Garage Days (2002)
Review by HTQ4
Film:
DVD:

Written by Alex Proyas, Dave Warner, and Michael Udesky
Directed by Alex Proyas
Starring Kick Gurry, Maya Stange, Pia Miranda, Russel Dykstra, Brett Stiller

Features:

• Running audio commentary by director Proyas
  
• Deleted Scenes
  
• "Garage Days Backstage Pass"
  
• Cast/Crew Interviews
  
• Outtakes/Goofs
  

My Advice: Own it.

Freddy (Gurry) has always wanted to be a rock and roll star ever since he had the piss scared out of him by a local punk band in a record shop. Now he's grown up and playing in a band of his own, but they just can't catch a break. They've got a skirt-chaser for a manager who screws up their first gig by telling them to show up at the wrong club. After that, Freddy takes it upon himself to chase down the hottest manager in the country. There's only one problem: while he's out chasing down this other manager, the rest of the band is falling apart. The drummer is a drug addict who is absolutely insane. Freddy's romantic relationship with the lead guitarist is going down the tubes because he's been accused of impregnating the bass player's girlfriend. To make matters worse, he really is in love with said girlfriend. So, what happens if they get their big break and they aren't ready for it?

This movie is this generation's version of The Commitments. This group would never stand a chance together on the road--and I think deep down all of the characters know it, with the exception of Freddy. He's blinded by the dream of becoming the next big rock star. Gurry is infinitely charming in this role. He is equal parts rebel and eager young heartthrob and makes it work seamlessly. It doesn't hurt that he is surrounded by a cast that is equally up to the challenge. The movie really gives you a look at the sometimes seedy underbelly that Sydney, Australia has to offer for those of us who are more predilicted to the grungy nightlife. Proyas doesn't let up on the pace of the movie one little bit. It is filled with quick edits and very well designed subtitles to help you keep up with what's going on at all times. And, the soundtrack works so well it's scary. Even if you don't buy the movie, at least buy the soundtrack. The music is excellent and should be in anyone's CD collection.

The features presented are great. They are divided up and appear on both sides of the disc. There is a collection of deleted scenes, which is good because after watching this one, I was actually wanting to see more. There is no commentary from Proyas to go with these, but like most, it's easy to see why the decision to cut them was made. There are interviews with the young cast and crew that shouldn't be missed. It's very refreshing because they actually cared enough about this movie to not worry about what it did for their career. As such, they don't spend a lot of time blowing smoke up each others' skirts in these interviews which is very nice.

And, gratefully, the disc contains my all time favorite special feature: a gag reel. This one definitly hits the mark. It starts out a little weak with mostly shots of the actors breaking out into laughter, but it doesn't share why. After a few shots of this, though, it settles down into some really nice material. One thing is obvious from watching this reel; this cast had a great time working together. Proyas' commentary track is outstanding. He really knows how to talk about his film intelligently without making it sound like he is defending it. Instead, he spends his time covering things like character development, production design, and theme. And for you freaks who like films in full frame, the commentary's on both sides of the disc.

The Backstage Pass feature is really a condensed version of Proyas' commentary track. Quite a few of the same points are made in a shorter amount of time without the benefit of "watching" the movie with him. So, if you want the goods, but don't want to sit throught the commentary track due to time constraints, this will do.

Whatever you do, don't miss this movie. You'll kick yourself in the head if you do. I suggest buying it. You won't regret it.