KILL YOUR FRIENDS

(director: Owen Harris; screenwriter: based on the novel by John Niven/John Niven; cinematographer: Gustav Danielsson; editor: Bill Smedley; music: Junkie XL; cast: Nicholas Hoult (Steven Stelfox), James Corden (Roger Waters), Tom Riley (Parker Hall), Georgia King (Rebecca), Edward Hogg (DC Woodham),Rosanna Arquette (Barbara), Craig Roberts (Darren), Jim Piddock (Derek Sommers), Joseph Mawle (James Trellick), Osy Ikhile (Rage), Ella Smith (Nikki ), Moritz Bleibtreu (Rudi); Runtime: 103; MPAA Rating: NR; producers: Len Blavatnik, Gregor Cameron, Will Clarke; Altitude Film Entertainment (Studio Canal); 2015-UK)

“The cynical film might be more annoying than eyeopening but the soundtrack kicks, as it features groups like Blur, Oasis and Radiohead.”

Reviewed by Dennis Schwartz

Nicholas Hoult plays nasty, as a 1990s ruthless psychopathic music exec in London, at Unigram Records, interested only in becoming its head A&R executive by any means. John Niven adapted the script from his own best-selling novel, which was based on his past experience working in the rock music industry. TV director Owen Harris(“Holy Flying Circus”) directs this ugly insider music scene satire, that means to entertain by using its hateful protagonist to show the bad side of the musical industry. Hoult is so driven by insecurities that he kills his coke-addicted colleague friend, James Corden, fearful he will get the promotion he craves.

The film’s best scenes are introducing the various acts on Unigram’s roster, who are primed for exploitation. Otherwise, there are only a few funny observations in a film that relies totally on observations of the bad side of the pop music industry to make its case.

The cynical film might be more annoying than eyeopening but the soundtrack kicks, as it features groups like Blur, Oasis and Radiohead.

REVIEWED ON 4/9/2016 GRADE: C+