Punks Arrives from America: A weird, dusty little trip

Is it worth your time?

Look, if you’re into stuffy, old-fashioned dramas where people speak in paragraphs and everything feels like it was filmed inside a very expensive living room, you’ll probably get a kick out of Punks Arrives from America. If you need pacing, excitement, or characters who don't just stand around adjusting their lapels, stay far away.

It’s a strange little relic. Kind of like finding a half-eaten sandwich in a time capsule.

The vibe

The whole thing feels like a play that forgot it wasn't on stage. Our hero comes back from America totally busted, which is a classic trope, but the way he tries to win everyone over is just... aggressive. He’s got that specific energy of someone who just really needs a win, which is relatable, I guess.

There’s this one scene where he’s trying to stop a robbery at his uncle’s place, and I swear, the bad guys move like they're waiting for the bus. It’s not exactly The Lone Rider in terms of action, if you know what I mean. The tension is about as thick as skim milk.

Random thoughts

• The outfits? Absolutely wild. Everyone looks like they’re trying to hide a secret under their hats.
• I spent about ten minutes wondering if the guy playing the uncle was actually just three cats in a trench coat.
• The dialogue is so polite it’s actually kind of mean.

It’s nowhere near as frantic as something like The Bandit's Baby. In fact, it’s remarkably slow. Sometimes the camera just lingers on a face for way too long, like it’s waiting for the actor to remember their next line. Maybe they were! Who knows.

You can tell the production budget was basically pocket change and a dream. But hey, sometimes that makes things feel more honest, right? Or maybe just cheaper. Either way, it’s an odd watch. Probably not something you’ll remember in a month, but it has a certain weird charm if you’re tired of modern movies being so loud all the time. 🎞️