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Parents' Guide to

Gimme Danger

By Jeffrey M. Anderson, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 15+

Music docu is mainly a fan film; drugs, lots of cursing.

Movie R 2016 108 minutes
Gimme Danger Poster Image

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What's the Story?

In GIMME DANGER, filmmaker Jim Jarmusch sits down with James Osterberg, better known as Iggy Pop, to discuss Pop's first band the Stooges. Iggy practiced drums in his parents' trailer, moved from place to place, and played the blues with Chicago musicians. He talks about his influences, from discordant jazz to the kids' TV show Soupy Sales, who encouraged kids to write with as few words as possible. He eventually formed his own band with bassist Dave Alexander, guitarist Ron Asheton, and drummer Scott Asheton. Their three albums sold poorly and their chaotic shows quickly took a toll. The band broke up, but their legacy continued, and their music influenced generations of rock bands. In 2003, bassist Mike Watt began the first steps of what would become a Stooges reunion, and this time, the band played for far more appreciative fans.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say: Not yet rated
Kids say: Not yet rated

In this documentary, director Jim Jarmusch calls the Stooges "the greatest rock 'n' roll band, ever." Though he doesn't exactly support his claim, he does at least create an entertaining tribute. Gimme Danger certainly could have been more "punk rock," a little less polished and familiar. It relies on all those old staples like talking heads, photos, archive footage, and funny little animations. The documentary does correctly illustrate the wide-ranging influence the Stooges had (from the Sex Pistols to Nirvana and the White Stripes), and the many music clips speak for themselves.

But it turns out that the movie's best asset is Iggy Pop himself. While a band as raw and loose as the Stooges (two of their songs are "Raw Power" and "Loose") may appear to have come about by accident, Iggy reveals that he is a canny musician and artist. It's fascinating to hear about all his influences, from Chicago blues to discordant jazz to kids' TV shows like Howdy Doody and Soupy Sales. When he describes the making of certain songs, he describes them with great knowledge and feeling, suggesting that great thought and preparation went into each explosive track. Iggy is a wonderful storyteller, and it would have been fun to listen to him for hours more.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about Gimme Danger's depiction of violence. How much is shown and how much is described? Do these events seem more dangerous given that they happened in real life?

  • How are drugs and alcohol portrayed? Are they glamorized? Do they look cool? Are there (or were there) consequences?

  • Did you know who Iggy Pop or the Stooges were before seeing this? Do you appreciate them more? Less? Why?

  • What is it about the Stooges' music that was so difficult at first, but then gained so many fans later? What else can you think of that took a long time to catch on?

  • Is Iggy Pop a good role model for kids or teens hoping to play music? Why or why not?

Movie Details

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