Killing Bono

Plot

Two brothers attempt to become global rock stars but can only look on as old school friends U2 become the biggest band in the world.

Release Year: 2011

Rating: 6.0/10 (2,046 voted)

Critic's Score: 46/100

Director:
Nick Hamm

Stars: Ben Barnes, Robert Sheehan, Krysten Ritter

Storyline
Two brothers attempt to become global rock stars but can only look on as old school friends U2 become the biggest band in the world.

Writers: Dick Clement, Ian La Frenais

Cast:

Ben Barnes
–

Neil McCormick

Ralph Brown
–

Leo

Jason Byrne
–

Hotel Receptionist

Sam Corry
–

Paul McGuinness

Seán Doyle
–

Larry Mullen Jr.

Sean Duggan
–

Liam

David Fennelly
–

Frankie

Mark Griffin
–

The Edge

Aoife Holton
–

Stella McCormick

Joni Kamen
–

Joss

Thomas Kelly
–

Hopeless Eric

Packy Lee
–

U2 Security Guard

James Lonergan
–

Keith

Lisa McAllister
–

Erika

Aidan McArdle
–

Bill McCormick

Taglines:
Sex, Drugs, and Rock 'n Roll Rivalry

Details

Official Website:
Official Blog |

Release Date: 1 April 2011

Filming Locations: Belfast, County Antrim, Northern Ireland, UK

Opening Weekend: £112,206
(UK)
(3 April 2011)
(253 Screens)

Gross: £239,692
(UK)
(17 April 2011)

Technical Specs

Runtime:

114 min

Did You Know?

Trivia:

The real brothers Ivan and Neil McCormick made a cameo in this movie. They are the folks watching one of the first gigs in an empty bar.

Goofs:

Continuity:
When Neil is about to leave the garage about discussing the bands future his collar is down. There is a cut in the shot and his collar is up. There is yet another shot from outside of the garage and his collar is down again.

Quotes:

Ivan McCormick:
So, fill me in, brother, how much are we into Danny Machin for?

Neil McCormick:
All in all? Thirteen grand. Give or take.

Ivan McCormick:
Thirteen grand? What is that? Five grand a kneecap and three for our heads?

Neil McCormick:
…That doesn't add up, Ivan.

User Review

A close shave with fame

Rating: 7/10


To truly appreciate this film you'll either have to be 40 something
plus or be heavily involved in your own peer group's music scene. The
League of Gentleman have a failed musician character that they play for
the pathos type of comedy. Here, a real 'failed' musician finds comedy
in rewriting his own aborted attempt at snatching fame and fortune in
the fickle music industry. It's a very affectionate account – skating
gently over the less pleasant aspects of the industry. Robert Sheehan
is a dream as Ivan – oooh yes you could really see him in the U2 line
up – something brother Neil prevented from happening. I honestly was
transported back to the 1980's and dodgy music venues and half baked
bands performing as if their lives depended on it. Fabulous. Not
everyone's cup of tea though. Pure nostalgia for me – but oh I do wish
they'd managed to sneak in a bit more of actual U2 music.