End of the Century: Story of the Ramones (2003): Dir: Jim Fields, Michael Gramaglia / Featuring: Joey Ramone, Johnny Ramone, Dee Dee Ramone, Marky Ramone, C.J. Ramone: Effective and often humorous look at the rise and fall of a major influential punk band. Documentary chronicles the band from their questionable beginning, where they were mainly misunderstood, to the death of key members of the band. Directors Jim Fields and Michael Gramaglia establish the group within interview clips and concert footage, difficulties among band members as well as the horrors of fame. Joey Ramone passed away in 2001by cancer but thankfully the filmmakers give us great insight into his shy nature as well as archive interview footage. Dee Dee Ramone died shortly thereafter of a heroine overdose and his interview segments are the most interesting due to his exaggerated methods of expressing himself. Johnny Ramone reflects upon disagreements he had with Joey. It also showcases the impact of other punk bands such as the Sex Pistols. It also features brief footage from Rock N' Roll High School for which they played themselves. We are also given some great concert footage featuring some of their classic funky songs with strange lyrics. Dedicated fans will definitely appreciate this film where the Ramones are given their voice through this amusing documentary. Score: 10 / 10
