I first saw this movie when I was seven, with no clue as to the title, and I've spent the last 25 years trying to work out if it was real or if my memories are mixing up two shows as no one I know could work out what I was talking about.
A few months ago, I found this by accident and, reading the plot synopsis it all clicked. THIS was the film I'd been trying to remember since childhood. I immediately hunted down a copy and watched it all the way through, beginning to end.
So, what's to like about Rock&Rule? Well, to begin with, I personally think the character designs look like a big "F U!" to Disney as these are the mutated, anthropomorphic offspring of the street animals (cats, dogs, mice, rats, etc) who survived the nuclear apocalypse of World War 3 wherein all human life was wiped out. The scenery is amazing, the cityscapes look dirty, industrial and dilapidated, a lot of thought went into them. The villain of the picture, music superstar Mok Swagger, is wonderfully, delightfully evil. He blatantly uses his charm and status to manipulates people in order to get what he wants and doesn't care if people get hurt or die in the process as long as he obtains his objective. Also there are some big names providing the singing voices, Debbie Harry as Angel and Lou Reed as Mok ("My name is Mok. Thanks a lot...", trust me, once that little ditty is in your head, you're going to sing it forever)
So, what's wrong with it? My biggest sticking point is our, ugh, I'm going to use this term loosely, "hero", Angel's bandmate/love-interest, Omar. Omar is selfish, self-centred and egotistical, he clearly doesn't like anyone but himself from the band to be the centre of attention. Added to this, he consistently runs out on his friends, is actively rude to Mok when they're in his home (I guess manners aren't his strong point?), and is much too busy sulking to come and help when he's needed. All throughout I found myself wondering "why am I supposed to be rooting for this guy?"
Also, I found the story hard to comprehend - the whole concept is that Mok's sales, both his album and concerts, aren't doing so well at the moment. What's a superstar to do? -Take some time out to rest up and think things over? -Plan a new album with a fresher sound? -Release a 'best of' album as a placeholder while he's taking time out?
Nope. he's going to summon a demon! The door to whose realm can only be opened with the right key/voice (spoiler: that's why he needs Angel)
This is not a perfect movie but it is worth adding to your collection. Sit and let the music wash over you and admire the daring (for the time) 3D effects.
So, what's to like about Rock&Rule? Well, to begin with, I personally think the character designs look like a big "F U!" to Disney as these are the mutated, anthropomorphic offspring of the street animals (cats, dogs, mice, rats, etc) who survived the nuclear apocalypse of World War 3 wherein all human life was wiped out. The scenery is amazing, the cityscapes look dirty, industrial and dilapidated, a lot of thought went into them. The villain of the picture, music superstar Mok Swagger, is wonderfully, delightfully evil. He blatantly uses his charm and status to manipulates people in order to get what he wants and doesn't care if people get hurt or die in the process as long as he obtains his objective. Also there are some big names providing the singing voices, Debbie Harry as Angel and Lou Reed as Mok ("My name is Mok. Thanks a lot...", trust me, once that little ditty is in your head, you're going to sing it forever)
So, what's wrong with it? My biggest sticking point is our, ugh, I'm going to use this term loosely, "hero", Angel's bandmate/love-interest, Omar. Omar is selfish, self-centred and egotistical, he clearly doesn't like anyone but himself from the band to be the centre of attention. Added to this, he consistently runs out on his friends, is actively rude to Mok when they're in his home (I guess manners aren't his strong point?), and is much too busy sulking to come and help when he's needed. All throughout I found myself wondering "why am I supposed to be rooting for this guy?"
Also, I found the story hard to comprehend - the whole concept is that Mok's sales, both his album and concerts, aren't doing so well at the moment. What's a superstar to do? -Take some time out to rest up and think things over? -Plan a new album with a fresher sound? -Release a 'best of' album as a placeholder while he's taking time out?
Nope. he's going to summon a demon! The door to whose realm can only be opened with the right key/voice (spoiler: that's why he needs Angel)
This is not a perfect movie but it is worth adding to your collection. Sit and let the music wash over you and admire the daring (for the time) 3D effects.