Shoplifters of the World Review: A Tribute to the Smiths and the Energy of Youth

Release date: March 26, 2021
Running time: 90 minutes        
Starring: Helena Howard, Ellar Coltrane, Elena Kampouris, Nick Krause, James Bloor, Thomas Lennon, and Joe Manganiello
Written and Directed by Stephen Kijak

In the Summer of 1987, four friends, reeling from the sudden break-up of the iconic British band The Smiths, embark on a night out of partying to mourn their musical loss. At the same time, an impassioned Smiths fan takes a local radio DJ hostage at gunpoint and forces him to play nothing but Smiths tracks. With the radio station playing as the soundtrack to their night, the friends go on a wild journey of self-discovery that will transform them forever. Featuring an incredible soundtrack – including 20 songs from The Smiths – Shoplifters of the World is a glorious ode to the craziness of the ‘80s and the power of music to change people’s lives.

So first off, the soundtrack is just terrible; too much emo music and not enough metal!  (Just kidding).  I hadn't heard much of the Smiths before watching this delightful film and absolutely loved the soundtrack.  The film is a musical journey through the Smith's discography and smartly features the songs throughout this journey.  They are always there, in the background on the radio or in the foreground of the actions of the teens; a literal soundtrack to their wild night.  The movie is fueled by this rebellious soundtrack and the energy of youth.

And speaking of the youths, the cast is also phenomenal in this.  All 5 of the main teens do a great job of capturing the utter confusion and certainty of young people.  They're all trying to find their place and purpose in life.  And like many of us did, they identify with music to fuel their individuality and collective identity.  I liked that they were a collection of misfits; each having different personalities and motivations but drawn by their shared love of each other and their favorite band.  And special shout out to Joe Manganiello for his rocking portrayal of a radio DJ.  I loved his character and the easy way that fit as a metal head DJ.  All the acting was great, but Manganiello took it to the next level with a convincing performance as a metal head DJ.  And the characters all fit in this time period.  Director Stephen Kijak spent a lot of time making sure that his portrayal was accurate, even indoctrinating his cast with music of the time and teaching them to dance in an 80s appropriate way. And this all comes through in their portrayals.  

And the story of this film is, like your teens, slow but full of eventful and uneventful times.  The movie has a measured start, but really gets going as the night does.  And I did not mind the slow start at all' I loved learning about these teens and their various dreams, disappointments, and overall view of life.  And when the story picks up, it really becomes something special.  Like an angsty Empire Records, this film is a great encapsulation of teenage drama, dreams, and crushing realities.  Like a good album, Shoplifters of the World needs to be experienced from start to finish to truly appreciate it.  And one thing I really enjoyed was how throughout the film, people with very different ideas, interests, and views could get along and learn to appreciate each other.  Even in some very tense situations, by simply listening, talking, and seeing each other as human beings, these characters were able to gain a connection that can be sorely lacking in our current time.

Shoplifters of the World is a musical journey through the Smith's discography, fueled by this rebellious soundtrack and the dreams, disappointments, and angst of youth.

Watch it.

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Shoplifters of the World is available in theaters, digitally, and on demand on March 26, 2021. 

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