Independent Student Newspaper for the University of Texas at San Antonio

The Paisano

Independent Student Newspaper for the University of Texas at San Antonio

The Paisano

Independent Student Newspaper for the University of Texas at San Antonio

The Paisano

SXSW: ‘Good Vibrations’ film review

When you leave a movie with a smile stuck on your face, you know it did it’s job. “Good Vibrations” is without question a timeless feel-good movie and possibly one of the best movies I’ve seen this year. It will have you tapping your feet, laughing, and lost in the turbulent setting of Northern Ireland of the 1970’s. “Good Vibrations” tells the story of Terri Hooley, a charismatic, endearing music fanatic who believes in the power of music to cure a population defiled by The Troubles. “The Troubles” is the most prevailing term for a conflict in Northern Ireland during the 1970’s. The Troubles involved the Protestant Unionist community and the Catholic Nationalist community. Unionist wanted Ireland to remain part of the United Kingdom while Nationalist fought for independence and formation of a United Ireland. In the 1970’s the violence climaxed with involvement of the Provisional IRA, a rebellion group determined to fight against british rule in Northern Ireland. Great Victoria Street, an abandoned derelict street in Belfast Ireland, was one of the most bombed streets in Northern Ireland at the time and exactly where Terri Hooley felt like opening a record store. Terri believed music could heal the severed community he once remembered and set out on a mission to enlighten the masses with records. “A proper record collection must have a track for every moment” and something about the new punk scene fit the moment Terri had become so wary of. Terri falls in love with the Northern Ireland’s punk bands and dedicates his life to sharing their unconventional sound with the world. The story of Terri Hooley and the Good Vibrations record store is an uplifting, inspiring true story that is perfectly paced and wonderfully written. It is a testament of true passion and determination while pleasing anyone in search of a comedy. “Good Vibrations” is an absolute gem and should not be passed up if given the chance to see.

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