NEW YORK (Hollywood Reporter) - The off-kilter comic rhythms of Rainn Wilson are exploited to excellent effect in "The Rocker," a derivative tilt satire that is far more enjoyable than one would have a right to await.
This tale of a middle-aged drummer getting a irregular chance at stardom overcomes its essential familiarity thanks to a frequently witty script, grounded direction (by Peter Cattaneo, of "Full Monty" fame) and an engaging turn by its star that proves him more than capable of carrying a comedy feature film.
The movie opens August 20 via twentieth Century Fox.
The claim character is Robert "Fish" Fishman, world Health Organization was unceremoniously dumped by his big-haired '80s heavy metal band Vesuvius (uproariously embodied by Will Arnett, Fred Armisen and Bradley Cooper) simply as they were on the verge of hitting the big time. Twenty years later, he's rock-bottom to living with his sister and her sept. But the still-passionate rocking chair finds himself once more pounding the skins when he's recruited as an emergency surrogate by a band to which his nerdy nephew Matt (Josh Gad) belongs.
Hitting the road with the group, dubbed A.D.D., Fish finds that his old fashioned hell-raising ways -- he's fond of rehearsing naked, among other things -- conflicts with the more staid habits of his much jr. bandmates, wHO also admit sensitive leading singer Curtis (real-life pop singer Teddy Geiger) and Goth-chick bassist Amelia (Emma Stone). He finds unexpected romantic sparks with Curtis' protective mammy (an appealing Christina Applegate), who is serving as a chaperone for their tour. Needless to say, by the film's conclusion the different generations of rockers have reached a level of mutual sympathy and esteem.
Although reminiscent of too many similarly themed efforts ("School of Rock" and "This Is Spinal Tap," among others), "The Rocker" all the same manages to find an amusing groove. Myra Forbes and Wallace Wolodarksy's screenplay includes legion sly comic touches -- somehow, the Vesuvius band members became British over the years -- and such supporting players as Jason Sudeikis (as a sleazy record exec), Jeff Garlin and Jane Lynch deliver playfulness turns.
/Hollywood Reporter
More information
