Detroit Rock City (1999)

In 1978, four rebellious teenagers try to scam their way into a KISS concert.

Director:

Adam Rifkin

Writer:

Carl V. Dupré

Stars:

Edward Furlong, Giuseppe Andrews, James DeBello

3 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Giuseppe Andrews	...	Lex
James DeBello	...	Trip (as James De Bello)
Edward Furlong	...	Hawk
Sam Huntington	...	Jam
Lin Shaye	...	Mrs. Bruce
Melanie Lynskey	...	Beth
Natasha Lyonne	...	Christine
Miles Dougal	...	Elvis
Nick Scotti	...	Kenny
Emmanuelle Chriqui	...	Barbara
David Quane	...	Bobby
Rodger Barton	...	Mr. Bumsteen
Kathryn Haggis	...	Mrs. Bumsteen
David Gardner	...	Priest
Shannon Tweed	...	Amanda Finch

Storyline

Four members of a high school band called Mystery do everything they can to attend a KISS concert in Detroit. In order to make it to the show they must steal, cheat, strip, deal with an anti-rock mom and generally do whatever it takes to see the band that has inspired them to be musicians.

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Plot Keywords:

reference to the incredible hulk | kiss | band | concert | teenager | 

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Taglines:

In October of 1978, 4 high school students disappeared outside Detroit, Michigan. 20 years later, their footage was found.

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Genres:

Comedy | Music

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for strong language, drug use and sex-related content

Did You Know?

Trivia

The same dolls KISS dolls shown in the opening credits are shown in Lex's basement.

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Goofs

During the highway chase, the driver's side window alternates several times from open to closed.

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Quotes

Trip: [looks at Jam, dressed in nerdy clothes] Man, that geek looks just like Jam.
Lex: Man, that geek *is* Jam.
Hawk: [yells across the campus] HEY, DORK!
[Jam flips them off, they all start laughing]

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Crazy Credits

The end credits go from orange-red to blue

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Alternate Versions

The DVD edition of the film retains more footage not seen in theaters. These scenes are:

• A longer scene in the car when Lin Shaye and Sam Huntington are driving to St. Bernards Academy.
• Longer scene on the highway which Natasha Lyonne and her clan is introduced. It runs about 3-5 minutes longer.
• A longer scene of the opening to which the four boys are singing "Rock N Roll All Nite"
• Longer confessional scene with Melanie Lynski and Sam Huntington.
• Longer scene with "Elvis", the custodian.
• Longer scene with Shannon Tweed and Edward Furlong.
• At least four alternate takes of the final concert scene.

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Connections

References Chinese Godfather (1974)

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Soundtracks

Little Willy
Written by Mike Chapman and Nicky Chinn
Performed by Sweet (as The Sweet)
Courtesy of BMG Entertainment International U.K. and Ireland Ltd. and New Dawn Productions Ltd.

User Reviews

Fun concert adventure

Being that the story is about kids who want to go to see their favourite band, you know that in the end they will somehow get to see the show. It's a question if you enjoy the ride to get there. And I did.

Although being a teen comedy (which always means an obligatory puke scene), and some physical comedy which was a little distracting, this film was just fun. The film works cause everyone can think back to the days in high school when you worshiped a band, played their music, and would DIE to see them play live, and this film captures that feeling perfectly. It also captures the era perfectly with the music, cars, good soundtrack, and the pot shots at of course... disco (Did you see those SHOES the disco chicks were wearing??). And of course it was VERY funny in places (I thought my jam sessions were bad...).

Also the film had me guessing as to what would happen, sometimes I thought it was predictable, then it switched gears and surprised me, particularly the ending which was so perfectly sweet!! Perfect music high school camradare done wonderfully. Even though I am not a fan of KISS, everyone can think back to the time when your fav band was your TRUE means of salvation.

Rating 7 out of 10.

Details

Official Sites:

Official Facebook

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

13 August 1999 (USA)

Also Known As:

The Kiss Movie

Filming Locations:

Canada

Box Office

Budget:

$34,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend USA:

$2,005,512, 15 August 1999

Gross USA:

$4,217,115

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$4,217,115

Company Credits

Production Co:

New Line Cinema, Takoma Entertainment Group, Base 12 Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

95 min

Sound Mix:

DTS Dolby Digital SDDS

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.39 : 1