While it is quite obvious that I'm a big movie fan, music is a major part of my life as well. How could it not be? I mean, I run a music store. I am into a great variety of tunes, but as of the last couple of years, I've really found myself drawn to the onslaught of British bands invading the states. Michael Winterbottom's new film 24 Hour Party People is an amusing comedy focusing on the Manchester music scene via the late 70's and early 80's.

Steve Coogan is Tony Wilson, the founder of Factory Records, a band-friendly label that would distribute works by the likes of Joy Divsion, New Order, The Happy Mondays and many others. While the movie is grounded in truth, Winterbottom can't help but embelish the facts, but he does so in a carefree manner and even allows the film's characters to let the audience know what is fact and what is fiction.

Coogan is fantastic as Wilson. This was a guy who really loved rock and roll and putting bands on the map, even if there was a fair share of blind luck involved. Wilson also liked to live the same sort of turbulent lifestyle as the bands he was promoting. While the rest of the cast is engaging, it is Coogan's show.

Winterbottom has shot 24 Hour Party People in a sort of documentary style, interweaving his footage with stock footage of rare performances by bands from the scene. The Sex Pistols stuff in particular, adds a burst of energy to this funny, rock fable. The writer/director also seems to have a grasp on the time period, and vast knowledge of the bands that are talked about throughout the picture.

So did I like the movie? To a point. There is no denying that this film offers up some really funny stuff (watch for a hilarious homage to Apocalypse Now featuring a Flock of Pigeons). It's also a picture perfect recreation of a time period long since vanished. I just found myself bored for certain stretches of the 24 Hour Party People.

There is no doubt that fans of the early Manchester scene are going to have a great time at this movie. It pulsates with a lively soundtrack and captures the feel of it's era. For those who are not fans of the Manchester scene, this will certainly do nothing to convert you. I for one, never really got into New Order and some of the other bands in question, but I did appreciate the spirit and lively bravado of 24 Hour Party People.