Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Brisk
- Intensity
- Moderate
- Complexity
- Easy to follow
- Violence
- None
- witty
- irreverent
- energetic
- music night
- casual movie night
What critics said
Critics found the premise and lead performances appealing but considered the film uneven, shapeless, and emotionally underdeveloped.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
Neil and Ivan pursue rock stardom while their former school friends in U2 become globally famous.
The brothers remain near the emerging U2 scene yet can only watch their friends become major stars.
The McCormick brothers measure their stalled careers against U2's extraordinary rise.
The brothers repeatedly attempt to become global rock stars despite setbacks and comparison with U2.
Films like Killing Bono, and why
The Commitments
music-centered comedy drama about ambition, rivalry, and the frustrations of chasing fame
Sing Street
rock-and-roll comedy built around youthful ambition, friendship, and the pursuit of a breakthrough
The Boat That Rocked
witty backstage music story contrasting artistic aspiration with commercial success
A Mighty Wind
comic drama about obsession with celebrity, personal ambition, and self-defeating rivalry
Movie Details
- Director
- Nick Hamm
- Release Date
- 2011-04-01
- Runtime
- 115 min
- Rating
- 6.2 / 10 (113)
Cast
- Ben Barnes
- Robert Sheehan
- Pete Postlethwaite
- Krysten Ritter
- Ralph Brown
- Justine Waddell
- Luke Treadaway
- Martin McCann
- Peter Serafinowicz
- Hugh O'Conor
Where to watch in United States
- Rent
- Google Play Movies, YouTube
- Buy
- Google Play Movies, YouTube
Streaming options come from TMDB and change over time.
Common questions
- What is Killing Bono about?
- Two ambitious brothers chase rock stardom from the sidelines as their former schoolmates become U2.
- What is Killing Bono like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Killing Bono as brisk, its intensity as moderate and its storytelling as easy to follow.
- Is Killing Bono violent?
- No — Ember's analysis finds no violence in Killing Bono.
- What did critics think of Killing Bono?
- Critics found the premise and lead performances appealing but considered the film uneven, shapeless, and emotionally underdeveloped.
- Which films are like Killing Bono?
- Films with a similar feel include The Commitments, Sing Street, The Boat That Rocked, and A Mighty Wind.
- How long is Killing Bono?
- Killing Bono runs 115 minutes.
- Where can I watch Killing Bono?
- In United States, Killing Bono is available to rent or buy from Google Play Movies, YouTube.
