Detroit Rock City (1999) User Reviews

Fun concert adventure

[smakawhat · 7/10 · 20 January 2001]

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.

This movie rocks!

[mattymatt4ever · 7/10 · 20 April 2001]

I really don't see why this movie tanked and why it is hated by many. Maybe its poor box office performance was due partly to its R-rating, being that it appeals to a predominantly teenage demographic. But I found it to be funny, entertaining and downright awesome!

This is not a nostalgic piece. Other than the music, this film's characters seemed to be fished out of contemporary society. So the older viewers might not enjoy it QUITE as much. I have to say, my only disappointment was that Kiss only got to perform once, at the very end. Other than that, this is just a wildly funny comic ride with good performances from the main cast, as well as the supporting--Lin Shaye stands out as the ultra-protective, Bible-toting, chain-smoking mother who regards Kiss as "Knights in Satan's Service." Joe Flaherty, of SCTV fame, also has a funny cameo.

What can I say? I laughed a lot. I bobbed my head to the music. I had fun. That pretty much does it for me.

My score: 7 (out of 10)

Detroit Rock City ?............. Awesome !!!

[jordancasu · 8/10 · 19 March 2007]

This movie was great,funny,cool,realistic and entertaining The Story of four teens who play in a KISS cover band who got tickets to go see KISS in Detroit, but a series of unfortunate events stop them from going to see the concert,and they don't stop at nothing to get all the way to Detroit for the Show of their lives.

The Best thing about this movie is that the characters are believable, they are exactly what you would expect, and they act exactly like normal teenagers would in the late 70', in most teen movies you see the usual cliché's, but not here.

All in all this movie is very entertaining, you never get bored, and the movie really puts you in these guys shoes and feel just like they would in that type of situation.Plus the movie is filled with an awesome soundtrack, with bands like AC/DC, Van Halen and of course KISS who also appear in the film.

So my advice to you (if you like good ol Rock n' Roll and Fun movies) is to rent Detroit Rock City invite some friends and Have a great Time.

Hilarious, and Not Just For Kiss Fans

[MetalGeek · 1 December 2006]

I was a huge KISS fan for much of my teenage life (finally seeing the original band on their 1996 Reunion Tour was one of the highlights of my life, as I was too young to witness them in their '70s heyday), so DETROIT ROCK CITY was mandatory viewing for me when it first hit video. I would've loved to have seen it during its short theatrical run, but sadly, this overlooked movie tanked at the box office and disappeared within a week of its release, which astounds me to this day, because even if you're not a KISS fan, any rock and roller past or present should be able to relate to this story of musical fanaticism, no matter what band(s) you might be into.

The film does share many similarities to an earlier classic, 1979's ROCK N ROLL HIGH SCHOOL (starring the Ramones), but thanks to the more liberal time period in which it was made, DETROIT ROCK CITY is a lot more foul-mouthed and raunchier, which may have cost the producers a PG-13 rating, but it just fine by me... after all, real high school kids don't say "darn" and "heck," they spew the F-Word liberally into every sentence! Anyway, our story revolves around four high school misfits circa 1978 whose main goal in life (other than playing bad covers of KISS songs in their basement rec room) is to finally see KISS live in concert at Detroit's Cobo Hall arena. When one boy's fundamentalist Mom discovers the "demonic" concert tickets in her son's jacket and burns them, it sets the four friends on a quest to figure out how to get into the concert at all costs, and they set a hilarious series of misadventures in motion along the way. In no particular order, the boys run afoul of a gang of disco-loving toughs on the highway, get mixed up in the middle of a convenience store robbery (thwarted by a Stretch Armstrong doll!), take the stage in a male strip joint to win money for tickets, get their car towed from the mean streets of Detroit, and rescue one of their own from a Christian boy's school. The film's eye candy quotient is filled very nicely by a cameo from Shannon Tweed (real-life companion of Kiss' Gene Simmons), and there's even a tender moment of teenage romance as one boy loses his virginity (in a church's confessional no less!). All this madness is set to an irresistible hard-rockin' soundtrack that features not only Kiss but other 70s titans like Blue Oyster Cult and Ted Nugent. Do the boys finally make it to Cobo Hall to see their heroes? I don't want to spoil it for those who haven't seen it yet, therefore I highly recommend that you check out this overlooked comedy gem. DETROIT ROCK CITY is a hysterical trip down memory lane for anyone who's ever cranked up their favorite song extremely LOUD...and as Kiss themselves once said, if it's too loud,you're too old. Thankfully I'm not too old to enjoy this movie!!

