"Loads of bands use drum loops!"
"Loads of elevators play Celine Dion - that don't make it right. Now get your Devil Box outta here!"
In the 1980s, Robert "Fish" Fishman (Wilson) was the drummer for Vesuvius. On the verge of making it to stardom, the rest of the band (Will Arnett, Fred Armisen, and Bradley Cooper) drop Fish to secure a record deal with Matchbox Records and make the owner's son the new drummer.
Twenty years later, Vesuvius is a huge success and Fish is miserable. After getting fired and dumped, he moves in with his sister, Lisa (Jane Lynch). Lisa's son, Matt (Gad) is the keyboardist in a teen rock band called A.D.D. A.D.D. is offered the chance to play prom, but their drummer quits the band. With prom only a few days away, they reluctantly convince Fish to be their drummer.
When Fish's antics get them in trouble, they kick him out of the band. But realizes that the band is something special and goes back to convince singer / songwriter Curtis (Geiger) and cynical bassist Amelia (Stone) to give him a chance at redemption, and they agree. Soon a video of their rehearsal goes viral on YouTube, and they are signed by Matchbox Records, and have a manager, David Marshall (Sudeikis).
Surprisingly good. I expected gross or perverted humor, with a few good moments... but they managed to deliver a funny rock comedy. While it is similar to Jack Black's The School of Rock, this film focuses more on rock musicians. The characters, particularly the members of Vesuvius, are absurd, delightfully over the top with some entertaining lines.
The songs are catchy and fun... you believe that these tunes could become popular hits.
While I enjoy Rainn Wilson in NBC's The Office, I wasn't sure how to feel about him in this film. But his portrayal of Fish is what sells the film. He is talented, arrogant, heart breaking, hysterical, etc. at the right moments and you really want him to succeed. Musician Teddy Geiger brings the teen angst as Curtis. He has a great voice, and sells the songs well. Emma Stone and Josh Gad are great in their respective roles, and get several funny moments. SNL cast member Jason Sudeikis is smarmy and slimy as their manager David, who always wears a smile. The rest of the cast, comedy veterans, brings the funny.
A decent, rocking comedy that doesn't go for the easy, nasty laughs. It isn't tasteless or disgusting, and I appreciate that. It may not be a "high brow" comedy, but it still makes me laugh.
The Rocker (2008) 102 minutes
Rating: PG-13 for drug and sexual references, nudity and language
Director: Peter Cattaneo
Starring: Rainn Wilson as Robert "Fish" Fishman
Christina Applegate as Kim
Teddy Geiger as Curtis
Josh Gad as Matt
Emma Stone as Amelia
Jason Sudeikis as David Marshall
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