Rock Star (2001)

2.5 out of 4

Starring: Mark Wahlberg, Jennifer Aniston, Dominic West, Timothy Spall, Tim Olyphant

Director: Stephen Herek

Time: 105 mins

Following the warmly received Almost Famous last year, we now have another nostalgic look at the lives of rock stars and their associated hangers-on during a cross-country tour. This time the lifestyle of a 1980s heavy metal band (along the lines of Judas Priest) is profiled, and in particular the rags-to-riches-to-rags-and-redemption story of a very dedicated fan. While not as well-written as Almost Famous, Rock Star maintains a similarly light tone that keeps the film moderately entertaining and fairly enjoyable throughout.

Chris Coles (Mark Wahlberg) is a huge fan of heavy rock group Steel Dragon. So dedicated is he he dresses in the same outifits, wears the same hairstyle, and even fronts as the lead singer for a Steel Dragon cover (or, in his words, "tribute") band called Blood Pollution. When his worship for Steel Dragon raises the ire of some of his own band's members, he is kicked out, at about the same time that Steel Dragon's own lead singer is given the shove for irregular behaviour. When Chris receives a call from Steel Dragon guitarist Kirk Cuddy (Dominic West) and flown to Los Angeles for an audition to be the new singer, Chris and his girlfriend/manager Emily (Jennifer Aniston) are as giddy as children on Christmas Eve. Chris wins the gig and soon can't believe that he is living the life he has always dreamed about. Amidst the constant parties, sex, and other extravagant trappings that rock stars are known for, Chris is left wondering whether the path he has taken is really worth it.

Rock Star is surprisingly watchable. The story is not very original, but the many touches of humour lighten the potentially heavy drama that could have dragged down the narrative. In a way, it straddles the satiric humour of This Is Spinal Tap and the fond, nostalgic reminiscences depicted in Almost Famous. The plot doesn't reach any great heights, but I liked the parallels between Chris Cole's life and the life of Steel Dragon's lead singer. The relationship between Wahlberg's Chris and Aniston's Emily is almost perfunctory, in a sense; it's not developed fully but at least it's not the silly, anaemic, plot element that, say, Bill Paxton and Jami Gertz's relationship was in Twister.

I must say I'm not a big fan of heavy metal music, but the songs in the film play quite well. The fact that members of various hard rock groups are used as supporting band members in the film adds some authenticity to the on-stage antics. Again, while the film could have delved deeper into the seedier aspects of a rock star's life on the road, it wisely concentrates on the lighter moments. That the film is not to be taken too seriously can be seen in the outtakes during the end credits.

Lead star Mark Wahlberg has become quite a high-profile actor lately, following roles in the recent Planet Of The Apes and last year's The Perfect Storm. Though not very expressive, Wahlberg is more animated in Rock Star than I ever remember seeing him. One is convinced of his passion for Steel Dragon, and his performances later on stage are actually quite good. Friends' star Jennifer Aniston play something different to her Rachel character for once, but she's not in the film that much anyway. West, as Steel Dragon's nominal leader, if not their frontman, and Timothy Spall, as the raspy band manager, are effective in their roles.

Rock Star is ultimately not all that memorable, but it offers a glimpse into a glamorous life that many aspire to but rarely attain. For those eager to watch an undemanding film, with some laughs and lots of music, Rock Star may just fit the bill.

(c) Joe Wong (10 September 2001)