A scene from 'Nimrods'

Nimrods review: Kids have the time of their life

‘Nimrods’ follows a punk band on an ill-fated, cross-country trip to open for their favourite group, Green Day.

In Nimrods, a garage band travels halfway across the country for what could be their big break.

High schoolers Tommy (Mason Thames), Fred (Kylr Coffman) and Chad (Ryan Foust) are in a punk band called Analog Dogs. When they fail to sneak into Green Day’s concert, they go to the band’s record store signing to give them their demo tape. After a disagreement, Tommy’s older brother (Keen Ruffalo) takes revenge by tricking them into thinking Green Day wants their band to open their New Year’s Eve show. Completely unaware they’re being duped, the boys pack up their equipment and start the journey from Kansas City to Los Angeles.

Green Day’s misadventures while touring in their van before their breakthrough largely inspires the story. The narrative checks all the boxes of a classic and chaotic road trip movie. The Analog Dogs also recruit new fans of all ages along the way via an impromptu, multi-stop tour.

It’s not surprising Analog Dogs’ music sounds similar to Green Day’s given the real-life band’s influence on- and off-screen. In addition to a small selection of spirited original tunes, the soundtrack consists of 22 songs spanning Green Day’s career, ensuring the road trip has a robust playlist.

There are no dull moments as an infectious energy emanates from the trio and the familiar track list. Tommy, Fred and Chad have very different personalities, but ingenious casting presents a group of teens with a recognizable bond. Their chemistry makes their friendship believable whether they’re fighting or having the time of their lives.

Read my full review of Nimrods at thatshelf.com.

Director: Lee Kirk
Starring: Mason Thames, Kylr Coffman and Ryan Foust

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