Rock Star - The Movie
One of the problems with translating a story about heavy metal music to the screen is the inherently comical nature of the music. Ugly guys wearing make-up and spandex Spinal Tap after all is about a metal band. Luckily, director Stephen Herek and screenwriter John Stockwell prevent the film from delving too far into behind the music territory.
Especially cute is the early portrayal of Chris' family the supportive parents, the naysaying brother whos a cop. Of course the bands rehearsal space is beneath a porno theater (a nice touch) A fist fight between two Steel Dragon cover-sorry-tribute bands.in the concert parking lot is a hoot Jennifer Aniston is finally given a chance to act, as her character is the anchor of the film. As Chris manager/girlfriend, she is a sane woman amdist a world of groupies, androgynes, lecherous road managers,etc. "I don't want to be in a car following a bus is not my idea of living," she says after a stint with the rock star wives in a limo, and she goes off to Seattle to start a coffeehouse. (You know what's coming next.) Wahlberg and Aniston are totally convincing, especially in a hallway scene where the band comes to Seattle and Aniston has to smart talk her way through an elevator full of dimwitted groupies "I get to fuck him first..i need to be at work by midnight.." (Makes ya think..who's using who?)
This scene begins the film's total, melodramatic drop, veering from comedy to a "message" so fast you almost get the bends. The barroom discussion between road manager and Chris might seem sappy, but such conversations have actually occurred between real life musicians. Humanizing any celebrity is hard; but the job is ten times more difficult when you're dealing with a band that has devoted itself to endless hedonism.
Be quick to see this film - it'll be in and out of theatres before you can blink an eye. Films about rock bands traditionally flop at the boxoffice, and this one will be no exception. Most fans of the genre don't take lightly to a fictionalized version of their heroes, so don't count on them to shell out money for a ticket, while any portrayal of a non R&B/pop musician is as alien to most American moviegoers as Argentinan cinema.
Metal/hair band links:
Metal Edge Magazine Online
Another new mega-info site:
Rare and used metal CDs and albums:
An assortment of ardent metal fans post their own pics and reviews on this site:
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