Film Reviews

Rock Star

• Rating:
• Director:
• Starring: Dominic West
• Details: US / 104 mins / (15PG).

Amiable romantic drama in which Mark Wahlberg plays Chris Cole, a slacker whose only purpose in life is worshipping his favourite band, Steel Dragon, and playing in a tribute band. When Steel Dragons' lead singer, Bobby Beeres (Flemyng) is fired from the band, Chris is offered the gig after the rest of the group see him performing. Life in the world's biggest metal band might be a dream come true for Chris (now trading under the stage moniker of Izzy) but the impact it has on his life and his relationship with his long time girlfriend, Emily (Aniston) is not always positive. While it lacks something in terms of structure, Rock Star is affable enough fare. Wahlberg weighs in with another fine performance - reminiscent of his turn in Boogie Nights - and Aniston is well, less annoying than usual. And although it's funny in places, one can't help feeling that Rock Star could - considering the potential of the subject matter - have been an extremely entertaining proposition had the script and direction been sharper.

Review by Garreth Murphy