The Rocker

The Rocker follows a washed up forty-something drummer named Fish (Rainn Wilson) who does a Pete Best impression and gets kicked out of his band just prior to them making it big back in 1986. Vesuvius becomes the metal sensation ruling the 80's and 90's like Metallica, Motley Crue, Guns n' Roses and Poison all rolled into one monstrous supergroup. With Spinal Tap flair, the band is comprised of barely recognizable comic veterans Will Arnett, Bradley Cooper and Fred Armisen.

Flash to the present. Fish is desperately trying to leave the pain behind, but the reminders of Vesuvius' mega success pervades his every thought, and he just can't escape the personal hell of what might have been. From this point forward, what we get is a more mature and good-natured version of School of Rock, but Wilson is not nearly as annoying as Jack Black despite his character's many deficiencies, and the kids are a little older. What sets the film apart is that you root for Fish to succeed. There is something intangible about the positive way that this film was created. There is something counter intuitive about the character. You keep expecting some horrible quality to come out, but there is simply an excess of sloth and a love for banging the skins. Wilson is almost endearing even as he shamelessly doffs his clothes in a Will Ferrell-esque jam session. Separating Fish from the Dwight Schrute that we all know and love is nearly impossible, but that is alright.

The kids pull their weight as well, especially Fish's nephew (Josh Gad) who is the socially retarded keyboardist who conjures a less brash Jonah Hill. Their journey takes them to unprecedented heights of success, and there is even some satisfaction in the end. What is missing however is the raunchy humor and Apatow wit that we've seen in recent years, but it works as a kid-friendly film.

One knock in my opinion (although small) is the choice of original music. There is a bit of misrepresentation as the kids band is more Emo and less Rock, and although it plays into the plot a little smoother (and makes it more believable), I was really craving some bad 80's metal a la Spinal Tap, or... Vesuvius.

Alas, I left the theatre both impressed and feeling good. Rainn Wilson can carry a film, and apparently some great comedians stand behind him as well (most of the SNL cast). I would recommend this for a good time. Definitely not going to win any awards, but some good laughs nonetheless. 7/10.