The Wasteland Reviewer

Nimrods (2026) Written Review

What are your feelings about the iconic punk rock band Green Day? Their music has penetrated pop culture for the better part of 30 years. Whether it is “Dookie” or “American Idiot”, these albums were stuffed to the gills with hit songs that spoke to so many young people looking for music that represented them. When you have a band like this, there are so many people whose lives were touched and influenced by their music. A film like Nimrods is an interesting representation of many people’s relationships with their favorite band’s music. A small-town trio are tricked into thinking they are opening for Green Day on New Year’s Eve, and it is quite the journey for these young men. 

How does director Lee Kirk bring this coming-of-age road trip movie to life? The film delivers the right balance of charm and heart. There is a good bit of humor as well that feels authentic to the shenanigans of a group of teenage boys (as well as the members of a band like Green Day). The whole film is anchored on a prank and that is the type of vibe that this story has. But there is real emotion in this story as these young men are chasing their dreams and face so much adversary throughout the journey. From a filmmaking standpoint, this film has an indie filmmaking feel that never feels artificial or inauthentic. Cinematographer David Robert Jones delivers an intimate and engaging visual experience. For the 100-minute runtime, Kirk keeps the show going with an engaging and energetic presentation. The film does not shy away from delivering some authentic emotion as there is some surprising depth of character. An obvious choice is delivering a soundtrack full of Green Day songs, but they feel organic and effective throughout the film. 

Does the screenplay by Kirk and Billie Joe Armstrong of Green Day deliver a charming and engaging experience? The film leans heavily into tropes and structure that you are used to with road trip music films like this one. But there is comfort in the way this film draws upon other films like Detroit Rock City and others that paved the way before it. The film benefits from having an interesting trio of protagonists whose differences deliver enough tension and their passion for music makes them a believable band/group of friends. One of the tough things to buy into with the film is the awkward set-up that is hard to believe. The fact that this all starts with such a far-fetched prank, you must suspend plenty of disbelief. Like any effective road trip movie, Nimrods has plenty of interesting characters along the way from a sassy bar owner to a drunken “mechanic” to a charming punk rock girl who just might steal the heart of the main character. The film goes in plenty of familiar avenues but that does not stop the climax from delivering a satisfying and exciting end. The film is even able to deliver some surprising layers of emotion with the climactic confrontation between the film’s two brothers on either side of this prank. 

How does the cast bring this coming-of-age film to life? One of the fun nuggets in this film is having the actual members of Green Day getting a chance to rock and have some fun as well. The key to the effectiveness of the film is Mason Thames. One of the rising stars in film. Thames has shown to be a strong leading man with films like The Black Phone. Here, he is a relatable dreamer who we can buy into, and Thames delivers on the more emotional beats (especially when the film explores Tommy’s past trauma of losing his father and his tumultuous relationship with his brother). Speaking of Tommy’s brother, Keen Ruffalo delivers a performance with a surprising bit of depth in the film’s final moments. There are a few other strong turns from young performers like Ignacio Diaz-Silverio, Josh Fadem, and Kylr Coffman. Mckenna Grace is a spark that brings plenty of energy and personality into her supporting role and she makes the most of her limited role that feels a little too familiar. The Office alumna Jenna Fischer is a charming veteran presence as Thames and Ruffalo’s mother. There are plenty of other fun supporting terms from familiar faces like Fred Armisen, Sean Gunn, Angela Kinsey, and Bobby Lee.

Does Nimrods spark a feeling that so other music-focused road trip movies have delivered? There is certainly plenty of nostalgia to go around with those Green Day tracks hit every time they start playing. Thames is a strong lead who delivers plenty of charisma along with the young core cast. There are some narrative beats that feel a little awkward along the way, but the heart and soul of this dreamer’s tale make it an engaging and worthwhile experience.