The Rocker (2008) More at IMDb Pro »

Some critics have called the latest "rock-n-roll world" lampoon flick "The Rocker" an incomparable imitation of the critical darling of the same theme "School of Rock". To drum it up in simplistic syntax, both films ROCKED!!!!! "The Rocker" is not a carbon copy narrative of "School of Rock"; it does have a musical story life of its own. "The Rocker" stars the zany Rainn Wilson as Robert "Fish" Fishman, an over-the-top boisterous drummer. Fish was about to dive into the school of "Rock-Roll Fame & Fortune" when he was the drummer of an 80's heavy metal band called Vesufius. Just before Vesufius made it to stardom, Fish got the firing bait when the band's agent persuaded the Vesufius band members to let the Fish go so he can be replaced with a recording studio hotshot's son. Therefore, Fish was a musician out of the musical waters for the next twenty years. That is until Fish's nephew Matt asked Fish to be the drummer of his high school band entitled A.D.D. (are you with me?, lol) because the original juvenile drummer boy was being a bad boy and got expelled. Fish accepts and the rocker show begins! Fish is one to rebel and follow the beat of his own ludicrous drum and therefore A.D.D. chaos follows. Due to parental control issues of the remaining A.D.D. band members, the band is forced to rehearse each from their own home utilizing technical wizardry so they can view each other. Fish chooses to rehearse in the nude and before you can say "a little bored girl put it on You Tube and got zillions of hits" it did that exact same thing. That undoubtedly is the scary "naked truth" on the Fish following. Consequentially, fame and fortune follow for A.D.D. as they land a recording contract and tour gigs all over the country. Rainn Wilson's breakthrough performance as Fish was a comedic vivacious delight that should rain him in some more starring comedic roles. I also loved Jeff Garlin's role as the rocker-fantasy suburban dad. Screenwriters Maya Forbes & Wallace Wolodarsky scripted a trendy and modern narrative that symbolized the present youth obsessions & dilemmas in combination with the 80's retro fixations of the forty-year old generation. It was also quite damn hilarious for those young and older. And Director Peter Cattaneo brought the script to cinematic life by orchestrating a fine-tuned comedic machine. "The Rocker" might not be nominated for any Oscars, Golden Globes, or even Grammys, but it's a flick that simply (well you know…) ROCKS in the comedic entertainment "hysterically laugh out-loud" record category. ***** Excellent