Film Review – Nimrods (2026)

      Nimrods, 2026.

      Directed by Lee Kirk.

      Featuring Mason Thames, Kylr Coffman, Ryan Foust, Jenna Fischer, Mckenna Grace, Angela Kinsey, Keen Ruffalo, Ignacio Diaz-Silverio, Billie Joe Armstrong, Mike Dirnt, Tré Cool, Harper Marie Kirk, Fred Armisen, Bobby Lee, Jolene Blalock, Sean Gunn, Jennifer Leigh, Sam Huntington, Ryder Rapino, Sasha Brooklyn, P.J. Sosko, Buffy Milner, and Melissa Kurland.

      SYNOPSIS:

      Three friends embark on a cross-country road trip in a van, stirring up chaos and mischief while racing to Los Angeles for their big opportunity: opening for Green Day on New Year’s Eve.

      In an early scene in Nimrods, aspiring punk band frontman Tommy (Mason Thames) encounters his idols, Green Day (comprised of Billie Joe Armstrong, Mike Dirnt, and Tré Cool, known for their timeless politically energized songs as well as the typical rebellious stoner tracks associated with the genre), as he hands over his demo tape, hoping to boost his band's, Analog Dogs, chances of making it big.

      This moment is unexpected, particularly as it seems co-writer/director Lee Kirk (who collaborated on the script with Green Day, suggesting a reunion since he directed Billie Joe Armstrong in 2016’s Ordinary World, which revolved around a waning rockstar) would save such a fan-starstruck meeting for the climax. Though the encounter is undeniably awkward, it ends with the band offering Tommy and his friends supportive encouragement. While it serves as a way to showcase Green Day early in the film, it also highlights that, despite the band’s music playing throughout the soundtrack, this isn't an egotistical project but one that genuinely backs the next generation of rock ‘n’ roll or anyone aspiring to follow in their footsteps.

      Lee Kirk and Green Day dedicate plenty of time to the Analog Dogs (who fall victim to a humorous running gag where their name is inadvertently mispronounced), whether it's through garage performances or simply hearing their music. Additionally, a brief appearance by another band belting out punk songs leads to a rain-soaked, muddy scene that feels reminiscent of that notorious Woodstock year, where Trent Reznor of Nine Inch Nails performed, covered in muck from head to toe.

      If Ordinary World featured Billie Joe Armstrong grappling with uncertainties about his career as an aging rock star, Nimrods (initially titled New Year’s Rev, likely changed since it didn’t manage to secure a holiday release date and instead released in late August, a questionable decision considering the limited audience) sees the band giving back through a narrative loosely inspired by their own experiences on the road while establishing themselves in the punk music scene. While not every joke lands, the humor captures a quintessential teenage spirit, with characters and a plot that mostly feel believable, given Green Day's enduring global appeal.

      Tommy and his friends, the straightforward Fred (Kylr Coffman) and excitable mama’s boy Chad (Ryan Foust), are duped into a road trip from Kansas City to California under the pretense that they will be the opening act for Green Day on New Year’s Eve. Regularly bickering with his brother Wayne (Keen Ruffalo), ever since the death of their father years prior, they successfully pull a prank with the help of his dimwitted friend Keith (Ignacio Diaz-Silverio) after a fan meet-and-greet at a record store (Green Day performs in Kansas City at the film’s outset), taking advantage of the Analog Dogs being, well, stuck in a digital world, easily convinced that Tré Cool has listened to their music and is impressed enough to want them to open the New Year’s Eve show. In their defense, their passion for analog results in some poignant camcorder footage, capturing moments that feel formative.

      Admittedly, this is a forced plot device even by the standards of kickstarting a movie. However, despite the playful bond shared by the friends, the episodic nature of the film hits a snag during their road trip, repeatedly finding contrived obstacles to their journey. If these situations are drawn from Green Day's real-life tours, they appear exaggerated to a comedic extent and often feel inauthentic. This doesn't even address the random romantic subplot that seems tacked on, as if Mckenna Grace joined late in the process. Yes, first love and crushes are integral to the teenage experience, but, like various elements (including a detour to a creepy motel), they slow down the story. This 106-minute film contains enough material for about 80 minutes and would flow more smoothly without overusing buddy road-trip clichés of constant fighting due to roadblocks and then reconciling. Once the characters arrive at the concert venue, that energy returns, buoyed by some clever,