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Another similarity with School of Rock is that both films give you an opportunity to see the lead character in a state of undress more complete than you probably crave. If you've seen the trailer for The Rocker, you know that Fish's nephew Matt (a character given more depth than expected by young actor Josh Gad) sets up a computer network so they can practice together by webcam from four different locations. However, Fish thinks it's a microphone, not a camera, so he doesn't bother to get dressed. The video of "the naked drummer" ends up on YouTube, and scores millions of hits, launching the band's career.

The band takes a bow

But here's the surprise: that episode then drops out of the plot completely. The most disappointing thing about this film is that it is, in that way, so disconnected, lacking development of characters, relationships, or plot. People fall in love, we're told, but we don't see why. A major turning point occurs because a character looks at a photo of happier times. Such things are asserted rather than demonstrated, so there's an overall artificiality.

On the other hand, there are lots of genuine laughs, and not all attributable to Wilson alone. Comedian Dimitri Martin portrays the artsy director of their video, who seemingly intends to photograph it one still frame at a time. Jason Sudeikis, as the record label's liaison, is all false bonhomie with a viper tongue; when chubby Matt sees himself in the video he says, "The camera adds 20 pounds, right?," and Sudeikis' character tosses off, "Yeah, the camera and food."

Though the storytelling is thin, the accumulation of such funny moments make The Rocker a worthy addition to the list of comedies about rock bands; just don't expect it to rise to the top of the hit parade.

>Talk About It

1. Did you once have a career goal different from what you are doing now? What was it? Do you think it would be a good idea to attempt to achieve that dream?
2. Why is the rock lifestyle associated with destruction and hedonism? Is it something in the music, or something in the artists' character? Or is it simply the natural result of gaining enough money to fulfill every impulse? What would you do if you had unlimited money?
3. The character Curtis has never recovered from his parents' divorce, which occurred when he was 4 years old. Do you find this believable?

The Family Corner

The Rocker is rated PG-13 for drug and sexual references, nudity and language. The nudity refers to some rear nudity used for comic effect.

Photos © Copyright 20th Century Fox

© Frederica Mathewes-Green subject to licensing agreement with Christianity Today International. All rights reserved. Click for reprint information.

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