Susan Granger’s review of “ROCK STAR” (Warner Bros.)
It’s everyone’s secret fantasy to be suddenly discovered and catapulted into fame and fortune – and that’s just what happens in 1985 to Chris Cole (Mark Wahlberg), the lead singer of a tribute band called “Blood Pollution” that impersonates a heavy metal British group “Steel Dragon.” When Bobby Beers (Jason Flemyng), the Dragon frontman, is fired, Chris is hired. He’s a wannabe who gets to be – and he brings his manager/girl-friend (Jennifer Aniston) with him, right into the screaming fans, sexy groupies, expensive toys, and wild, decadent parties. “Your job is to live the fantasy other people dream of,” explains the band’s longtime road manager (Timothy Spall) as Chris discovers what the life of an instant icon really is, along with what he must sacrifice to cater to his own creative muse and get what he really wants. “Follow your dreams…” Writer John Stockwell (“crazy/beautiful”) and director Stephen Herek (“101 Dalmatians”) turn this ‘Horatio Alger in leather’ wish-fulfillment tale into a throbbing, high-energy musical feast with some magical moments, evoking “The Commitments,” “That Thing You Do” and “Almost Famous.” Mark Wahlberg (“Planet of the Apes”) captures the awesome uncertainty and exhilaration of newborn celebrity and Jennifer Aniston (“Friends”) embodies the quiet desperation of a woman caught in a no-win situation, while exotic Dagmara Dominczyk scores as a steamy bisexual groupie who lusts for them both. Above all, you’re convinced that this fictional band is real and that the musicians (Jason Bonham, Jeff Pilson, Kirk Cuddy, Zakk Wylde) actually play together. On the Granger Movie Gauge of 1 to 10, “Rock Star” is a rollicking, raunchy, fun-filled 8 – and don’t miss the amusing outtakes during the closing credits as Wahlberg injects some rap.