4 kids do ANYTHING for KISS tickets in 1978

[feyde · 7/10 · 6 January 2000]

Hilarious...not a brainy or brilliant picture but it carries some off-the-wall moments that make it all worthwhile. The dialogue is unflinchingly crude and certain scenes will just catch you off-guard...definately worth your time. Don't worry if you aren't into KISS...it's more about their journey TO the concert.

Silly, but fun!

[Leon-40 · 7/10 · 8 December 1999]

I thought this movie was fairly entertaining, the performances were good,especially Edward Furlong and Sam Huntington, although the character of Jam's mum was a little overdone. I thought the soundtrack to the movie was good also, it added to the film. I found myself comparing this movie to 'American Pie', due to its physical humour. I was surprised this movie didn't receive that much exposure and publicity. Overall an enjoyable 80 or so minutes at the cinema.

Detroit Rock City rocks!

[squir1y · 9/10 · 19 July 2000]

My summary says it all. This movie did rock! It had funny characters, a funny story and an awesome soundtrack, especially Van Halen's Runnin' with the Devil.

The story is set in Cleveland, 1978. Four boys, Hawk, Jam, Lex and Trip who are part of a rock band named Mystery which is modeled after their favorite band, KISS. They bought tickets to see them and go on a road trip to Detroit and get into many misadventures dealing with an angry mother, some tough jocks, some disco freaks, a stolen car and an attempt to win money.

This movie was Eddie Furlong's second best(T2 was the first) and it was a takeoff for the other guys. The only thing I would've changed was the mood, it seemed just a little dark for my taste but it was still an awesome movie. 9/10

Fun to begin with, less so later on

[Boyo-2 · 6/10 · 28 June 2000]

I enjoyed the set up for this movie more than the delivery. Most of the slapstick is very funny but there is less of it as the movie progresses. All the acting is great, especially by Edward Furlong. I was in high school in 1978 and I saw a KISS concert so it brought back some memories and songs I have not heard for awhile. There are other artists on the soundtrack, for those of you so inclined. I enjoyed the movie but it was no big deal.

Best Comedy I have seen in a long time!

[tequila101 · 10/10 · 28 June 2012]

I saw this film last night and I have to say, it is the best comedy I have seen since The Dictator.

I love how everything is so simply put together. The story, characters, music score, scenes, actors and humor. It is all put together so well. Edward Furlong and all of the other actors were excellent in their roles.

I laughed most of the time when the boys caused accidental trouble on the road or at the concert.

There's really not much to say about this film because I love it so much. What I can say is that if you love the actors who portray the four boys, KISS, the plot where they are determined to get into a concert and never give up, and stereotypical kids getting high and drunk, having sex and loving to rock hard to KISS music, this film is definitely for you. I know it was for me! MEGA 10/10 film right here!

Great mix of comedy and musical

[damianphelps · 7/10 · 29 September 2020]

This feels as much a celebration of KISS as it does a good time road trip movie. Filled with great songs and enjoyable scenes Detroit Rock City provides super entertainment.

Strap on your love gun, get some cold gin and rock 'n' roll all night!

Who writes that stuff?

[cheewawa-1 · 1/10 · 20 February 2002]

I am a Kiss fan, have been since 1974. I know how to play every song on my guitar and they were my main reason for wanting to pick one up. I've stood by them through thick and thick all those years ago, even in the early 80's when they were going nowhere here in the states.

But this movie... (and I love movies!) it's a nightmare and embarrassment to see. I went to the theatre to see it and walked out afterwards, I was lucky, no one saw me leaving. I bought the DVD. Gene talks about himself as usual and promotes upcoming toys and ventures that he's working on. I know he likes himself, but WOW!

There are some funny bits in the movie, Furlong is on the giving end of those. His bit in the nightclub is very good. The rest of the cast is just over doing it to the point of going out of charachtor.

