Co-writer/Producer/Director Jeff Hupp takes his hat off to garage bands in the 2025 music dramedy Band on the Run. This is made with love. A look back at the 1990’s and the Detroit music scene. It’s about bonding, rivalries and, of course, the music.
Band on the Run Story
Jesse and his two band mates dream of a record contract and escaping the trap that is Detroit. SXSW music festival invites the band to perform. Jesse takes his very ill father, Thomas along. The trip allows all of the little group to peel back layers and discover what they really want.
The Main Cast
Larry Bagby is Thomas.
Matt Perl is Jesse Grant.
Dylan Randazzo is Cody.
Landon Tavernier is J J.
Jake Eberle is Manny.
Let’s Talk Band on the Run
Jeff Hupp, along with Colby Clayton Lemaster, gives us a tale about three young men doing what they love. Their music is their life. Set in 1990’s Detroit, we feel their longing for something more. Jesse’s dad Thomas gave up dreaming long ago and seemingly begrudges his son’s own dream.
This story about journeys hits the spot. It is well acted and well written. The pacing is nigh-on perfect. There is little to complain about here. We love movies about bands and whatever story they tell. Band on the Run is funny, poignant, mischievous and touching.
Is it a tad predictable? Yes, but not in a bad way. There are signposts there if you look for them. However, we urge you to kick back and enjoy the music and the magic of their trip to Austin.
Band on the Run looks great. It is gritty when it needs to be and the use of natural lighting works. The sets look authentic and the costumes time appropriate. This all works to get us into the story.
Memory Lane
It was brilliant to see Larry Bagby on form here as the father. The last thing I honestly remember seeing him in is Ray Donovan. Before that it was his role as Larry Blaisdell in Buffy. He has lost none of his acting chops and he comes dangerously close to stealing this one.
Acting
Everyone here has “chops” for days. Perl is spot on as the torn Jesse. Tavernier is good fun as the egoist J J and we have already sung Bagby’s praises. The bar is set high here and all the actors convince. So much so that we really are behind their character’s goal of that all important record contract.
Band on the Run Verdict
This one is a full 5 star effort. It is an entertaining film where you can laugh in all the right places. Band on the Run is all about chasing your dreams and growing up, both of which can be painful. The film is available on Amazon, Apple TV and so on. Go and check it out if you have memories of garage band days, or even if you don’t.
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