Search - MXPX - B Movie on DVD

"Kings of Hollywood" Show How It's Done

Michael D. Mallinger | Woodbridge, VA USA | 04/09/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"In "B-Movie," the members of the punk band MxPx demonstrate how to achieve longevity as a musical group. First formed in 1993, and featuring the same line-up since 1994, the band has witnessed all of the highs and lows that a popular group can experience during its tenure. Like many great bands who've stuck it out over time, the members of MxPx are frequently asked "How have you guys managed to stay together for so long?" Many great bands answer this question by saying something like "We always push ourselves hard and stay passionate about writing great songs and putting on great shows. But we also try to take ourselves seriously, but not too seriously." In "B-Movie," the members of MxPx demonstrate exactly what this means.

Like many popular punk bands, MxPx was formed in a town near Seattle and built a nation-wide fan base by playing fast-paced, extremely intense shows in small clubs across the country. However, the band has experienced frustration with its record labels virtually every step of the way. When the members of MxPx became concerned that their first label, a small-sized independent named Tooth and Nail, was underpaying royalties, they jumped to major label A&M. When A&M was bought out by Interscope, and many staff members who supported the band were either reassigned or let go, MxPx spent time in record label limbo, wondering if Interscope would honor its contract or cut it loose. Interscope eventually brought them aboard.

When the band's hit single "Well Adjusted" was featured in a Pepsi commercial during the Super Bowl, Interscope seemed to be in no rush to get the new album containing it to market. When Interscope declined to release it as a single, the band revolted, launching an online campaign encouraging fans to write the label requesting that a single be issued. Interscope and MxPx eventually had a mutual parting of ways. The bottom line: over much of its tenure, MxPx hasn't gotten the respect and support it has deserved from its record labels.

In addition to this record label roller coaster ride, the band has received more than its fair share of anger and alienation from fans. MxPx has written many songs about what it is like being a Christian in a world that has, by and large, rejected many Christian teachings. They also write songs about everyday emotions that people experience in their lives. However, the band doesn't write songs about Christianity itself. This led many fans of the Christian music industry to sharply criticize the band's efforts.

On the other side, punk music has always espoused many left-leaning ideals. Many fans of punk music are openly hostile towards Christianity and its beliefs. They have no desire to see MxPx booked alongside their favorite punk bands. For example, I once heard a story that the band members were spat upon, and pelted with cigarettes and garbage, by an audience while trying to open for the Queers. When MxPx began its set, someone pulled the plug to keep the mockery going. However, once they started playing, the band managed to win over much of the audience. I do not know whether or not this story is true, but given how many people in punk music feel about Christianity, I would not be surprised if it were true.

Given their resiliency, it is easy to see that the band members are driven to succeed. Taking a look behind the scenes at MxPx in action offers a pretty good model for new bands to study. "B-Movie" offers a solid look at how the band members - and other individuals who work with them - interact while playing shows, performing unplugged sets at in-store promotions, recording songs in the studio, spending free-time on tour, and just plain messing around. The highlight of the DVD occurs while the band is in Europe and finds its plans for the day cancelled. On a whim, they decide to rent bikes and ride around town. Seeing how much fun they have speaks volumes about their creativity and ability to make the most of any set of circumstances.

"B-Movie" contains a lot of goofing around. But it also shows how the band members keep things fresh when playing the same songs night after night and being asked the same questions over and over again. In the special features section, the members do play-by-play and color commentary to explain, and poke fun at, virtually everything in the film. Like Mike Ness and Joe Escalante's commentary on "Another State of Mind," the members of MxPx use a Mystery Science Theater 3000esque approach to keep the laughs coming. Yuri's theory about using spiders to tame overly-obsessive fans is hysterical.

Overall, "B-Movie" should be required viewing for anyone starting a band and looking to achieve a slow and steady rise to the top. The members of MxPx have overcome significant obstacles to get to where they are today. Younger artists can learn a lot by watching them in action. Fans who watch "B-Movie" will gain a better understanding of where great songs like "Move to Bremerton" and "Buildings Tumble" come from. Having worked out its differences with Tooth and Nail, MxPx has rejoined its roster and has solid plans for future releases. People should continue to expect great things from MxPx for years to come."

MxPx rocks as hard as ever!

Me | The Middle of Nowhere | 12/02/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"B-Movie is awesome. It's hilarious, and rocks harder than any music DVD I've seen before. It includes lots of live songs including PxPx, Tommorow Is Another Day, Well Adjusted, an acoustic version of Let It Happen, and the acoustic version of Responsibility. It also has some new songs playing in the background that will be on their next CD and alot of other very cool stuff. Not only that, but the DVD comes with an acoustic EP! The EP includes two new songs, the Silver Screen, and When Grey Skies Turn Blue. It also features a stripped down version of Quit Your Life, Where Will We Go, and Invitation To Understanding. The acoustic version of Invitation To Understanding is simply amazing, the boys outdid themselves here. Get this DVD!"

Pinching nipples and breaking glass fun!!!!!!

Dracula D | a haunted waxwork in Pa. | 11/27/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"These guys rock. This is one of those DVDs put out by a band that actually is a ton of fun to watch even if you aren't the biggest fan. You got everything on this video: live songs, rare songs, practical jokes, great special features, tour footage, short films, behind the scenes of photo shoots and video shoots...and all of it is AWESOME! What an amazing price for all of this too!! Wow! And there's about 90 minutes of total footage on this bad boy!
Look forward to some pinched nipples and groin grabbing as well. That's mostly what I watched it for!
GO GET IT!
MXPX IS AN AWESOME BAND...
and did i mention that they pinch nipples in the video?"