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- Ronald Epstein
ROCK STAR
All Rock. No Soul.
It's as if it came and went without much
notice. Rock Star is an easily
forgettable film that movie audiences didn't
seem to embrace and neither will DVD viewers.
The film takes place in the 1980s. Amateur
Rock Bands are fighting for attention on stage,
mimicking their favorite rock idols.
Chris Cole (Mark Wahlberg) worships the
rock group STEEL DRAGONS and its fiery lead singer,
Bobby Beers (Jason Flemyng). By day Chris works
as a photocopy repairman, but at night dons makeup and
leather and takes the stage as a lead singer of a
local heavy-metal STEEL DRAGONS tribute band.
One day, Chris receives a phone call that changes
his life forever. Bobby Beers invites Chris and
his girlfriend/manager Emily (Jennifer Aniston) to
Los Angeles to audition for lead singer of the band.
Chris quickly rises to stardom. Every night is a
party and there are plenty of women to choose from
(and I thought only HTF owners lived like this).
This naturally puts a strain on the relationship
with Emily, and Chris must make some heartfelt
decisions about his career's future.
Filled with a rockin' 80's soundtrack from the
likes of BON JOVI, INXS, TALKING HEADS and FRANKIE
GOES TO HOLLYWOOD, Rock Star tries to be the
ultimate 80's movie, but alas, never really becomes
hip. The story is too far-fetched, there are no
characters to care about, and the film never becomes
inspiring. Though the film is promoted as
"unbelievably exciting!", I found it to be one big yawn.
How does the DVD look and sound?
Once again Warner Brothers has put out an
exceptional anamorphic transfer. The print looks
stunning, preserving all the colors that spray
across the stage from gorgeous blues to hot reds.
The 5.1 Dolby Digital Mix puts you right in the
center of Steel Dragon's rock concerts. From
screeching guitars to booming drums, my front
speakers pounded to the metal music as the rears
came alive with the sound of a roaring crowd.
Extra Features
In addition to a full length audio commentary
by Director Stephen Herek....
Backstage Pass is an extremely short
promotional piece that is as bland as the film
itself. Basically, Director Stephen Herek, Mark
Wahlberg and Jennifer Aniston talk about the film
and the big-haired era that it represents. There
isn't much behind-the-scenes material here.
The film's music video, Rockstar, sung
by Everclear is included.
Final Thoughts
I am getting tired of Mark Wahlberg movies.
I never felt he was a credible lead actor as
he lacks charm and charisma. His performances
are easily forgettable and I often feel that a
movie would have succeeded far better if someone
else was playing the lead.
Out of all of Wahlberg's films, Rock Star
will be the easiest to forget. From start to
finish it's a rather dull, lackluster film that
really never rises to the occasion.
Rent it before even considering a purchase.
Release Date: January 22, 2002