When I sat down to write this I came to the conclusion that I am probably not the best person to speak on this particular subject. I turned to one of our writers who embodies every lifestyle choice this movie makes when it comes to its punk rock roots...
Forward by Brandon “Riff Daddy” Miller:
Punk rock is so much more than loud music and in-your-face lyrics: it’s a lifestyle, it’s a family, it’s a whole different world. Punk rock is the embodiment of not conforming to the world but instead being against the world, punk rock is you being you and fighting and raging for what you believe in. It’s more than music, it’s who you are. It’s a passion that burns deep.
Thanks Brandon. Now, on to the review...
In that spirit of Punk Rock lifestyle comes Andrew Thomas Hunt’s Spare Parts. The film chronicles the punk rock band, Ms. 45 (Michelle Argyris, Emily Alatalo, Kiriana Stanton, Chelsea Muirhead), on their first American tour. Following one of their shows, the girls are drugged, kidnapped, mutilated, and forced to participate in a good old fashioned battle royale to the death. From someone who used to tour on and off for a few years, the movie does a terrific job at authentically portraying that lifestyle, especially in regard to the issues that can arise with fans, crowds, and among members of the band. Argyris, Alatalo, Stanton, and Muirhead all walk that line between friends and enemies to perfection. Muirhead and Stanton, in particular, play soon to be mothers and girlfriends. These two actresses, for as little screen time as they have, carry terrific chemistry with one another.
The narrative also allows this relationship to serve as the emotional core as we move into the second and third acts. There is a confidence to Spare Parts that is admirable. From its opening aesthetic of a punk show, and subsequent riot, Hunt understands the vision he is trying to convey to the audience. There are both blessings and curses with this mindset. That confidence in your narrative is a love letter. Make no mistake - Spare Parts is a plethora of love letters to media like Mad Max, the previously mentioned punk rock lifestyle and Roman epics like Gladiator. While there is a great deal to appreciate here, this fandom approach to storytelling comes across as messy and predictable. Several times throughout the movie I found myself predicting what was going to happen next, simply based on the singular fact of how familiar Spare Parts can feel at times.
Even in spite of its shortcomings, the film still has plenty to deliver. Tonally, Spare Parts is a throwback to the grindhouse days of the 70s. Despite being an epic, in certain ways it lacks the scope of the source to which it is paying homage. For Spare Parts, the core of its story lies among the sisters’ story, brought to life by Argyris and Alatalo. The narrative explores an unspoken rivalry between the two when we first meet them. Honestly, while many will come to Spare Parts for the blood, it’s the emotional core of the film that is arguably more compelling. Don’t get me wrong - there are some legitimately terrific battles and fight choreography here.
It is sure to satisfy any gore hound out there. However, the arcs that Argyris and Alatalo endure through its 91 minute runtime are more intriguing. Argryis and Alatalo are the clear stand out performances of the movie. Both performances are emotionally impactful for the majority of the film. The roller coaster of emotions that viewers can expect to go on is equally exciting and heartbreaking. The only negative thing to say about either performance would be where their arcs end. Without spoiling anything, one of the sisters' final destination just seems out of character for everything else we’ve seen her do throughout the film. It is such a bizarre tonal shift that it can almost pull you out of the film’s final moments.
Overall, Spare Parts is a thrilling ride from start to finish. It can sometimes lose itself to the very media it is paying homage to. Spare Parts can be riddled in predictability and multiple tropes it can be hard to follow its originality. The film is a throwback to grindhouse. Through those nostalgic lenses the film is incredibly fun through some of its bloodier moments. Perhaps more above everything else the film is most compelling in its emotional core of a set of sisters. Both actresses deliver emotionally impactful performances. Spare Parts is a blast from start to finish, even if it does suffer the occasion identity crisis
Blu-Ray Review: It’s crazy to think about how just a year or two ago most Blu-Rays didn’t come with special features. You would have to either invest into the Criterion Collection or get an Arrow release. If you’re like me and still enjoy the sweet thrill of placing a physical disc into the player then let me just testify that this is a release you definitely want. The film won’t be for everyone, but it comes stocked with a plethora of bonus features that will satisfy cinephiles and gore hounds alike. The disc does feature an insightful commentary from the film’s director, Andrew Thomas Hunt, also breaking down the fight choreography and incredible practical effects. While the movie remains on our Rorschach rating scale at 3 out of 5, the Blu-Ray easily gets a 4 out of 5.
RORSCHACH RATING:
Mental Health Moment: At its core, the film revolves around two sisters, Emma and Amy. Some minor spoilers as we dive into the relationship dynamics: there is a scene where Amy sleeps with Emma’s boyfriend, resulting in a ripple effect through not only their relationship with one another, but also the band. There are several scenes in the first act where the sisters are vicious to one another. Bitterness has a way of not only hurting your own mental health and that singular relationship, but eventually those around you. Sometimes it takes years, or perhaps simply an act of desperation, to rekindle that relationship. Or at the very least to find peace. At its core, bitterness is nothing more than personified anger. Anger can have severe effects on not only your mental health but your physical health as well. You can click here to find out why. Is it time you sought or gave forgiveness?
If you or someone you know is reading this right now and struggling with suicide, depression, addiction, or self-harm - please reach out. Comment, message, or tweet at us. Go to victimsandvillains.net/hope for more resources. Call the suicide lifeline at 1-800-273-8255. Text "HELP" to 741-741. There is hope & you DO have so much value and worth!
CHECK OUT OUR INTERVIEW WITH DIRECTOR ANDREW THOMAS HUNT:
Victims and Villains is written (and produced) by Josh "Captain Nostalgia" Burkey and others, and edited by Cam Smith. Music by Mallory Johnson and others. Spare Parts is property of RLJE Films. We do not own nor claim any rights.
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