“24 Hour Party People” (United Artists, R) is a fresh new film out of the United Kingdom. It’s a narrative based on a real-life story all about sex, drugs and, most importantly, new-age rock.

The first scene of the film involves the main character, Tony Wilson (Steve Coogan), doing a report on hang-gliding for his television show. He whisks through the air over the beautiful English countryside while exclaiming, “This is better than sex!” This scene is more than a quick shot at comic relief. The film is telling us what we’re about to see, a man who will fly high only to come crashing down hard.

Wilson is a reporter in Manchester struggling to make a mark on what he calls one of the most important years in human history — 1976.

We quickly are informed why Wilson believes this: the world is ready for a musical revolution. Tony explains this to us while sitting at a small musical venue, watching one of the first performances by the Sex Pistols. In the audience with Tony are members of soon-to-be-famous bands the Buzzcocks and the Stiff Kittens, a.k.a. Joy Division, a.k.a. New Order.

To all of you readers saying, “What the hell is a Buzzcock?” don’t stop reading! One of the greatest things about this film is how it appeals to those completely out of the loop with new-age music.

This is more to the story of Wilson than the music. He was a man who knew what the people wanted before they wanted it. Wilson was a musical pioneer in more ways than one. Not only did he bring bands like New Order to center stage, but he was one of the first to bring young, independent bands to television through his British television program.

“24 Hour Party People” is one of the hippest new films out there. What makes this film so entertaining is not the story itself, but the way it’s told.

Tony Wilson narrates the story as if he is the host of the movie. He looks directly into the camera, or directly at the audience. From there, he talks about the film as if he were watching it with us. This technique works. It gives the movie a laid-back, personal feeling that it would never have without it.

Although this method gives the film a documentary-like feel, it’s completely narrative. It’s a fictional film about real-life people that is being hailed by new-age aficionados for its accuracy.

This film’s only flaw lies in the fact that many of those not familiar with the music may find some of the performances lengthy. While the cult-followers will appreciate such respect to detail, others may be turned off and disinterested.

What kept a non-fan like myself so entertained was Coogan’s performance. In a time when many British actors like Hugh Grant come off smarmy and arrogant, Coogan has unbelievable charm. Audiences won’t be able to help but love his character, even after some of the awful things they see he is capable of.

Michael Winterbottom, the film’s director, provides the perfect look to accompany Coogan’s style. Winterbottom gives the film an older look with today’s style. He utilizes the hand-held camera to give the audience the feeling that they’re watching a homemade movie. The old, rustic look of the bands’ performances during the film gives it undeniable realism. Sometimes it looks as if we are watching stock footage.

Through previous works like “The Claim” and the Irish Roddy Doyle collaboration “Family,” Winterbottom is emerging as one of Europe’s hottest new directors. His storytelling skills surpass those of better-known Guy Ritchie, and his ability to inspire such charisma into his actor’s performances truly is amazing.

Overall, “24 Hour Party People” is yet another hidden gem from overseas. It proves that some of the freshest, hippest entertainment comes out of cultures other than our own. While “Big Brother” is a step back, “24 Hour Party People” is a big step forward in showing us that the United Kingdom has a lot to offer.

This film is playing at the Piper’s Alley Theater in Chicago, located at 1608 N. Wells Street. Although the film is expected to be released in more theaters at a later date, many new-age fans may find the trip worth it. Non-fans may want to take Tony Wilson’s advice and wait for the DVD.