It's good to see Joe Flarety in a small role. Shannon Tweed is sexy as ever and so is The Hedgehog himself: Rockin' Ron Jeremy!

The film has it's good spots but they are far and few in between. I know some over obsessed fans like the "Trip" fella. They need help. It's good to rock and roll all nite, but some people take it too far.

I wouldn't recommend it to anyone cause it's a fan's only movie. There aren't many of us left either. I hope the next movie about the band (there's supposed to be a movie about the begining of the band's existance) is done with some respect to the fans.

This was worse than the teenage sex romps that are the rage nowadays. We should have gotten better. A lot better. Ciao

A whole lot of fun

[srobi280 · 10/10 · 12 April 2006]

This is a movie about four teenagers, Hawk (Furlong), Jam (Huntington), Lex (Andrews), and Trip (Debello). They plan on seeing Kiss, but Jam accidentally takes Trip's jacket home, with the tickets inside. While Jam is at school, his mom, a complete bible-maniac, finds the tickets and burns them. She proceeds to take Jam to a boarding school. The boys are bummed out, but they hear on the radio that the 10th caller who can give the real names of the band members gets 4 front row tickets and 4 backstage passes to the Kiss concert. Trip wins the contest, and off they go to rescue Jam, and head for Detroit.

I won't go into what happens there. All I'm gonna tell you is, this movie is hilarious. Go watch it for a great time.

Let's hope it will stay the last KISS-Film. Can't improve perfection

[t_atzmueller · 7/10 · 24 December 2014]

KISS isn't known to be the most giving band in the world. Sure, you get your money's worth, but don't expect anything more or something like a free autograph or a "hi, how are u doing" from the last remaining original members without taking out your wallet first. That seems particularly true these days, where the band still produces tours and albums on the sole premise that most fans are completists, who cannot suffer holes in their collections. So, "Detroit Rock City" was one of the last few cases where the fan had the feeling that this was produced by band & fans for fans and not only for cash.

Sure, I had rooted for this film when it came out and sure, as a kid I had my room plastered with KISS-posters, wore KISS-Make-Up during Halloween and religiously bought most things that bore the distinct logo (despite the design being altered in Germany, because it resembled the SS-Runes a little too close, suggesting that Mr. Chaim Wietz and Mr. Stanley Eisen were Nazis). Got my dad to smuggle me into "Runaway", despite being a few years short of admission (and I didn't want to go see this film because I'm fond of Tom Selleck). Thinking of it, my parents probably bought Gene Simmons a new Cadillac, despite nowadays I'd hope that this money went into the pockets of either Ace Frehley or Peter Criss.

By the time "Detroit Rock City" hit the cinema, it had pretty much been clear to even the hardened fan, that 90 percent apart from the music was hype and that the two founding members had begun to view their band more of a cash-milking-cow rather than a vehicle to transport good music. But why drop a lifelong habit? Like Richard Linklaters "Dazed and Confused", Adam Rifkin was able to capture the feel and air of the time "When KISS ruled the world", which is only one aspect that makes the film work. Though by the time I was old enough to get into the concerts KISS had already taken off their iconic make-up, one could really get a feel of what the great KISSteria must have been like. Then there is the humour: I'm not easily moved to laugh tears at slapstick, but I have to admit that a heartily laughed more than once. The priest and the mushroom-pizza, the clash between KISS-Fans and Disco-Guidos or the Hawk stripping for cash, it all made me crack up. As a bonus, there are plenty of KISS Insider-jokes, from the names of the protagonists to the dialogue; it should be abundantly clear: Adam Rifkin knows his KISS.

When talking to the fans, the issue of a sequel would invariably come up. Despite still being a fan-boy deep inside, rationality keeps saying that this just wouldn't work – as little as KISS worked after 1982. What would people like to see? Our four protagonists being in college and moaning the fact that KISS has degenerated into a run-of-the-mill Glam band during the 80's? Having settled down to a blue-collar-existence and taking their kids to see the KISS-reunion in the 90's or having to witness the gold-digging sham that KISS has degenerated to in recent years? No, it's good that "Detroit Rock City" is (and will likely remain) a one-time-thing – could be a lesson there for Simmons and Stanley.

