Pros:Wahlberg, good music, acting
Cons:fair story, drags towards the end
The Bottom Line: This is a good film about the life of a Rock Star. The acting and music are excellent, but the pacing is kind of off.
Plot Details: This opinion reveals major details about the movie's plot.
Or is it a bit of a memory? This is a fair story and movie. It is loosely based on the true story of "Ripper" Owens who replaced Rob Halford in the heavy metal band Judas Priest in 1996.* The acting is good and the music is top rate. If you like this kind of story then you will enjoy it.
The story is more of a human interest with even a couple of messages; such as If you work hard enough your dreams can come true and be true to your individuality, while capturing the energy and lifestyle of a rock star. Mark Wahlberg plays Chris Cole who is so into a band called Steel Dragon that he insists his band play only their songs and they must be replicated perfectly. He lives at home and has the most understanding parents I have ever seen. His band, tired of playing someone else's songs, replaces Chris. Just when it seems his life is over, he receives a call from Steel Dragon, it seems they are getting rid of Bobby, the lead singer, and they need someone to replace him. Someone with a good voice and knowledge of their songs. Its Chris's golden opportunity. He is given the job and we fall into the world of sex, drugs and Rock N' Roll. We watch the good man that Chris was being corrupted by the band and by circumstances. His girlfriend leaves him and he becomes disconnected from his family. Then Chris finally begins to grow up and find himself. The story does drag a bit at the end, but for the most part it is a good script and plot.
Mark Wahlberg does an excellent job as our long-haired rock star, and lookin' good at it. But having had a career in music before one in movies, he has been here before hasn't he? He does the singing himself and does a really good job at it. He has a great voice. His acting is top of the line as he changes emotions and depth with his character. Jennifer Aniston does a good job as Chris's girlfriend, she is a great supporting character, her character is not especially deep but she does deliver some good lines. Timothy Spall plays an interesting character. He is the road manager to Steel Dragon. This gruff, but seemingly caring character spouts jewels of wisdom to both Mark and Jennifer's character.
There was nothing extra special about the cinematography; it seemed to be well done. The music in the film was great rock and roll and the album should be great. It had some good costuming, the outfits for the Rock Band were great. Overall this is a good movie, if you like this kind of story film about the Rock N' Roll industry. It does have some heavy sexuality and drug use so if you are offended by these you probably wouldn't enjoy a Rock N' Roll film anyways and should skip this one.
*information provided by Yahoo.com
Recommended: Yes
Suitability For Children: Not suitable for Children of any age
Read all 54 Reviews
|
Write a Review