Rock Star

Released 2001
Stars Mark Wahlberg, Jennifer Aniston, Jason Flemyng, Timothy Olyphant, Timothy Spall
Directed by Stephen Herek

Stephen Herek's Rock Star, based loosely on the shenanigans surrounding the change in lead singers for the band Judas Priest, plays like a modern-day fairy tale. Unfortunately, as in many fables, the characters are less clearly delineated than their moral dilemmas. Here, instead of observing real individuals struggling with issues, we are confronted with ciphers wrestling with situations that have been neutered by the need to conform to comfortable formulas. Rock Star becomes a simple narrative about a man torn between living out his fantasy and chasing his dream.

It's hard to imagine a more devoted fan of the hard rock band Steel Dragon than Chris Coles (Mark Wahlberg). Not only has Chris patterned his look after that of Steel Dragon front man, Bobby Beers (Jason Flemyng), but his band covers only Steel Dragon songs (Chris calls them a "tribute band"). In fact, Chris is so good that he attracts the attention of the real members of Steel Dragon and their manager (Timothy Spall), and, when Bobby decides to leave, the remaining four rockers elect to give Chris a tryout. He passes and becomes the new lead singer. Soon, he has ditched his long-time girlfriend, Emily (Jennifer Aniston), in order to embark upon a lifestyle of debauchery. Dissatisfaction eventually sets in when Chris seeks to be more than just a hired singer and his attempts at creative input are rebuffed.

Summary by James Berardinelli

When I was growing up in the late 70's and early 80's, I was a HUGE fan of Judas Priest. I still listen to them today, so I felt I had to see this movie despite the bad reviews. I'm glad I did because I enjoyed it, but it's an average film. It's disappointing because it could have been great. Originally it was endorsed by Judas Priest, but they pulled their support. I don't know the details about what happened, but the end result is watered down, and the story bears only a passing resemblance to Judas Priest. It's a shame, because it could have been a lot of fun. On the plus side, there are several outstanding musicians involved with this movie: Zakk Wylde, Jason Bonham, Jeff Pilson, Brian Vander Ark, Stephan Jenkins, and Desmond Child. The Steel Dragon originals are reasonably good, and the soundtrack includes several staples from the 80's (KISS, Ted Nugent, Motley Crue, Def Leppard) but no Priest. One thing that could have helped elevate the script would have been Mark Wahlberg's performance, but he plays dour instead of joyful. It's the wrong note, and it hurts the film. Despite its shortcomings, however, I do recommend "Rock Star" for fans of 80's metal. But a much better comedy for that crowd is Detroit Rock City. --Bill Alward, February 6, 2002