Uneven satire

Rating: Null/10 (12 March 2004)

The script of this movie contains a mixture of elements which are variously funny, silly and painful, and generally it is pretty schizophrenic. Although the subject bands play heavy metal, the soundtrack is mostly what is described as hard rock (there is a difference) and composed by people with talent, unlike what is supposed to be the case with "Steel Dragon". Unfortunately the soundtrack doesn't compensate for the formula dross that the bands play. There are things which are just so unrealistic (has the scriptwriter ever tried to conduct a conversation with someone at the front of a rock concert?) that they just have to be dismissed. Other things - like the life of debauchery in between composing and performing - are certainly spot-on, but which is no cause for joy for the spectators.. The first half of the film is mostly a humorous send-up a la "Spinal Tap", the second half becomes ponderous and quasi-philosophical. The lead actor did nothing for me, but Timothy Spall is always good, and Jennifer Anniston is very easy on the eye, if not much else.