We Were Feared – Showing at the Newport Beach Film Festival – Newport Beach, CA

There were two screenings of the new documentary on the legendary Cuckoo's Nest at the Newport Beach Film Festival, one on April 25th and the other on the 27th. Some friends and I were able to make it on the second night. There were four of us with only three voucher tickets, so we left three hours before the movie started to make sure we could get one more ticket. Once we arrived, we waited in line with others, only to find out that the movie was sold out.

About a half hour later a ton of people showed up and waited in line for We Were Feared. My friends and I, along with a number of other people, had to wait in the rush line. The rush line was for people who didn't have tickets or had voucher tickets. So first they'd let in all the people with the actual movie tickets in, and then turn to the rush line and let people in first come first serve. Finally we were able to buy another ticket and exchange our vouchers for real tickets. After being seated, one of the ushers walked to the front by the screen to inform us that it was the second sold out screening of We Were Feared.

After the usher was finished the lights dimmed and the movie started. I don't want to ruin it for those who haven't seen it, so I'll briefly describe it without killing it. They pretty much covered everything from start to finish. The documentary talked about the birth of the venue, and how the owner, Jerry Roach, allowed Punk bands to play.  It covers how slam dancing started and how it eventually turned to violence.  It even told us the actual story about Pat Brown. What was really cool was seeing pictures and live footage of bands like Circle Jerks, T.S.O.L., and Black Flag playing at the Cuckoo's Nest. There were guests in the movie, including bands and people who were there all the time, telling their stories and sharing memories, and also feelings about the scene nowadays. After the 90 minute film, everyone clapped because it truly was an awesome film. The usher returned towards the front and announced that now a group question and answer part was going to take place. He welcomed Jerry Roach to join him at the front along with some others.

Members of the audience got their questions answered from the man who had seen it all. It was a really cool night overall. Young or old, I highly suggest seeing this documentary. It can bring back memories or give the young ones, like me, a feel for what it was like before we were born.

 

-Corrina P.-
Big Wheel Music Scene Reporter

 

 

 
                                          Go HERE to see all the latest show reviews