The film Bang the Drum? is set in May of 1990 in Great Britain, just before The Stone Roses were scheduled to perform at a significant outdoor concert at Spike Island in Widnes, Cheshire. A group of young fans and aspiring musicians travel to Spike Island while also experiencing their own personal growth. British filmmakers often create coming-of-age stories using music as a backdrop, and Mat Whitecross (who previously directed Sex & Drugs & Rock & Roll) captures the essence of Manchester’s Baggy era—a Northern Britain defined by drugs, excitement, and romantic disappointments. For many people of a certain generation, The Stone Roses held a similar significance to The Beatles; they were an influential band whose impact on British music is still noticeable despite their brief career. Similar to what happened with The Sex Pistols at Winterland, the Spike Island concert was ultimately quite disappointing. However, the band members take a backseat to the teenagers’ struggles, their humorous antics, and their experiences with sexuality. As Ian Brown and John Squire play in the background, a group of awkward young men with unusual hairstyles and questionable accents attempt to understand life, loss, love, and everything else. Music connects them, but what more do they share? The film follows a predictable structure, but it may resonate with those who remember that time or appreciate how music can influence your life’s path. The movie is occasionally amusing, and the actors are energetic enough to make the familiar and somewhat shallow story work. Still, by the end, you're more likely to recall the soundtrack than the plot itself. It earns a rating of 6.5/10.

Source on TMDB