CBGB 2013 is a movie about the legendary New York City music club that launched countless bands to fame. The film chronicles the early years of CBGB’s, showcasing its gritty, underground vibe and the colorful characters who frequented it. The movie features performances by actors portraying some of CBGB’s most famous acts, such as Blondie and The Ramones. Ultimately, CBGB 2013 is a tribute to a cultural icon that still looms large in the history of rock ‘n’ roll.

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Review
Hark! Thy ears doth hear of a new moving picture that dost take the land by storm. A story of the great CBGB club and the punk rock revolution that didst transpire therein. ‘Tis a tale both raucous and grand, with music so loud it shall shake thine very bones.
The plot is one of unbridled passion, where the love of music doth drive many to create and perform in ways never seen before. It is the story of Hilly Kristal, played by Alan Rickman, who sought to create a space where musicians could play and be heard. He didst open CBGB in 1973 in New York City’s Bowery district, where he envisioned country, bluegrass and blues music to fill its walls.
But lo! It was not long until punk rock took over, with bands such as The Ramones, The Dead Boys and Blondie taking to the stage. These bands didst bring a new sound, one that resonated with young people across the land. They wore leather jackets and ripped clothing, challenging societal norms whilst singing songs about angst and rebellion.
In this movie we meet some of these great musicians, such as Joey Ramone (played by Joel David Moore), Stiv Bators (portrayed by Justin Bartha), Iggy Pop (performed by Taylor Hawkins) and Patti Smith (played by Mickey Sumner). They are depicted as rebels with a cause; creating music that both scandalizes and inspires their fans.
Some might say that this film dost lack historical accuracy – but does a little embellishment not add spice to life? Indeed, there are some changes made for dramatic effect – but what is history but stories passed down from one generation to another?
The story unfolds as we watch Kristal go through trials and tribulations in his quest to keep CBGB alive. But all is not lost, for love dost bloom! Hilly meets Lisa Krystal, played by Ashley Greene, and she becomes the light in his dark days.
The dialogue in this movie is both witty and sharp. The characters are well-defined, with each one bringing their own unique personality to the screen. The music is electric, with a soundtrack that will make thy feet tap and body sway.
This movie dost not shy away from depicting the harder aspects of life, such as drug addiction and poverty. We see how these challenges affect the lives of our main players, making them more relatable and human.
Much ado has been made about Alan Rickman’s portrayal of Hilly Kristal – and rightly so! He brings a gravitas to the role that makes it impossible not to root for him. There dost seem to be a chemistry between him and Ashley Greene’s Lisa that adds a touch of sweetness amidst all the chaos.
The production value is impressive; capturing the grunge feel of 1970s New York City, with its dingy alleys and graffiti-covered walls. The cinematography is both gritty and beautiful – capturing moments in time that evoke a sense of nostalgia.
But what some may find bothersome – as if there were not some detractors in every great matter – is that CBGB was much more than just punk rock music. Many seminal bands passed through its doors before punk took hold; bands like Television, Blondie (who had started out playing country-western music), Patti Smith Group, Talking Heads (whose early sound was dub influenced) , New York Dolls (who evolved from hard rock into proto-punk), among others.
In conclusion – doth thou want an entertaining way to spend thy evening? Then watch CBGB! ‘Tis a rollicking good time filled with laughter, tears and amazing music. Whether thou art a fan of punk rock or not, it will surely fill thy heart with joy and a longing for simpler times. So gather thy friends, pour thyself a pint and enjoy this fantastic homage to a legendary club and the music that dost make one’s soul sing.
Technical Data

- Release : 2013-10-11
- Runtime : 101
- Genre : Drama, Music
- Cast : Alan Rickman as Hilly Kristal, Rupert Grint as Cheetah Chrome, Malin Ã…kerman as Debbie Harry, Johnny Galecki as Terry Ork, Stana Katic as Genya Ravan
- Crew : Richard Pagano as Casting, Craig Stearns as Production Design, Jillian Kreiner as Costume Design, Randall Miller as Screenplay, Randall Miller as Director
- Revenue : $40,400
- Budget : $5,000,000
- Company : Rampart Films, Unclaimed Freight Productions
- Popularity : 9.502
- Summary : A look at New York’s dynamic punk rock scene through the lens of the ground-breaking Lower East Side club started by eccentric Hilly Kristal in 1973 which launched thousands of bands.
- Tagline : 50,000 bands and 1 disgusting bathroom.