Two Words : Rock On!

Rating: Null/10 (27 April 2002)

Perhaps it's because Bon Jovi's 'Living on a Prayer' is on the soundtrack that made me love this. Any movie that can pull that off has my vote. Normally not a Mark Wahlberg - fan (if you will), I knew I had to see a film with this title. Mark does a fantastic job as Chris Cole - lead singer of the Steel Dragon tribute band. Being a singer/performer himself I guess made him believable being on stage. There is nothing worse than watching an actor play a singer and have their body and vocal movements out of sync with the music. The lead guitarist in the tribute band Blood Pollution isn't that convincing on the guitar but I suppose there is no need to get too picky. Excellent casting of Timothy Spall as the road manager. Just what you would expect of a road manager in the 80's.
One of the best things about this movie (and I guess the most unexpectant) is the relationship between Chris and Emily. Jennifer Aniston (brilliantly) plays the long time girlfriend and manager, Emily, with such depth and honesty - which is what makes the ending so moving. Combine all this with the great soundtrack and you have my reasons for my just buying this on DVD.