 | STARRING: Rainn Wilson, Christina Applegate |
The Rocker seems like it was written as a Will Ferrell vehicle, but instead we have Rainn Wilson in the title role of Robert ‘Fish’ Fishman, an adult who refuses to grow up. The basic idea is that you take an adult with some kind of immature, childlike obsession, put him in situations in which he can drive kids and adults crazy with his antics, and then hilarity will ensue. But things don’t always work out as well as the movie directors expect.
‘Fish’ was the drummer of a band called Vesuvius in the ‘80s. The group is offered their first major record deal with the caveat that they must replace the drummer. Vesuvius goes on to be one of the biggest rock ‘n roll bands of all time, while 20 years later Fishman is unemployed and living in his sister’s attic, harboring a deep hatred of Vesuvius. It turns out that Fishman’s overweight 17 year old nephew is the keyboardist in a band, and they are looking for a drummer. Fishman is asked to help out, and it’s not long before his ‘80s hairstyles and antics are back in business as the old guy in this teen pop-rock group called A.D.D. Thanks to a popular YouTube video featuring Fishman practicing in the nude, the group is signed to a record label and is soon out on their first tour. When Fish isn’t acting like a “rock star” he is attempting to romance the lead singer’s mother, played by Christina Applegate. This of course leads to tension, and Fish is kicked out of the group right before their biggest gig opening for the legendary Vesuvius. Will history repeat itself, or will the group discover that they need ‘Fish’?
I suspect that most of you can figure out the ending. Rainn Wilson does his best, but he’s just not as funny as Will Ferrell. For this movie to work, with it’s silly and predictable plot, the lead character has to carry it. Rainn is not able to carry this movie, but it’s not for a lack of trying. Watching him act like an ‘80s reject was just not funny. Christina Applegate is underutilized, as she is the best actor in the film. I can’t believe she is doing mother roles these days. The lead singer of A.D.D. is singer Teddy Geiger, who I understand is somewhat popular with kids. He’s not much of an actor though. This film is not worth a trip to the theater or video store. Wait for cable.
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