New trailer alert: 'CBGB'

I have a special spot in my heart for CBGB. The legendary and now defunct New York club was one of the first places I went when I visited Manhattan for first time many years ago. This was long after bands like the Ramones and Blondie graced the ridiculously small, dirty stage. Still, it was a huge deal for me, as I sat listening to one of the worst bands I've ever heard in my life. I don't even remember the name of the group (really, they were just awful), but that didn't matter. I saw club owner Hilly Kristal in person, I had several beers as I soaked in the atmosphere and yes, I even ventured into the pretty gross bathroom more than once.

Last year, when I first heard that a feature film based on Kristal and his iconic club CBGB (Country, Bluegrass and Blues) was coming, I couldn't help my excitement. Yes, Kristal was a controversial figure sure, but he was a pioneer. If he hadn't offered some young struggling bands a chance, we might never have heard of Television, Talking Heads or Patti Smith. I for one can't imagine a world without them so for that, I'm eternally grateful to Hilly Kristal.

Now, at long last, we have the first trailer for the CBGB movie, and to say I have mixed emotions is an understatement. The cast is impressive, but Alan Rickman as Hilly Kristal is giving me the creeps. That wig! That bad accent! Yikes! Here's the trailer for CBGB:

CBGB - Official Trailer (2013) - Alan Rickman, Rupert Grint, Malin Akerman Movie - MostMovie HD

The whole Rickman-as-Kristal look is bordering on comical for me. Am I totally off? The trailer, while certainly featuring the stellar cast, feels too sanitized for my taste. This is CBGB we're talking about, after all. This club was basically the birthplace of underground American punk. Maybe it's just some funky editing or something, but this trailer leaves me flat. I'm not losing all hope, but I'm slightly less enthusiastic about this project at the moment. I'm pretty amped about the soundtrack, though.

If you're really super interested in the story of a great American punk band, I can highly recommend End of the Century: The Story of the Ramones. It's one of my favorite music documentaries of all time. If you can find a copy, watch it immediately.

What do you guys think about the CBGB movie trailer? Is this is hit or a miss?

Photo courtesy of Time Out London