Boogie Nights" for Metalheads (despite "Boogie Nights" being a way better movie)

Rating: 5/10 (1 February 2013)

When singer Rob Halford announced that he would leave his band, Judas Priest", many a Heavy Metal fan felt that the end of the world was nigh. After all, "Judas Priest" was one of the most influential Metal bands, having determined what Metal looks and sounds likes, even today. Halford claimed, after twenty years, the music (for him) had stagnated, that he wanted to find a new sound and that he was sick and tired of having to hide his homosexuality (which surprised very few fans, for whom Halfords sexual orientation has always been an unspoken secret). "Judas Priest" hired young, aspiring Tim "Ripper" Owens, an impressive singer in his own rights and lifelong "Priest"-fan.
When "Rock Star" arrived at the cinema, many "Judas Priest" fans where ecstatic: the movie was rumored to have been based on Tim Owens short-lived career as "Priest"-singer.
Essentially the movie is about every music-lovers dream come true: what would happen if you'd become the singer of your favorite Rock band? Unfortunately, to the clear of mind and reason, the answer would be painfully obvious, even blatant: euphoria and disillusion would go hand in hand, many drug-fueled parties would be followed by many painful hangovers, tour-life would take it's toll on personal relationships, and in the end one question would raise it's ugly head: is it all worth it? The film "Rock Star" is as blatant, streamlined and obvious as reality.
As to the acting: Mark Wahlberg does a convincing job, despite actually having a Pop / Hip Hop background; Jennifer Aniston plays her role as boring and mediocre as we'd expect from her and Dominic Wests limited range stands in stark contrast to Wahlbergs performance.
It doesn't help much that part of "Steel Dragon" consists of real musicians (ex-Ozzy Osbourne guitarist Zakk Wylde, Jeff Pilson and Jason Bonham, the son of legendary "Led Zeppelin"-drummer Jon Bonham). Most musicians (and their fans) come across as the most stereotypical Metalheads since "Spinal Tap".
Speaking of Metalheads: the Heavy Metal scene is extremely complex, with many sub-categories, ranging from Melodic Metal over NWoBHM, Crossover to Thrash-, Black- and Death Metal, etc. The average Metalhead would identify "Steel Dragon" as an arch-typical US-Hair-Metal band, sound and appearance owing more to bands like "Ratt" or "Motley Crue", rather than a "True Metal"-band like "Judas Priest". Even the name "Blood Pollution" would be something adopted by a Death Metal or Grindcore band; but rather unlikely for a band depicted in the film. A little more research would have obviously benefited the picture.
Even though it's an enjoyable hour and a half but offers little-to-no fresh revelations or insights into scene, industry or even the musicians themselves. The film will essentially disappoint the average European Metal-fan – especially the fans of "Judas Priest". Hence, a mediocre 5 points from 10.