ "Hard Harry." When his show gets blamed for a teen committing suicide, the students clash with high school faculty and the authorities.
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Cast & crew
6What people say
"This is vandalism, not free expression!"I assumed that this very formative movie for me would rest mostly on nostalgia -- which is still there, intact. But also this thing, this still so thorny thing, that should be inextricably tied to its moment is instead on the "weirdly somehow still timely" playlist, sincerely very good, and the areas in which it's dated are very appropriate and still-productive ones. Its teen angst is still completely authentic but the pirate radio -- a thing that you'd expect to scan as a total relic now -- seems perfectly analogous to people pleading for justice and equality and accountability and sanity on social media. And what's more, this isn't a blanket endorsement of Happy Harry's provocations. His rhetoric has direct consequences and contradictions that he cannot morally account for despite his -- and the film's -- intentions. And the soundtrack still kills.
Before Facebook, iPhones, iTunes, AOL, and Twitter there was this really cool thing called a radio. Teenagers would listen to it and maybe even dance. What was even cooler than a radio? Pirate radio, an underground station that played awesome music and the DJ's could say whatever they wanted without FCC regulations. Pump up the Volume is the tale of amateur shock jock DJ Happy Harry Hard On and his underground pirate radio station. Harry played by Christian Slater in his prime becomes the star of his sleepy Arizona town and awakens the youth in this rebellious coming of age drama. Mix tape. Wild Cherry Diet Pepsi? Hypnotic iconic Leonard Cohen. Toy wang. The first time you see Christian Slater. Harry Palmer. A gusher? Extreme golf. The finger. Dorky dork parents. Shy Mark. Everyone wants to fuck Paige. Shop class. L.G.B.N.A.F. Sexy Samantha Mathis. Overdue library book. Lenny Bruce was the motherfucker. Pet lizard. Deaver the Dick. Bitchin' cordless phone. Fan mail. The way Christian Slater smokes. Red letter. Beastie fuckin' Boys. Serious Malcolm. Cock ring? Christian Slater's shades. Fuck you Yale! Exploding microwave. Manic Murdock. It's okay to be gay. Ms. Bitch Principal. Chubs the Swindler. Seth Green? Asshat news reporter fucker fuck. Nora's sweater. Burning letters. Sgt. Slaughter. Parent surprise. So fuckin' be it. Silly transmitter. Ivan fuckin' Neville. Slow dance. Samantha Mathis's perfect tits. Reverse bullying. Understanding teacher. Limo. Badass graffiti. Serious risky business. Firecrackers. Burning effigy. Backup. Concrete Blonde. Free speech hack? When a hot girl can drive a stick shift. Whistle blower. Fast lane livin'. Fuck you James Dean! Hard Harry is the real rebel. Familiar voice. High-speed chase. Pulled cord. Fuck the man! What a film. The chemistry between Christian Slater and Samantha Mathis is unreal. I love their slow dance. One of my all-time favorite scenes. Amazing eclectic soundtrack. There's a song for everyone in this film. There's also a character that almost everyone can relate to. That's what makes this film so real and such a great film to watch over and over. Get off your fuckin' iPhone and watch this film.
Common questions
What is Pump Up the Volume about?+
A shy high school student secretly operates an underground pirate radio station from his bedroom, where he becomes a voice for disaffected youth by openly discussing school corruption and teen struggles.
Who directed Pump Up the Volume?+
The film was directed by Allan Moyle, who is known for his work in the 1990s focusing on youth subculture and independent narratives.
Does the soundtrack play a major role in the film?+
Yes, the music serves as an essential component of the film's identity, capturing the rebellion and atmosphere of the 90s alternative scene.
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