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DOWSE movie guide review of Rock Star

Rock Star
Director: Stephen Herek
Warner
review by Michael Lohr

Having been 16 and in a heavy metal band, in Pittsburgh, during the mid 1980s, this movie was like a nostalgic flashback to the 'hair metal' of that time period. Absurdity was the rule and being loud and flashy was the law. Thank the gods that grunge came along and killed hairspray metal off. Though this movie does makes reminiscing about those not so good old days more pleasurable.
   The movie was originally inspired by the real life story of current Judas Priest vocalist, Tim 'Ripper' Owens and his rise from a singer in a Judas Priest tribute band in Akron, Ohio to lead singer of Judas Priest. This movie taps into one of teenagedom's primal male fantasies, to be the lead singer in a popular rock 'n' roll band. If this was ever your dream, then you will be able to appreciate this film. Just like the Air Guitar championships held in Finland every year, Rock Star will give you that adolescent fix.
   Mark Wahlberg (Planet of the Apes, The Perfect Storm, Boogie Nights) stars as the wannabe turned rock star, with Jennifer Aniston (Friends) as his faithful, yet quietly frantic girlfriend. The movie also has several actual rock musicians in the cast including Jason Bonham, Zakk Wylde (Ozzy Osbourne, Black Label Society) and Stephen Jenkins (Third Eye Blind) as well as several members of 80's metal bands Dokken and Slaughter. The group Wahlberg's character idolizes is Steel Dragon, who is a dead ringer for just about any 1980s metal band you care to name. My God is this Spinal Tap revisited or just a spandex and stiff stuff flashback? But actually, unlike Spinal Tap's doltish characters, Wahlberg portrays his character with goodwill and sincerity. His is an honest portrayal of a talented, well-meaning singer with big dreams that finds out his dreams are not all they are cracked up to be. I especially love the ending where he goes to Seattle to regroup, to find love and his true muse. Rock Star is directed by Stephen Herek and produced by Robert Lawrence and Toby Jaffe and did I see George Clooney's name under the director/production credits as well?
   By the way, look for Iron Maiden lead singer Bruce Dickinson's mug in the movie. He doesn't actually make a cameo, but his face does appear briefly. The Rock Star soundtrack, featuring Everclear, Def Leppard and Steel Dragon/Wahlberg-sung originals is available on the Posthuman/Priority record label.
   Overall I give this movie a very nostalgic nod of approval.

Michael Lohr

DOWSE Guide to the Movies is compiled by Tony Lee editor of Pigasus Press
You can order videos and DVD releases reviewed on these pages at Blackstar

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