I just finished watching Dead Ant after checking it out from the library. I didn't find it to be a particular spectacular movie, but it got me thinking about all the rock n' roll movies I've enjoyed over the years. I'm not talking about documentaries, those can stand apart. I'm thinking about movies that have a distinct rock n' roll theme and are definitely geared towards a certain kind of music fan. Dead Ant is a perfect example of that, so I'll start with it.
You might imagine that when looking for a movie to watch, I'm instantly drawn to a film such as
Dead Ant just by looking at the cover. The font, the strange cast of actors, the mention of Spinal Tap on the cover. Yes, this looks like my kind of movie. Well, here are my thoughts on it. First off, no regrets on watching this one. It delivers in a variety of ways that make it satisfying, while I would still classify it as a pretty terrible movie and would not recommend it except in cases of specific movie tastes. The CGI ants are terribly done. The gore is also CGI and also terrible. The movie would have benefited greatly from just a smattering of real effects throughout. Some fake blood when the gore is front and center and some Ray Harryhausen style claymation would have taken this movie up a notch to legendary. Instead, it's firmly placed as mediocre. Too bad because Tom Arnold, Sean Astin, Jake Busey, and Michael Horse are each perfect in their roles, and the lesser known actors are pretty good for their parts too. There's some laughs that are well done and the plot is simple enough to fit well in the obvious low budget of the film. I mean, it takes place in a desert on pretty much 3 locations. But that part is great. The ending is satisfying like few movies of this type are.
No list of rock n' roll movies would be complete without including
Spinal Tap, the quintessential movie of the genre. It also happens to be one of my all time favorites. The improvisational parts and great music make this movie one to remember, along with the cast of comedians sprinkled in that steal individual scenes. It's a legendary movie. I love Patrick Macnee as Sir Dennis. And, Fran Drescher in her role has lead to some of the most quoted lines among my friends. This is a movie I watch multiple times a year and whenever I meet someone who hasn't seen it, I often offer to watch it with them. It's too good. The main dudes are super great too.
I just looked up
Get Him To The Greek on IMDB and saw it gets a measly 6.4 stars out of 10, what the heck? It's moments like this when I feel out of touch with the universe. I think this is one of the most entertaining and wonderful rock n' roll movies of all time. The music is hilarious and well done. And, while Russel Brand can surely be hella annoying at times, I found the role well suited for his eccentric acting style. The only thing I found too much to suspend my disbelief was the portrayal of Lars, who I just can't get past thinking of as a complete tool of a human being. Still, I like to think there was some truth to his portrayal in the movie, so here's to being wishful. I liked Forgetting Sarah Marshall a lot, too. But, I wonder if the fans of that movie were the main folks that found out about this one and it just wasn't their cup of tea. The two movies are so similar and obviously linked, but the vin diagram of the viewers that would like both movies would surely be slimmer compared with other sequel/spinoff/whateveryoucallit movies.
Honestly, I probably wouldn't have been so in love with
School of Rock if I hadn't pretty much spent my entire working life in the education field. It reminds me of so much of what I love about working in schools, despite being completely ridiculous. Also, Jack Black is a forever talent and he's surrounded by all these talented musician kids, and that's just fun to watch. I heard somewhere that this was a role written specifically for Black and that makes sense, I can't imagine the film working at all with any other human being on the planet playing the main role.
Detroit Rock City, basically another version of Road Trip, came to mind as a rock n' roll movie. I have to admit that I've only seen this one once and it was a long time ago, and it didn't blow my mind at the time. Kiss just seems like they were already starting their retirement tours, despite that still going on and it being 20 years later. I found this movie abrupt and forced, and without the entertainment that I would hope for. But, I'd still like to watch it again sometime because sometimes a movie watching experience can be completely determined by how and when you watch it, and with whom. I could very possibly check this one out again and have a more positive impression. Still, it's worth mentioning.
Now it is time to take a moment and remember
Rock 'n' Roll Nightmare and the excitement first felt when realization hit that Jon Mikl Thor was in a silly horror movie from 1987. That contained, there is no way that this movie could be looked upon in a poor light, it's too ridiculous and awesome for that to even be possible. Still, it's strangely disappointing but for one reason only The ending fight scene is so poorly done that it pisses me off. It has that feel of, spend 10 more minutes on this and make it just a little better and I'll be completely satisfied. Instead, it seems like no effort was put in. I still like the movie, though. And "Let's tune our weapons" will always be something I say before a band practice.
The music for
Pick of Destiny is so good that it almost didn't matter that they filled up the movie with a good story also. It doesn't matter that it was basically a regurgitation of the Tenacious D show. I like the movie and the show so much, and they could do it again and I'd watch that too. Jack Black and Kyle Gas are so good together and carry this through with such conviction that I'm determined to think, if someone doesn't like and appreciate this movie that they just don't get something about it. I start to want to convince them (even though I know that's silly and people can have their own opinions!!). The appearance of RJD right in the beginning, with Meatloaf, and then Dave Grohl at the end stand out for me as some of the best performances any of those musicians have delivered. It makes me think that Tenacious D has a knack for bringing out the best in others. Such a cool movie.
Yes I know there are lots and lots more rock n' roll movies out there, these are just a few that came to mind that I've seen. Now I'm in the mood and should seek out more. I will do that. For now, though, if you have a favorite that you'd put on your own list and want to talk about it, feel free to share in the comments.
Until next time.
-Jason
