The Rocker
By Marhall Fine
Rating:
Who's in it: Rainn Wilson, Christina Applegate
What's it about: Twenty years after missing his shot at the big time, a former hair-metal-band drummer gets another opportunity with a teen emo band.
Fishing: Wilson ("The Office") plays Robert "Fish" Fishman, who has never gotten over being dumped by his band just before they hit it big. Though he's long retired, he does a favor for his nephew, filling in on drums for a prom gig. Suddenly, he's propelled exactly where he wanted to be: stardom and success. But can he handle it? This formula comedy has its funny moments, most of them inspired by Wilson's willingness to do almost anything for a laugh. With his goofy physical humor, he's like a comedy jack-in-the-box, popping up with a giggle-inducing bit just when you think the movie's had it. Long after the movie is running on fumes, Wilson is still chugging along, delivering unexpected chuckles with his outlandish performance.
Long story short: It's stupid enough to keep you laughing.
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