Shoplifters of the World
Shoplifters of the World

Movie spotlight

Shoplifters of the World

2021
Movie
90 min
English

1987. Denver, Co. One crazy night in the life of four friends reeling from the sudden demise of iconic British band The Smiths, while the local airwaves are hijacked at gunpoint by an impassioned Smiths fan.

Insights

IMDb5.8/10
Rotten Tomatoes43%
Google Users56%
Director: Stephen WallisGenres: Comedy, Drama, Music

Plot Summary

In 1987, four die-hard fans of the British band The Smiths are devastated to learn of their breakup. In a haze of grief and rebellion, they break into a record store and hold the employees hostage for 24 hours, demanding that the store only play Smiths music. As the night progresses, the hostages and their captors engage in discussions about life, love, and the profound impact of music.

Critical Reception

Shoplifters of the World received a mixed reception from critics, with some praising its nostalgic tone and performances, while others found its plot and execution to be less compelling. Audience reception was generally lukewarm, with fans of The Smiths showing some appreciation for the thematic elements.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its earnest portrayal of Smiths fandom and the chemistry among the young leads.

  • Criticized for a somewhat predictable plot and a lack of deeper thematic exploration.

  • Seen as a niche film that will appeal most strongly to dedicated fans of The Smiths.

Google audience: Google users generally found the film to be an interesting concept that didn't fully deliver on its potential, with many appreciating the music featured but wishing for a more developed storyline and characters.

Fun Fact

The film heavily features music from The Smiths, with many of their popular songs woven into the narrative and soundtrack.

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