Pump Up the Volume Soundtrack (

Pump Up the Volume Soundtrack (1990) cover

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Rating: 7.20/10 from 31000 votes
Alternate Names:
Title in Español:

Rebelión en las ondas
Title in Italiano:

Pump Up the Volume - Alza il volume
Title in Português:

Volume no Máximo

Synopsis

Mark Hunter (Christian Slater) is an intelligent but shy teenager who has just moved to Arizona from the East Coast. Mark has inner demons he has a hard time dealing with. Mark's father, Brian Hunter (Scott Paulin), who runs the school district, and his mother, Marla Hunter (Mimi Kennedy), try to help him but only push him away.

His parents give him a short-wave radio so he can talk to his pals back east, but instead he sets up shop as angry pirate deejay Hard Harry. His broadcasts consist of music, obscenity, cynical observations, reading letters, and call-ins. His listeners include students of Hubert Humphrey high school, and a teacher, Ms. Emerson (Ellen Greene).

The school is run by corrupt principal Loretta Creswood (Annie Ross), who weeds out underachieving kids to keep the school's SAT scores high as false testimony to her competence. By exposing hard truths, Harry becomes a reluctant hero to all the students in the school.

Nora Diniro (Samantha Mathis), whose letters to Harry's show have been read on the air many times, learns his real identity but keeps his secret. Harry and Nora awkwardly form a tentative relationship.

Caller Malcolm Kaiser (Anthony Luke Lucero) wants to commit suicide and Harry does little to talk him out of it. When Malcolm actually kills himself, Harry feels bad that he didn't do anything to help him. He talks openly to his audience about being a teenager and suicidal feelings.

Due to Malcolm's death and Harry-inspired chaos breaking out at the school, the FCC is called in to shut down the station. As they get closer to discovering his location, Harry loads his transmitter into a vehicle and continues to broadcast on the move.

Harry's dad finally learns from Ms. Emerson about Miss Creswood's shady actions, and suspends her.

When the FCC rolls up to arrest Harry and take him away, he tells his listeners not to give up, to live, and to "talk hard". Inspired by his example to tell the truth no matter how ugly it is, some students start their own pirate radio stations.

Download and play the Soundtrack list

Play Title Artist
Pump Up the Volume
Everybody Knows
Leonard Cohen: Writer
Leonard Cohen: Performer
Talk Hard
Stan Ridgway: Writer
Stan Ridgway: Performer
Stan Ridgway: Produced
Love Comes in Spurts
Richard Hell: Writer
Richard Hell: Performer
If It Be Your Will
Leonard Cohen: Writer
Leonard Cohen: Performer
Girls L.G.B.N.A.F.
Ice-T: Writer
Ice-T: Performer
Kick Out The Jams
Get Together
Wave of Mutilation (U.K. Surf)
WeinerSchnitzel
Titanium Expose
Scenario
I've Got a Secret Miniature Camera
Me And The Devil Blues
Why Can't I Fall in Love
Freedom of Speech
Heretic
Dad, I'm in Jail
Tale O' The Twister
Fast Lane
Stand

User reviews

Charles Thompson
8/10

The use of music in the movie enhances the emotional depth of the story, especially during the poignant moments where Mark Hunter struggles with his inner demons and the pressures of his environment.

Joseph Garcia
7/10

The diverse range of songs in the soundtrack of Pump Up the Volume adds an extra layer of authenticity and relatability to the story, making it easier for the audience to connect with the characters and their struggles.

Donna Miller
7/10

The soundtrack of Pump Up the Volume perfectly captures the rebellious and defiant spirit of the film's protagonist, Hard Harry, with its energetic and edgy selection of songs.

Donald Jackson
5/10

The songs chosen for the film effectively mirror the inner turmoil and conflicts faced by the characters, adding layers of complexity to the storytelling.

Edward Adams
6/10

The blend of alternative rock, punk, and grunge in the soundtrack creates a nostalgic atmosphere that transports the audience back to the 90s.

Donald King
5/10

The soundtrack of Pump Up the Volume perfectly captures the rebellious and angsty tone of the film, enhancing the overall experience.

William Allen
5/10

The music selection in the film reflects the emotions and struggles of the main character, Mark Hunter, adding depth to his character development.

Amanda Garcia
1/10

Additionally, I felt that the soundtrack lacked cohesion and did not contribute to building a strong connection with the characters or the themes of the movie. The music choices seemed random and did not add any significant value to the narrative, leaving me underwhelmed and disconnected from the on-screen events.

Melissa Moore
4/10

I found the soundtrack of Pump Up the Volume to be quite disappointing. The music selections did not seem to effectively capture the emotional depth and intensity of the film's storyline. The songs felt out of place and sometimes even distracting, failing to enhance the overall viewing experience.

Ronald Walker
9/10

The soundtrack of Pump Up the Volume perfectly captures the rebellious and angsty spirit of the film. Each song complements the storyline and character development, enhancing the overall viewing experience.

Steven Thomas
5/10

The soundtrack not only complements the storyline but also stands on its own as a collection of memorable tracks that leave a lasting impression on the audience.

Betty Moore
6/10

The use of music as a form of expression in the movie resonates with the themes of rebellion and individuality, making the soundtrack feel authentic and relatable.

Timothy Williams
9/10

The music selection in the film helps to convey the emotions and struggles of the characters, particularly Mark Hunter. The songs create a powerful atmosphere that immerses the audience in the protagonist's journey of self-discovery and standing up against injustice.

Brian Jackson
7/10

The music choices in the film not only serve as a backdrop but also as a powerful tool to convey the characters' emotions and the intensity of their experiences, creating a more immersive viewing experience.

William Wright
6/10

The soundtrack enhances the rebellious and anti-establishment message of the film, making it a powerful element in conveying the central themes.

Carol Hill
6/10

The emotional depth and raw energy of the music in the film elevate the viewing experience, immersing viewers in the world of the characters and their struggles.

Carol Garcia
5/10

The music in Pump Up the Volume serves as a driving force behind the narrative, creating a sense of urgency and intensity in key moments.

David Mitchell
7/10

The soundtrack effectively sets the tone for the rebellious and empowering message of the film, resonating with the themes of teenage rebellion and the fight against corrupt authority figures.