A Bit Exclusionary, But Still Entertaining

Rating: 5/10 (27 February 2017)

There is no doubt that "Green Room" is an exciting film, and one that will keep you entertained until the very end. Here's the thing, though: From a film studio (A24) that has produced some of my absolute favorite films the past few years, "Green Room" didn't quite measure up. I think the reason is because its punk-rock atmosphere leaves out a fair number of viewers who can't quite relate.
For a basic plot summary, this film focuses on the punk-rock band the "Ain't Rights", comprised of Pat (Anton Yelchin), Reece (Joe Cole), Sam (Alia Shaukat), and Tiger (Callum Turner). They are the typical "struggling band", siphoning gas from parked cars just to make it to the next gig. When that "next gig" happens to take them to a Nazi skinhead bar in Oregon, however, they witness an atrocity and are not allowed to leave (these people deal with things themselves). When the situation escalates, club owner Darcy (Patrick Stewart) is called onto the scene in order to control the chaos...and he is a man who certainly doesn't care if ultimate, violent force is used to get the job done.
The most interesting themes of "Green Room" surround the skinhead culture of violence in order to make sure that problems are "solved" without "outside intervention". When the band members decide to fight back a bit instead of just rolling over in the face of threats, Darcy brings out a combination of dogs, weapons, and cold-blooded killers that can truly be chill-inducing. So, one could say that just the sheer, stark violence of the picture is a "plus" (if you aren't immediately turned off by it) in that it manages to be legitimately creepy and dark.
The problem I had with this movie, though, is that I felt like I was kind of on the outside looking in due to the fact that I have no experience with clubs, live rock music, or punk-rock culture. That could be a "me problem", but I wonder if it also won't discourage others who might be in the same boat. It was just very difficult for me to relate to the characters, and that was a problem in a sub-90 minute piece that doesn't leave much time for character development.
Also, "Green Room" is a rather stark departure from A24's more mysterious or mind-stimulating fare, instead opting for a shot of adrenaline to the senses. I prefer the former type of film- making, but those who more appreciate the latter will like this one better than I.
So, while I was never bored with "Green Room" and indeed enjoyed certain aspects of it, as a whole it doesn't stick out to me as anything special (even in A24's own collection). Maybe I've just been spoiled by A24's tradition of excellence at the cinema that anything below that (or not appealing directly to my film tastes) seems a bit off. Either way, this one was "just okay" in my eyes.