The Rocker (2008) is a movie about an aging rock star played by comedian Dwight Schrute. Yes, I know that's not the actor's real name, but Rainn Wilson is just his Scientologist name...
Anyhow, to the review. Dwight (who will now be referred to as Rob) was a founding member and drummer of the mega-popular, 80's glam/hair band, Vesuvius. But, right before they signed their huge contract, the rest of the band kicked Rob out.
Flash forward 20 years and we find Rob flipping out and losing his job when he hears the new, and strangely still popular, Vesuvius record. Rob then demonstrates THE most creative way to break up with your girlfriend and moves in with his sister's family. It is there he learns that his nephew has a band who just lost their drummer. Well, you can put two and two together and figure out where this is going.
A blessing in disguise awaits the band when Rob is filmed drumming in the nude and the video hits Youtube. It is a huge success which propels the band to stardom. What follows is a tour, music video, and an eventual run in with Vesuvius, Rob's old 80's metal band, who are still... strangely popular.
There are many familiar faces in this movie that will surprise you - a few cast members of Superbad, a certain tall blonde from the 40 Year Old Virgin, some SNL cast members, a hefty fellow from Curb Your Enthusiasm, and of course Will Arnett. They all provide some good laughs along with Dwight Schrute, to make this an enjoyable movie. However, it seems that there are some stale moments and missed opportunities.
PROS
- Dwight Schrute is funny
- The rest of the cast is great too
- Rob is apparently a Gazelle and a Zombie (watch and you'll know what I mean)
- Spot on spoofs of characters in and around the music business
- Some of the humor is really creative
CONS
- Rob's new band is .... kind of lame?
- There is an unnecessary Poison cover, but I can see that if there's a 80's element thrown in
- Missed comedic opportunities
- Underutilized Christina Applegate
- Humor definitely slows down near the end as it turns into a feel-good story
Overall I give it a 6/10
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