Monday Morning Maybe

Add your email and we'll match picks to the services you stream at home.

Poster for Pump Up the Volume

Pump Up the Volume

Seen it?

1990 | 102 min | Music, Drama

Sunday Safe Bet

Why it’s a Sunday Safe Bet

It earned strong reviews (80% on Rotten Tomatoes), though it had soft box office. A safe bet when you want something reliable.

Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.

Is it for you?

Who'll love it
Made for anyone who loves a strong drama. Critics rate it higher than audiences do, so it rewards patience more than it chases thrills.
The mood
Thoughtful and character-driven.
The pace
Takes its time with its characters, at 1 hr 42 min.
What might put you off
  • Rated R: meant for adults.
  • Audiences were cooler on it than critics.

Mark Hunter, a lonely high school student, uses his shortwave radio to moonlight as the popular pirate DJ "Hard Harry." When his show gets blamed for a teen committing suicide, the students clash with high school faculty and the authorities.

How it earned its rating

  • CriticsStrong

    80% on Rotten Tomatoes, 77 on Metacritic

  • AudiencesSolid

    7.1 out of 10

  • AwardsWeak

    1 win and 0 nominations from smaller awards and festivals

  • Box office & staying powerBelow par

    $12 million worldwide; still draws a steady audience long after release

  • Buzz & cultural impactSolid

    About 87K people sought it out in the past year

Trailer

More like this

Want more like this, picked just for you? Get my picks

Cast & crew

Directed by Allan Moyle

  • Christian SlaterMark Hunter
  • Samantha MathisNora Diniro
  • Annie RossLoretta Creswood
  • Scott PaulinBrian Hunter
  • Mimi KennedyMarla Hunter
  • Andy RomanoMurdock
  • Keith Stuart ThayerLuis Chavez
  • Cheryl PollakPaige Woodward
  • Jeff ChamberlainMr. Woodward
  • Lala SloatmanJanie