Losers Take All (2013)

This movie was so-so. It had it's moments, but wasn't the greatest.

At first rather annoying in its heavy emphasis on reenactments, this movie ultimately proves fascinating, simply because the complicated, highly dramatic tale it tells still almost defies belief.

There are moments that feel comical, some horrific, and some downright inspiring but the tonal shifts hardly matter as the end results come to a film that's perfect for this time.

It's simply great fun, a winsome film and an occasionally over-the-top luxury fantasy that never flags.

I, like most people saw this movie on Netflix. I was bored one day, this film was recommended to me. I read the description and myself, being a fan of the 80's indie post-punk scene (The Replacements, Husker Du, Dag Nasty, etc.), watched it... I LOVED IT!!! I've since seen the movie probably 5 or more times. The characters were really relate- able, they almost seemed like people I knew when I was in my late teens and early 20's. AND THE MUSIC!!! No B.S. great songs!!! Very funny moments, but not in the cheesy, slap-sticky kinda way. I can't recommend this movie high enough. If you're a fan of the mid-late 80's indie post-punk stuff and are a fan of real characters, real situations (for a band touring in a beat up van) and really great music, this film is for you!!! It's only available on digital at the moment, but maybe if enough people see this film and love it, hopefully we can get a proper special DVD/Blu-Ray edition.9/10

As a veteran of the '80's and many failed bands, I was a bit leery of this movie. Nailing the whole post-punk indie band thing is a tall order. But hearing strains of someone covering the Zero Boys during the opening credits gave me hope. I was not disappointed! This was a masterpiece!The principles made for a believable, enjoyable band. The original songs were genuinely good (I listen to movies on headphones because I'm almost deaf, and the production values were great). The supporting characters supplied plenty of levity and drama. Favorite line: "I've been in rehab longer than I was on drugs!" If you are familiar with this period in music you will be tickled by the various subtle and not-so-subtle references to the era, which made the movie a fun trivia contest.I know I'm not being very specific about things, as my ADD is quickly kicking in and I want to get this posted, but congratulations to everyone involved with this movie. You did a great job.Oh yeah, the Bob Mould thing was meant to be funny, right?All the best,Johnny High Test

After sitting through a complete train-wreck of a movie (my husband's choice) I figured I couldn't do any worse and picked "Losers take all" on Netflix, even though our musical tastes differ greatly. Amazingly we BOTH loved this movie - a rare occurrence. I am not a movie critic, I don't care about actors, and I don't need to over-analyze; a movie that tells me a story, keeps me entertained, interested, and emotionally connected to the characters will get an easy 6/10 or higher ranking from me. 'Losers take all' does all of that and more; the acting was genuine and believable; and the trip back to the 1980s brought back memories; the camera was an unobtrusive observer without being unimaginative; but best of all, the movie made my husband and me laugh out loud frequently, and not once was I told to "turn the volume down"... the usual consequence of any music-related movie-watching that I enjoy. In some films of the genre (a band forms and tries for stardom) the music sucks, or the actors clearly cannot play/sing, or most often... BOTH. This is not the case here. And yes, sure, there were some cliché moments, but they (as with all the funny parts) did not seem trite or artificial at all, but arose with organic authenticity. I especially liked how they integrated the 'on the road' experiences.Although I was never really into punk and metal at the time, I loved the soundtrack for the film - great stuff! Made me feel 20 years young/er ; )

Losers Take All was perhaps the best thing to happen to me this year. I stumbled upon this gem on Netflix, and I must say, I was impressed. Initially I was interested when I saw that this film was a part of the Kevin Smith Movie Club, but then I also realized that it stars Kyle Gallner, who worked with Smith on Red State. Being a huge Kevin Smith fan, I had to give it a watch.The movie begins with two friends in high school who, as many people who start bands normally do, have tastes in music that differ from the norm. Fast forward a few years, and Brian and Dave are in a failing band, playing in roller rinks, and going nowhere. Luckily, they find a guitarist and a drummer at a show they attend, and even though their musical tastes differ, Brian decides they must form a band, or rather the Mescalin decides. Throw in a furniture selling manager, and an A team van and let the games begin!Basically, in 2013 if a movie isn't a remake, or total crap I enjoy it; so I enjoy about five movies a year. Losers Take All was hilarious, well written, evenly paced, and it dealt with real issues all bands face such as creative differences between main members. The director, Alex Steyermark, does an amazing job considering it was only his third film, and previous work as executive music producer on over 50 titles gave him insight into creating a good film soundtrack.The acting wasn't amazing, but it was far from bad, and the music in the movie was better than what most bands are putting out today. If SLC Punk, Airheads, and The Rocker had a baby from some crazy threesome, this movie would be it. I would recommend this to anyone 16+ and hope to find similar movies because it was just that enjoyable.