7/10

"That 70s Movie" - ' The Lowdown , To The Max. '

[happipuppi13 · 4/10 · 24 May 2022]

It could be easily said that it's just an ironic coincidence that this film appeared just a year after "That 70's Show" made it's debut.

It also wouldn't surprise me one bit if they watched the show and took notes. When I went to see this movie in October of 1999 , it had already been out for weeks (to less than wonderful raves) but still I just "had" to check it out.... and I'm not even that big of a KISS fan, my brothers are... but even they opted out.

I honestly felt, as i watched this, like I had just paid full price for an extended episode of "That 70's Show". The lead boy might as well have been Eric Forman and the others could be Michael Kelso, Casey Kelso & Steven Hyde.

The story is set in 1978, when KISS were truly the "Hottest Band In The World" at that time. The bible thumping mother who bands together with other protesting parents against the impending KISS concert, is to me a female version of Red Forman but worse.

She's just like quite a number of parents and clergy back in the late 70s, adults thought that the four letters in the group's name stood for "knights in satans service" and that their whole thing with the make up was part of an evil kind of worship.

The lead teen's mother discovers his tickets to the show and burns them, right in front of him! Now he and his friends have to jump through hoops to get into the show. These two factors make up the whole of the story.

Some things are funny, like having to deal with a younger boy in Ace make up who just may be able to help them. Amusingly while the early 1970s instrumental song, "Popcorn" by Hot Butter plays over the scene.

Later, they go into a strip club and one of them tries to win money for tickets by stripping himself. Another scene has unfortunate bathroom humor that I'll skip here, as I didn't find it funny at all and when used in movies, I feel it's desperation on the writers' part.

The battle between parental guidance and teen rebellion should have been played more for laughs, than in the semi-serious fashion it was.

Although many families did go through this battle of the generations back then, for a comedy, overall, it slightly interferes with the humor and the fun.

To sum it up in quick fashion, there were a few things I liked here... what few funny moments there were, the music, the bit of nostalgia (although I'm not that nostolgic myself).

Otherwise, since it felt to me like it was copied off "That 70's Show" & the other detracting factors I've mentioned, it's only something I'd rewatch if I was actually in the mood to see it again.

4 out of 10, I just feel it could have been much better. (END)

Calling Dr. Love

[EdRooney · 29 July 1999]

"Detroit Rock City"

Darth Maul, Austin Powers, Tarzan, John Travolta, Julia Roberts, Cartman, James West, and killer sharks... What else would summer 1999 require? KISS. That's what we need. With all the teenager movies stinking up the multiplexes recently, the only relief is a film featuring the Knights In Satan's Service. Recalling "Dazed And Confused" and channeling "Rock N' Roll High School", "Detroit Rock City" is a heaping portion of good fun. Filled to the brim with energy and acted by a cast of clever actors who probably can't even shave yet, this new music-packed comedy might just be what the doctor (Dr. Love, that is) ordered.

KISS fans might not be too happy to hear that the band isn't in the film for more than 5 minutes. Director Adam Rifkin ("The Chase" and the pathetically forced "Dark Backward") and writer Carl V. Dupre have made a film not about KISS, but about four teenagers from 1978 Cleveland who drive to Detroit to see the band in concert. Everything from religiously fanatic mothers (The great Lin Shaye), to money-stealing bullies, and even some Disco lowlifes try to stop our heroes as they trek to see the world's greatest band. Once in Detroit, the friends split up to find opportunities to scam their way into the show. It is also in Detroit where each teen learns a very important lesson about life, and just how much KISS rocks.

Leading the group is Edward Furlong. Last seen in John Waters's "Pecker", Furlong has opened up greatly in the past couple of films. In "Detroit", Furlong gives his best performance to date. I've never seen him so loose on-screen before. Working with James DeBello, Giuseppe Andrews, and probably the most expressive teenage actor working today, Sam Huntington, they each deliver just the right amount of teenage apathy, yet make each one of their characters endearing to the audience. It's enormous fun to watch them on-screen together. You don't come around such a young cast that works so well together too often. Other players include the eternal vamp Shannon Tweed, Natasha Lyonne("Slums Of Beverly Hills") in yet another role that cannot seem to tap into her talents as much as I would like to see, and even a girl fittingly named Beth played by the wonderful Melanie Lynskey("Heavenly Creatures"),

It's quite obvious from the brilliant opening credits that Director Rifkin is out to have some fun. He brings back the 1970's with wonderful widescreen lensing, a dab of split-screen, and a soundtrack crammed with classic rock hits. One after another, the music fills each scene with such vibrant energy. After getting so used to the pre-packaged soundtracks that frequently don't have anything to do with the movies that feature them, it's refreshing to see film and sound live in holy matrimony for once.

