Nimrods – Review

Total punk rock band members Tommy (Thames) and Fred (Coffman) live the life, breaking all the rules they can while trying to stay in high school. It’s 11 days until New Year’s Eve. The pair cut class like rebels, evading the out of shape security guard and planning on how to sneak into the upcoming Green Day concert while walking home. His mother Jodi (Fischer) does not approve of his absentee ways, and tries to keep him focused.

As Tommy and Fred continue to push boundaries, they also try to get their drummer Chad (Foust) to conform to the rule-breaking ways of true punk rock, despite him liking to be on time, tucking in his shirt, fastening his seat belt, and taking his parents to the Green Day concert over his buds. Bummer for them, as they miss the show.

After they make a demo tape on an old 4 Track recorder, they deliver it to Green Day in person as they are at a record store signing. After a prank sends them headed to Los Angeles, they think they are opening for Green Day themselves. Off they go on a road trip.

Nimrods brings together three friends who are well played by their actors, and reflect decent chemistry for kids growing up and stumbling through life. The dialogue may not exceed expectations, but it brings a few clever lines and good jokes. The surrounding world has a nice and timeless feel as the vibes are both 90s and modern.

The plot leans a bit more into drama than comedy, and is an attempt at a realistic coming of age film while also delivering some silly lines and funny moments. In general, you want these kids to grow and succeed despite their struggles with some basic knowledge and their aversion to learning. As they push themselves towards realizing their goal, it’s hard not to want them to succeed.

Nimrods is a fine production even for those that could not care less about Green Day music, as that is not a requirement to enjoy the film.

“The last time you had a teensy bit of a walnut, your anus blew up.”