He’s out of “The Office” and onto the big screens. Rainn
Wilson proves once again that charm does not necessarily linger in a black tie
and a suit. It means more than formal wear, so a pair of striped spandex pants plus
an 80s-like hair-do may be the best bait for most of the moviegoers.
Although Twentieth Century Fox’s “The Rocker” has some weak
points as well, such as several gaps in sequences and a somehow disturbing lack
of laughs, no one said it claims an Oscar. It’s a parody and it makes the most
of it. In addition to this, Rainn Wilson makes hay while the sun shines and
gives his comic best. And his humor skills are not bad at all.
The actor known for his part in HBO’s “Six Feet Under” makes
a really impressive character-switch and turns into musician Robert Fishman,
dubbed Fish, a glitzy and lurid drummer who suddenly loses the much-waited-for train
to glory. His fictional 80s hair rock band, Vesuvius, signs a contract with a
major record company on the condition of replacing Fish with an executive’s
nephew and so they kick the drummer out of the band without more ado.
Twenty years later, his ex-group is recognized worldwide
while he hangs around in the unfinished attic of his sister Lisa (Jane Lynch).
It seems everything is lost for Fish, but he does get the opportunity of a
fresh start. Is he up to it?
His nephew’s band, A.D.D., loses its drummer just before
performing at a prom, so they recruit Fish. In spite of the fact that Matt’s
(Josh Gad) band is nothing like the ex-hard rocker, as Fish hasn’t renewed his
wardrobe since the 80s, and A.D.D.’s lyrics are filled with emo suicidal
suggestions, the middle-aged musician joins the teenage band and the group
swiftly jumps from minor concerts to a really big recording deal.
Dorky-looking guitarist Matt, world-weary pretty-face
bassist Amelia (“Superbad’s” Emma Stone), plus charismatic teen idol Curtis
(Teddy Geiger) seem to hit it off with wanna-finally-be rockstar Fish, as he
initiates the teens in the “pocket full of puke” practice and other “amazing”
41-year-old stuff.
Things get even zestier for the drummer, who falls for
Curtis’ hot mom, impersonated by Christina Applegate, who serves as the band’s
chaperone on tour. Moreover, it wouldn’t be any movie if A.D.D. and Vesuvius
didn’t have a face-to-face confrontation. And not just any time, but in the eve
of the latter’s induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Despite the fact that “The Rocker” brings to the surface too
many looking backs towards similar productions, such as “School of Rock”
and “This Is Spinal Tap,” it nonetheless reaches an entertaining wild rhythm.
Director Peter Cattaneo revealed witty situations, notwithstanding the minuses
of the script and acting.
There’s no true rock’n’roll, there’s no real rocker
lifestyle, but the film is no more than a rock parody and the expectations are
much too high in what concerns the straightforward, unpretentious film. On the
whole, it’s a pleasant comedy, not too thought-provoking and not too dull. Just
agreeable and sometimes funny.