The camera swings and moves with alarming speed. The colors pop and squeak. The era is evoked gently and without(much) sarcasm. "Detroit Rock City" is one of the few films that seems to be the product of genuine love for the era and the music. It's a bright film with an enormous amount of good will. Whatever Rifkin has forced upon us before has now been forgotten.

If I had to make once complaint about "Detroit", it's the typical use of drama to justify the movie. You've seen it time and again, the film you love crashing to a halt so the lead character can make some death-to-the-ears speech about freedom, love, or any other mundane belief. It never ceases to stop any film, and it brings the kinetic "Detroit" to it's knees for about 5 minutes. The picture is bright enough to not have to include any dramatic weight whatsoever. It's seems like a screenplay conceit, and probably is. Yet another film that's too self-conscious to really kick back and fire on all cylinders.

New Line cut a great trailer for this film. The "Mad" magazine-style poster was also a genius choice. "Detroit Rock City" is silly and sometimes childish, but it never stoops to the constipated laughs of "American Pie" or the plain ugliness of other similar "boy" intensive teenage comedies. "Detroit" is often sharp, always silly, slightly tasteless, but a seriously rocking late summer film that makes up for the usual garbage that litters August. You wanted the best, you got the best.--------- 9/10

Rockin' comedy about 4 relentless KISS fans.

[patriciogl10 · 7/10 · 28 September 2019]

This movie hits home for me as I can completely relate to the characters' determined and passionate desire to go see their favourite band in the whole world. With tough perserverance, they manage to fight every obstacle in their way, tenaciously. Edward Furlong is a vehicle for nostalgia to me. There's something about him that simply irradiates happiness in my way, and he's great in this, so are the rest of the boys, each and everyone get their own moments in the movie, which is important in order to let everyone's own setbacks be resolved according to each character's personality. Lyn Shaye shines as an overbearing and autocratic mother who is tryin' to control her son in every possible aspect.

Well, as the boys get on their way to the best night of their lives, chaos ensues. And it's really funny, plus it's got a great soundtrack to jam along to.

Everything You'd Expect

[G-Man-25 · 7/10 · 13 August 1999]

"Detroit Rock City" has all the qualities a good KISS album should have.....it's loud, raucous, wild, rough, raunchy and very funny. It's like a cross between "Dazed & Confused" and "Rock N Roll High School" and while it's not quite as good as either of those, it's still plenty of fun. Director Adam Rifkin keeps his camera moving and the energy level high. The kids are all fine in their roles and Lin Shaye, as the fanatically religious holy terror mom of one of the kids stands out also. Throw in a killer soundtrack composed of memorable classic rock hits, a few new songs and of course PLENTY of KISS classics and you have the makings of a rollicking good time.

Almost perfect!!!

[Lando_Hass · 8/10 · 29 April 2002]

Detroit Rock City Is a very weel made comedy film,that gives the audience EXTREMELY good laughs,first rate acting,and an original script.Four teens lose they're concert tickets to go see Kiss,so they win a contest on the radio.Then they go drive to Detroit for the concert.Not much to say about this film,but I guarantee that it is a great movie to watch.There is only two small flaw in Detroit Rock City,and that flaw is that it didnt seem long enough,and that the ending seemed like it was an easy way to end the movie.One last thing,some of the lines in this film was damn FUNNY.Detroit Rock City is a great movie to watch.8 out of 10.

Dazed and Confused (kiss version)

[Schaffino2 · 6/10 · 24 September 2006]

I bought this film to see a movie where Rock is a Major theme. I love rock and roll altogether.

To me the movie is Dazed and Confused with Kiss. Its another cool 70's based movie like American American graffiti, but more with a focus on Rock. I am not the biggest Kiss fan but Edward Furlong is one of my favorite actors and this is noisome performance by him. Plus Trip is like a mix between Jay and Slater. a high out of his head rocker.

