what a waste

Rating: Null/10 (2 February 2003)

From reading some of the other posts it is pretty obvious how badly this film failed on almost every level.
Most people think the movie takes place in the eighties - I guess that is because of the numerous hair band cliches and some of the music. But if that was true - how could Mark Walhberg's character end up in post grunge Seattle after one short tour? The true story that this cliche ridden film was based on was - as one poster already pointed out - was legendary metal band Judas Priest replacing their long time lead singer with a singer from a Judas Priest tribute band. What was really interesting about the story to most people was that at the time Judas Priest was often playing to smaller crowds than Rippers Owens' tribute band did back in Pittsburg - and how Owens and crew eventually won over long time fans. But why bother telling a little told story of a band overcoming the reluctance of their old fans when you can fall back on the old as dirt - Star Is Born based rise to stardom - and inevitable fall - brought down by sex drugs and rock and roll - nonsense that permeates this film. I mean that would take a little work and skill wouldn't it.
But back to the main question - just when is this flick supposed to take place? The 70's, the 80's the 90's? They have a Ted Nugent song being played in a disco right next to Relax by Frankie Goes To Hollywood. Seriously! The filmakers seem so out of touch with any time period it is hard to imagine they have even been to a rock concert in the last twenty years. The look of the film seems to be based almost completely on repeated viewings of Behind The Music.
But, hey that seems to be John Stockwell's specialty. Taking a subculture and writing such an unbelievable piece of tripe that any chance of making a good film about that scene will be instantly destroyed when his unsuccessful film bombs at the box office. (See last summer's Blue Crush.) Which begs the question - who's blank is he blanking anyway?
Having said that - Mark Wahlberg is actually quite good and it's a shame his performance was wasted in this drek. He sings the songs and actually has a great set of pipes.