Title: End of the Century: The Story of the Ramones

DVD: Rhino Home Video / Sire Records

Length: +/- 150 min.

Reviewed by: Josh Blackway

I remember last year when this movie came out, a friend of mine in California called me in the middle of the night (thanks to the 3-hour time difference) and said, “Josh, I just saw that Ramones movie, End of the Century, and I had to tell you… I get it now.” It took me too long to finally see this movie, but that comment had been in the back of my mind for a long time. I knew it would be special, but at the same time, seeing all of the other Ramones documentaries got me thinking that it would basically be the same footage, just compiled a different way. Since this was released on a larger level, I figured it would probably be good. I just didn’t know it would be this good.

This movie goes beyond the typical musical documentary. Is digs deeper than any of the Ramones ever anticipated and it really does bring out the truth of this band that paved the way for most of the music you hear today. One rock tale after another, this is as educational as it is entertaining. It will make you laugh and it might make you cry. I felt a sobering realization of what kept this band going as long as it did when Arturo Vega comments about Joey while he was on his death bed. With a lump in his throat, he explains how Joey didn’t want them to put a feeding tub in because he didn’t want to damage his vocal chords. It really showed how important the music was to the Ramones… it was all that mattered. As Joey explains how music is his salvation, a deeper meaning is found when he tells us that “I Don’t Wanna Walk Around With You is a love song.”

As the spirit of rock & roll was going away in the early seventies, Tommy explains, “Judy is a Punk… this is something that is futuristic.” End of the Century shows the truth in that statement, as ridiculous as it might sound. The Ramones did change the future of music… and this movie proves it.

There are plenty of testimonials from other legends, such as the late Joe Strummer who describes how seeing the Ramones live “was like white heat… you couldn’t put a cigarette paper between one tune ending and the next beginning…”

But this isn’t just a history lesson, I mean it is… but there’s so much more. Why did Joey and Johnny not talk to each other for so many years?… What was the deal with Richie?… What is 53^rd & 3^rd really about?... Who’s funnier: Marky or Dee Dee? “One day I threw a fish head out of the window of a hotel into a pool… people swimming… that was funny,” Marky explains with the straightest joke telling face in rock & roll.

It’s all answered here. If you think you know all there is to know about this band, you don't. If you’ve never pondered any of those questions and you really don’t like or care about the Ramones, you should still see this movie. I guarantee that when it’s over, you’ll get it.