Detroit Rock City
2.5/4
Starring: Edward Furlong, Giuseppe Andrews, James DeBello, Sam Huntington, Lin Shaye
Rated R for Strong Language, Drug Use and Sex-Related Humor
"Detroit Rock City" is a movie that was probably more fun to make than it is to watch. It's a small movie made with a lot of energy and heart, and it has a sense of fun. Of course, I could be wrong. This could have been a living hell for the cast, the crew and the caterer. But I don't think so. It's too silly and too cheery to be made by anyone who didn't positively want to be there and was not having a grand time. The movie is a little too thin for me to be able to recommend out right, but far be it for me to try and stop anyone from seeing it.
The year is 1978. The world is in turmoil, American culture is shifting radically, and heavy metal band KISS has carved its own niche. Hawk (Furlong), Trip (DeBello), Jam (Huntington) and Lex (Andrews) are die-hard KISS fans, and are beyond excited that, for the first time in three years, they have managed to score tickets to the Detroit show (and keep them). Of course, with every outsider movement that gains any traction, it has its detractors. One such individual is Jam's mom (Shaye), a fervent Catholic who believes that KISS stands for "Knights in Satan's Service." When she finds the tickets, she burns them and sends Jam to a Catholic boarding school. But these metalheads have had enough, and nothing is going to stop them from seeing KISS in concert.
It's easy to see this as a crass marketing move by KISS. After all, the band is the sole focus of this movie despite the fact that they haven't been relevant since the 80's. Gene Simmons is even credited as a producer (and personally selected Natasha Lyonne for a role). Even if that is the case, this movie is fun and enjoyable. I laughed, even despite myself (the film's humor takes "stupid humor" seriously).
The four leads are solid. Edward Furlong shows the fire and energy he lent to classics like "Terminator 2" and "American History X." It makes you wish he would get his life together and star in more movies. James DeBello once again plays the big doofus. Sam Huntington and Giuseppe Andrews are more or less interchangeable, although Huntington is a better actor. Lin Shaye, no stranger to raunchy comedies (who can forget her appearance in "There's Something About Mary?") is in fine form as a hyper-religious helicopter parent from hell, and she's always good for a laugh. Natasha Lyonne, Melanie Lynskey and Shannon Tweed (Simmons's future wife) play the love interests. Cameos by pre-famous actors such as Kevin Corrigan, Emmanuelle Chriqui, Lindy Booth and Julian Richings are also included. Porn king Ron Jeremy makes a cameo as a stripper MC.
I had a tough time deciding whether or not to recommend "Detroit Rock City." I suppose it depends on the attitude you take to it. Did I laugh? Yes. Consistently? No. It's a little too dumb and thin to be entirely successful. That being said. If you're looking for something harmless that won't tax your brain too much, then it's a solid choice. Mind altering substances may be required.
Or if you're a KISS fan. In which case you've probably seen it a zillion times already.
Starring: Edward Furlong, Giuseppe Andrews, James DeBello, Sam Huntington, Lin Shaye
Rated R for Strong Language, Drug Use and Sex-Related Humor
"Detroit Rock City" is a movie that was probably more fun to make than it is to watch. It's a small movie made with a lot of energy and heart, and it has a sense of fun. Of course, I could be wrong. This could have been a living hell for the cast, the crew and the caterer. But I don't think so. It's too silly and too cheery to be made by anyone who didn't positively want to be there and was not having a grand time. The movie is a little too thin for me to be able to recommend out right, but far be it for me to try and stop anyone from seeing it.
The year is 1978. The world is in turmoil, American culture is shifting radically, and heavy metal band KISS has carved its own niche. Hawk (Furlong), Trip (DeBello), Jam (Huntington) and Lex (Andrews) are die-hard KISS fans, and are beyond excited that, for the first time in three years, they have managed to score tickets to the Detroit show (and keep them). Of course, with every outsider movement that gains any traction, it has its detractors. One such individual is Jam's mom (Shaye), a fervent Catholic who believes that KISS stands for "Knights in Satan's Service." When she finds the tickets, she burns them and sends Jam to a Catholic boarding school. But these metalheads have had enough, and nothing is going to stop them from seeing KISS in concert.
It's easy to see this as a crass marketing move by KISS. After all, the band is the sole focus of this movie despite the fact that they haven't been relevant since the 80's. Gene Simmons is even credited as a producer (and personally selected Natasha Lyonne for a role). Even if that is the case, this movie is fun and enjoyable. I laughed, even despite myself (the film's humor takes "stupid humor" seriously).
The four leads are solid. Edward Furlong shows the fire and energy he lent to classics like "Terminator 2" and "American History X." It makes you wish he would get his life together and star in more movies. James DeBello once again plays the big doofus. Sam Huntington and Giuseppe Andrews are more or less interchangeable, although Huntington is a better actor. Lin Shaye, no stranger to raunchy comedies (who can forget her appearance in "There's Something About Mary?") is in fine form as a hyper-religious helicopter parent from hell, and she's always good for a laugh. Natasha Lyonne, Melanie Lynskey and Shannon Tweed (Simmons's future wife) play the love interests. Cameos by pre-famous actors such as Kevin Corrigan, Emmanuelle Chriqui, Lindy Booth and Julian Richings are also included. Porn king Ron Jeremy makes a cameo as a stripper MC.
I had a tough time deciding whether or not to recommend "Detroit Rock City." I suppose it depends on the attitude you take to it. Did I laugh? Yes. Consistently? No. It's a little too dumb and thin to be entirely successful. That being said. If you're looking for something harmless that won't tax your brain too much, then it's a solid choice. Mind altering substances may be required.
Or if you're a KISS fan. In which case you've probably seen it a zillion times already.
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