I Used to Be Famous

I Used to Be Famous

A former boy band star unexpectedly gets a second shot at success when he forms a bond with a gifted young drummer.

  • Released: 2022-09-09
  • Runtime: 104 minutes
  • Genre: Comedy, Drama, Music
  • Stars: Ed Skrein, Eleanor Matsuura, Lee Long, Eoin Macken, Kurt Egyiawan, Neil Stuke, Racheal Ofori, Leo Long, Lorraine Ashbourne, Stanley Morgan
  • Director: Eddie Sternberg
 Comments
  • BrettBuzek - 1 August 2023
    It's comfort. Like a really, really good hug while you're wearing a cozy sweater while eating soup in front of your fireplace on a really cold day
    First, wtf is Eddy wearing in his profile pic? I need a list of his pronouns ASAmuddafreakingP. Also, I'll combust if I don't mention that Ed's last name is a not so fantastic example of the "I" before "E" except after "C" rule. Thanks my wittle Eddy spaghetti meow meow kitty cat for being born with your last name. The film itself? It doesn't have a ton of depth but what it lacks in depth, it makes up for with compassion and humanity. I'll give you two facts about the writer. The writer of this movie has never been punched and also has a blatant, over-idealistic outlook on lifes....but if we all did, it would make the world a far better place. Oh, also another fact, the only people that don't like this movie are sociopathic serial killers, so I'd recommend it for anyone on a first date. It's not a background check or anything but it'd be a good indicator and will help you "test the waters" as they say.
  • wrathofthefist - 9 January 2023
    Mediocre story and terrible music
    Watched this over the holidays and my family was laughing at how terrible the music is. Ed Skrien is also a very low point. I think he's a pretty good actor in everything else I've seen him in, but here he struggles. Maybe he can't handle the emotional stuff, or maybe he just wasnt in to it but he is not able to carry this one. His costar, (Leo Long I think) is pretty exceptional, and interested to check out other things he's been in. If the music had just been something even just above awful, it might have been salvageable. But each song is worse than the last. It's kinda like Once. If the music was all garbage and the main actor wasn't at all compelling.
  • andyroo1962 - 29 October 2022
    Simple but good
    The kind of film we need. A bit formulaic. But this is life. People fall from the heights of fame. Where are they now? This is just one story. On that note, the only thing lacking is the back story. What exactly happened that led to his fall? We have a hint. But it's not enough. I can use my imagination so it's not a deal killer. Excellent performances by Ed Skrein and Leo Long. With all the violence, gratuitous shock and horror out there it's refreshing to see a movie that brings hope. Yes -- encouragement to do the RIGHT thing, something to make the world a better place. A powerful reminder to be true to oneself.
  • albertval-69560 - 11 October 2022
    Friendship in Unlikely Places
    What is there not to like about this film? It simply touches one's heart strings with its simplicity and honesty.

    Vince and Stevie are an uncommon pair but they click igniting a poignant, memorable story.

    One doesn't need to watch spectacularly budgeted film productions to come up with a work of art as this one.

    Kudos to Leo Long who, despite his condition (he being neurodiverse), succeeds in coming up with an adorable performance. I've watched actors effectively play roles with mental issues and Leo Long as Stevie doesn't disappoint in this one. Ed Skrein's performance as the washed-up musician is subdued and controlled reflecting the inner tension that he must contend with although he doesn't always succeed as he explodes in one scene.

    This is a story of unlikely friendship between two individuals fighting their own issues who, in the end, help each other out to become better persons.

    Watch it now than later.
  • johnkenerson - 28 September 2022
    Way better than I was expecting.
    As a drummer myself, I watched this movie simply because it focused on a drummer. I was surprised that I enjoyed it as much as I did. Sure it had some flaws, but Ed Skrein was believable as a washed up pop star looking for that second chance. The kid was an adequate beginner drummer, and their music would never burn up the charts, but they played with feeling and that's worth way more than record sales.

    Spoiler alert ahead. The only real problem I had with the movie was Vince's struggle to go on tour without Stevie. The unfortunate reality of touring is that Stevie's autism would likely prevent the tour from getting insurance and the sensory overload that he would have felt with the crowds, lights and noise would likely have done him real damage. Presenting it as the manager just bouncing Stevie for a better musician was kind of a cop-out but I get it, it was for dramatic effect.

    I'd like to see more movies like this that show the healing and redemptive power of music, especially drums and percussion, drum circles and the human heartbeat. The drum is the most ancient and noble of instruments and this movie, Whiplash and Drumline just aren't enough.

    PS if you don't drop at least one year at the end... you're a monster.