6B = THE UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN
ENTERTAINMENT
THURSDAY, SEPT. 6, 2001
Ordinary fellow lives his ultimate fantasy in "Rock Star"
Sometimes I turn the radio up really loud and play the air guitar while head-banging violently. Admittedly, dreams of rockin' out the Lied Center enter my mind from time to time, along with dreams of being the fifth Beatle or lead singer for Stone Temple Pilots.
Commentary
I can identify with Mark Wahlberg's character in *Rock Star*. Much like me, Wahlberg's Chris Cole loves music — heavy metal, to be exact — and dreams of being lead singer of his favorite heavy metal band, Steel Dragon.
Brandon Stinnett
Movie Reviewer
jayplaykanran.com
Chris takes his obsession with the band to the max, forming a tribute band called Blood Pollution that plays nothing but Steel Dragon songs. He insists that his band plays each song in the exact way it was originally recorded and even pierces his nipple after reading that Steel Dragon's lead singer had done it.
Eventually, Chris is kicked out of the band when he picks a fight with the guitar player for missing a chord on a solo. But it's not long before Chris receives an invitation from the real Steel Dragon to come to Los Angeles and audition to replace the band's recently-departed lead singer.
Chris lands the gig and is immediately thrust into the out-of-control world of rock and roll. He brings with him his long-time girlfriend Emily (Jennifer Aniston), but their relationship quickly sours after Chris learns that casual sex with random
"Rock Star' addresses many of life's toughest questions, such as, what's more important, true love or giant, drug-filled orgies with big-breasted women?"
grouplies doesn't mix well with devoted girlfriends.
Their relationship worsens as Chris is further sucked in by the wildlife that comes with being a rock star.
As the years pass, Chris is faced with the realization that being a superstar comes with a price that
Rock Star addresses many of life's toughest questions, such as, what's more important, true love or giant, drug-filled orgies with big-breasted women? And does wearing makeup and dressing like a woman make a man gay?
he may not be willing to pav.
But the energy dissipates during crucial scenes late in the movie and director Stephen Herek can't find a suitable way to end his story.
Rock Star isn't profound. It simply tells the story of a man who gets to live out his ultimate fantasy. There's a certain energy that resonates throughout the film's first half as we see Chris make the transition from lowly wannabe to superstar.
Mark Wahberg is his usual likeable self as Chris. As is Jennifer Aniston as Emily. But their relationship isn't compelling because we're never told why they're
Great movie of the week: Nathaniel, a loyal reader and great admirer of my work as Kansan film critic, graciously sent me an e-mail suggesting that I review "films," rather than "movies" because it would make me sound smarter. Thanks for the advice, buddy. In Nate's honor, this week's great "film" is Groundhog Day, which is among my favorite "films" for repeat viewing because Bill Murray is freakin' hilarious.
Bad movie of the week: Patch Adams, starring Robin Williams. Much like Murray, Williams knows how to make audiences laugh, just not in this movie. Patch Adams tries its best to be a heartfelt tearier, but succeeds in utter annoyance. Scenes with Williams using laughter to treat sick children are way over-the-top. The movie is based on a true story, but this is one better left untold.
Stinnett's star rating for Rock Star.
together in the first place.
Rock Star does succeed in offering an exhilarating depiction of the sex, drugs and general craziness associated with the rock and
roll lifestyle. But the awkward ending and unconvincing romance leave lots to be desired.
Contact Stinnett at 864-4810.
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EOE M/F
New Release on Frog Pad Records
Yonder Mountain String Band
"Town By Town"
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