Rock Star - Movie (Warner Brothers)

2.5 / 5

Having been spoiled by the likes of “This Is Spinal Tap” and just recently “Almost Famous,” standards for the rock & roll / comedy genre have elevated quite high. Rock Star does have its moments, but Hollywood dug its nails a bit too far into this motion picture.

Leading the cast of Rock Star is Mark Wahlberg, Mr. Funky Bunch in the flesh, and Jennifer Aniston of Friends fame. Both are equally enjoyable and in particular Wahlberg who did his homework playing the lead singer of a Steel Dragon tribute band.

Steel Dragon is in fact a fictional 80’s outfit, but for the sake of the movie they fit the mold perfectly equipped with massive hair, bad makeup, and tight leather. After a tumultuous split with their lead singer Steel Dragon seek out a new vocalist and find promise in Walhberg’s abilities. And the road to fame kicks in.

Almost overnight Chris Cole (Mark Wahlberg) becomes the proverbial rock star. It all seems too easy though. The fast track to fame is nonexistent and the timeline seems a bit too polished. The viewer is only given a tiny glimpse of crazy life on the road which, believe it not, is toned down for the sake of being too repetitive. Reality wasn't priority I assume.

Slipped into the mix is the relationship between Chris (Mark Wahlberg) and Emily (Jennifer Aniston). A rather bland aspect of the movie despite the situation being rather probable within the rock & roll circle; wives, girlfriends, and groupies all wanting a piece of the band.

Also injected into the mix are real life rock stars. Taking part in the movie are Zakk Wylde, Jason Bonham, and Jeff Pilson. The trio adds certain viability to Steel Dragon and thunder to the live concert scenes. Not extremely compelling in the acting department but fun nonetheless.

Rock Star is a rock & roll fantasy come true. It’s a novel idea with a rather weak delivery. This leads to an entertaining theater visit, just not a classic one.

Reviewed by: Robb Clement