I usually like rock n’roll movies, if for no other reason than the subject matter is close to me. Few movies get a real sensation of what it’s like to be in a band. “Almost Famous” did. This stereotypical piece of trash didn’t even come close.
The first 45 minutes or so of “Rock Star” is a riot. Seeing Mark Wahlberg and his metal-serious buddies playing in a tribute band is loads of fun, as are the scenes with his family (he still lives at home!), and the one at his day job. After he gets his big break, however, it’s all downhill from there.
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The rock shows themselves are pretty convincing, with members of Dokken and Ozzy’s band backing him up, but after his first concert scene the plot turns lame-brained and familiar faster than you can say Judas Priest (the band whose story it is loosely, loosely based on).
And what is Jennifer Aniston doing in this movie? The answer is absolutely nothing.
The 80s were a silly, fun time for metal, and this cautionary tale could have been a lot more fun if it had never tried to have a message. And if that message truly is “Be true to your soul and you’ll end up singing some bad Creed-ish acousti-grunge in a Seattle coffee shop,” then give me some Def Leppard circa 1984 or some Scorpions’ “Love at First Sting.” This is a cliche-ridden bore.
Eric is the Editor-in-Chief of Scene-Stealers.com, a Rotten Tomatoes-approved critic, and contributor for The Pitch. He’s former President of the KCFCC, and drummer for The Dead Girls, Ultimate Fakebook, and Truck Stop Love . He is also the 2013 Air Guitar World Champion Mean Melin, ranked 4th best of all-time. Eric goes to 11. Follow him at:
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