The Rockera.k.a. “The rocker - Il batterista nudo”Reviewed by: Thomas Golden first-time reviewer Offensive
Moviemaking Quality:
![]() Primary Audience:
Adults, Teens
Genre:
Comedy, Romance
Length:
1 hr. 42 min.
Year of Release:
2008
USA Release:
August 20, 2008 (2,700 theaters)
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Relevant Issues
“A comedy for the rockstar in all of us” Well now. My first review ever is on “The Rocker” which could probably better be titled “The Rock,” because it more or less just sits there on the screen. Rainn Wilson best known for his perfect comedic timing on “The Office” plays Fish, a washed up rock and roll drummer. After being recruited by his nephew to fill in as a drummer for the prom, Fish and the band manage to gain stardom through a YouTube video. As is required of any rock-and-roll themed story, the band has a falling out and have to fight it out with an overbearing music industry executive. The laughs are pretty forced. One begins to wonder if everything in this genre of silly humor has been exhausted. Parents should be on the lookout for Rainn Wilson's backside, not essential to anything and really only there for shock value. I believe this is the only nudity to speak of. There is mild language throughout, basically what would be expected of a PG-13 movie. The use of alcohol and some drug references may also offend, but overall this film is mild on all fronts. The rock-and-roll lifestyle is an indulgent one. There are almost no recording artists out there without a story of how their life got out of control, and they had to start over again after the drugs and alcohol. Parents should talk to their children about living a Christ-centered life. The rock lifestyle is one of distraction from what is holy and concentration on what is “fun.” It looks to the here and now and never to the hereafter. [Are you good enough to get to Heaven? Answer]
Another theme, not necessarily in the plot of the movie but surrounding the film itself, is that of greed. We see more and more that Hollywood produces, film after film, that have no real merit to them. Will there be a “Rocker 2”? Perhaps, because content is second to cash for most producers. If it will bring in a modest profit, they will make it. This is not what any art is supposed to be about. Again, this comes down to a Christ-centered existence, in place of a life focused on personal gain. “Then he said to them, ‘Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; a man's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions’” Luke 12:15. I was hoping to write a very exciting review on this film, since it stars some very good actors. Christina Applegate moves up my list of talented actresses every time I see her perform. And the very funny Will Arnett (“Arrested Development”) and Tony winner and “30 Rock” star Jane Krakowski also appear. I would straight up advise people to steer clear of this. Unfortunately the film itself is without solid content and leaves the viewer very little to talk about at the end of the day. See list of Relevant Issues—questions-and-answers. Positive
Positive - This movie did have a good message. Fish choose to forgive Vesuvious for kicking him out of the band. They got what they deserved in the end, but that was because they were caught lip-synching and Fish had nothing to do with it. It also shows the negativity of not having a father influence. Also Kim character shows the negativity of premarital sex. She had to give up on her dream of being in a band because she was pregnant at 17. Although fish does lust after women, he treats her character with more respect than the sleazy band manager. Also, Matt stands up for Fish. Emma's attitude softens and she becomes gentle, encouraging Matt and starts caring about how Fish feels. Also, Fish and his band care more about the audience than themselves in the end, wanting to perform for the dissappointed Vesuvious fans. THey were willing to perform a whole concert for free and dumped the sleazy, greedy manager. Movie Critics
“…the movie is encrusted in rock lore and stale attitudinizing borrowed from ‘This Is Spinal Tap’ and ‘School of Rock,’ each of which it shamelessly cannibalizes. Most disappointingly, the music is tepid, mediocre pop pastiche…” “…It's a lot of fun. Its spirit is genuine and, even with the odd vomit gag, fundamentally sweet.…” “…a mostly flat School Of Rock rehash…” “…Don't subject yourself to this soulless piffle…” “…About as edgy as a Jonas Brothers concert, this harmless homage to ’80s hair bands and 21st-century emo teenyboppers is wholesome in its debauchery and good-natured in its antiauthoritarianism.…” |