The film revolves around Mark Hunter, a shy teenager. One day, Mark decided to run the crowd in high school. Things turn out to be a bad path, especially when he broadcasts a gruesome night monologue on a pirate radio station from the basement of his parents' house at those moments.
As a movie, 'Pump Up the Volume' is a lot like a teenager: at times unbearably self-important and pretentious (Nora's poems, good lord), yet undeniably, and admirably, earnest.
Pump Up the Volume is the kind of movie that hits home. It touches on real emotions and is a reminder of just how darn awkward it is to be a young adult.
Few films understand the fantasies of the would-be outsider-turned-icon quite as well, while remaining in a realistic setting.
EmanuelLevy.Com
January 08, 2012
Sharply uneven, this teen-angst feature begins exgremely well with some relevant social commentary; it also put on the map Christian Slater as a talent to watch.
Much more than a teen movie....an experience, and one you'll never forget. TURN IT UP LOUD!
Shadows on the Wall
June 12, 2004
Underrated.
Time Out
February 09, 2006
The perfectly cast Slater effectively propels the film, his intensity and dry delivery giving it a definite edge, as does a soundtrack which includes Ice T, Concrete Blonde and the Cowboy Junkies.
