True Story: once upon a time, in the 1980s, there was this gnarly band called Judas Priest that ruled the metal scene. It had some of the most dedicated fans music has ever seen. When lead vocalist Rob Halford quit the band in the '90s, Judas Priest was in the market for a new singer. By luck, the group discovered ultimate fan and gifted Halford impersonator Tim Owens, who was just then an office supply salesman. Judas Priest offered him the job, and in less than a day, Owens went from disciple to icon.
This real-life rock and roll fairy tale is the basis for Rock Star, a misguided but entertaining film from director Stephen Herek (Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure, Mr. Holland's Opus). Set in the 1985 metal scene, Mark Wahlberg is the Owens-like Chris Cole, a talented vocalist who, with his girlfriend (Jennifer Aniston), worships the fictional band Steel Dragon. Devastated after his tribute band kicks him out for his overzealous attention to detail, Chris gets his chance making Behind the Music history when the real Steel Dragon taps him to replace his idol.
Rock Star is a music movie, and music is the driving force. And to its credit, the Steel Dragon original compositions written for the movie actually do rock. Producers assembled a dream team of ex-metal heads to write and record the soundtrack, and a fine job they did banging out quality tunes like "We All Die Young" and "Stand Up."
Rock Star certainly does not lack in charm and entertainment value, as we watch Chris live out his rock and roll fantasies with boyish glee. However, the writing and direction feels indecisive, lost between being a comic narrative and a morality play about the vices of fame. Scenes swing awkwardly from hilarious rock satire (drawing unavoidable comparisons to This is Spinal Tap) to serious exploration of human relationships, complete with sensitive string music. To enjoy Rock Star more thoroughly, it's best to ignore these uncomfortable interludes and just focus on the laughs.
