STAR RATINGS EXPLAINED

Classic

Excellent

Good

Fair

Tragic

FILM DETAILS

Certificate 12A

Cast Rainn Wilson Josh Gad Christina Applegate.

Directors Peter Cattaneo.

Screenwriters

Running Time 102 minutes

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The Rocker (12A)

Plot
A failed drummer who is given a second chance at fame when he's invited to join a teen rock band.

Review

Rainn Wilson's first big-screen leading role sees him slip into tactical spandex as he plays sweaty rocker Fish (no relation to Marillion’s), who’s booted out of ’80s metal band Vesuvius just as they hit the big time. After 20 years of hurt, his nephew gives him a chance to relive his dream, by playing the drums in a high school rock band. Cue flamboyant fills, furious bouts of head-banging and a string of rather flat gags — like the floundering Fish playing his drums naked, unaware that the world is watching via video phone — as he bids for rock ’n’ roll redemption. Imagine a heavier School Of Rock, without the smarts and charm.

Verdict
Lightweight but likable.


Reviewer: Will Lawrence

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Average user rating for The Rocker

RE: School of Rock 2 - sort of...

Fish (Rainn Wilson) is kicked out of 80s rock band Vesuvius, Cut to 20 years later, where he is working a dead-end office job while his former bandmates have gone on to massive superstardom. Then his nephew band A.D.D needs a drummer to play and we see the rise of his new group A.D.D. I was expecting it to be good but it turned out to great fun. It's great to see someone other than Jack Black playing a role like this. Well done Rainn Wilson, Great supporting cast as well also the music rocks as... Read More

Starscream About me

20:28, 18 October 2008 | Report This Post

School of Rock 2 - sort of...

This was the "surprise" movie at the Edinburgh Film Festival. It's okay but nothing that special, basically School of Rock 2 just with older kids and less of them. There's a few moments that will make you laugh aloud but most jokes will raise a smile and no more. It's pleasant enough, inoffensive stuff with a likeable performance from Rainn Wilson - even if he's just channeling Jack Black. The younger cast are fine but forgettable but Christina Applegate is good value as a Yummy Mummy (just don... Read More

Scruffybobby About me

10:44, 19 August 2008 | Report This Post

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