Enjoyable but...

Rating: Null/10 (20 January 2000)

I was in my early 20's in 1978, the setting of this movie. Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, etc. were the prominent rock bands and although the music of Kiss was great, I clearly remember that they were not considered to be "cool" by rock fans. Kiss enjoys more popularity today than in the 70's.
The four main characters were great in their roles, although too much 90's talk made it's way into the script. In the 70's the f word was used, but not every other word, like it's used today. Jam's mother was way over the top--what was the deal with all the Catholic-bashing? I realize this was for comic effect but there were so many blatant errors out of the mouth of Jam's mother who was a misguided but devout Catholic ("holy" confession? I think they were confusing it with holy communion!). Jam's mother was funny but too much screen time was spent on this and it became boring. Mothers standing outside of Kiss concerts with megaphones? Gimme a break.
Have no recollection of Kiss being portrayed as evil? People were still shivering over Charles Manson and his followers and worrying whether they would be getting out of jail! Most people were confused about the make-up and theatrical stuff of Kiss but figured if some people liked it, sobeit.
This has been the ONLY film about the 70's that got the styles for guys exactly right! Guys wore either long, straight hair or a shaggy cut molded very close to the head, and clothing: army jackets, plaid shirts over "baseball" t-shirts (white shirts with rounded dark blue collars), jean jackets, etc. Those who followed disco tried to look exactly like John Travolta in "Saturday Night Fever." There needed to be more cigarette smoking which was really "in" (you were a minority if you didn't chain smoke). Smoking inside concerts was also permitted. (The country was still "free" back then.) Only a few mistakes on the girls: platform shoes went out of style in the mid-70's and had made way to strappy heels and Candies. But the permed hair, rabbit-fur coats, etc. were right on the money.
Many funny scenes (the domino bathroom stalls; Hawk's debut as a dancer; Trip's brainstorm to beat each other up); many far-fetched ones (a security guard who chases kids; love in the confessional; a 40-year-old knock-out coming onto Hawk); but a movie most teens today who have openness with their parents will enjoy--"Did that really happen, mom?" (Most frequently asked question -- about disco -- a small minority followed disco which quickly faded out.)
Parents, not for kids under 16!