Jam has the worst mom ever but they believe in themselves and rebel and that's what it's all about the slogan is kiss the rules goodbye and thats what I live for good movie. for comedy and rock fans alike.

If KISS was a huge part of your life, this is a can't miss movie...

[rcantabile · 10/10 · 16 August 2010]

I was in the third row in Largo, MD for the 1977 KISS concert -- my first rock concert ever.

Those of us who lived KISS will understand this movie. There's a lot here that reminds us of what we went through as kids: defending the band, loving the music, feeling like outsiders much of the time but loving every minute of it.

This is a fantastic movie for the KISS fan. I felt like I relived a part of my life while I watched it (in 9 parts on youtube! -- god bless the internet).

The IMDb ratings scale needs to go to 11 for masterpieces like this. Fantastic acting, great camera work, wonderful soundtrack, and most importantly, a real feel for what actually happened during this time in America. Cheers

Not the Best, but the DVD helps

[Quinoa1984 · 6/10 · 28 April 2000]

Detroit Rock City works on me as a cross between Suburbia and the Wizard of Oz. The Story and script was pretty good by having a 4-some of gross-out teens in 1978 going after their Oz, KISS. Like the Wizard of Oz, they run into a lot of trouble, including the equivalent of the wicked witch (a conservative Catholic mother played well by Lin Shaye).

But not all the elements are in place here for a comedy (actors like Furlong and Andrews aren't the best at comedy), and though there are a few laughs here and there, it doesn't pack a bang like I though it would (KISS which I like doesn't appear until the end). But, watching the DVD version, I noticed many different scenes and some other things I didn't see the first time around. A good effort by writer and director wise, but not quite fully dandy. B

I love KISS, but...

[spencer-heck · 2/10 · 30 September 2021]

Been a fan of KISS since I was 3 and I never saw this movie until last night. My friend couldn't believe I hadn't seen, so we watched it. Now I know why I never watched it. It's terrible and not in a "c'mon man, it's fun" kind of way, it's painful. Terrible acting, terrible story, zero plot, besides fans go to concert. I feel like it was written by a 10 year old KISS fan and maybe that's the point. Just don't expect much, if anything at all. Watch old 70s KISS concert footage on YouTube, it's more exciting.

The truth revealed

[Punk19 · 10/10 · 3 July 2006]

Along with other things that impress me, this has to be at the top of my list. I would have never known it if this movie was tossed at me from a garbage can.

This movie focus's on four young teenagers who are completely crazy about KISS. Lex (Giuseppe Andrews), Trip Hurudie (James DeBello), Hawk (Edward Furlong), and Jeremiah 'Jam' Bruce (Sam Huntington) are a tribute band named Mystery to the awesome music artists only known as KISS. But soon the fun goes to spoils due to Mrs. Bruce (Lin Shaye), Jam's mother, who finds the KISS tickets and torches them. Now the four friends have to take a trip from a boarding school to Detriot. Jam confronts his mother and sets her straight, and the four boys get what they wanted to see.

With this movie we get to see all original members of the KISS band, Peter Criss, Gene Simmons, Paul Stanely, and Ace Frehley and we get to see Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley's longtime companions. I had to give this movie a perfect ten because it just reflected what us teenagers had to go through to see our favorite bands perform. I'm glad that this movie was made for one reason, the reason to teach our parents that what we listen to isn't bad.

Full of timeless nostalgia. Precious adolescent memories.

[abyoussef · 7/10 · 21 June 2006]

by Dane Youssef

Now here is a film that is designed to preach to the choir. Well, not so much preach as praise. "Detroit Rock City" is a movie that plays out like a throwback to those wonderful days when... you and your friends lived on a steady diet of junk food, teenage smarmy... and great music.

You and your buds had your own band (in the garage, the basement or the backyard) and you had a dream that someday, you'd be up there rocking and rolling for a living.. just like the very bands you worshiped religiously. Some of you made it come true. Made it to that side. Got to live out your dream and was paid the same worship you gave your elders. Most of the others just grew up, and... well...

That's a lot of what "Detroit Rock City" is about. Thankfully, it's really not one of those "topical" movies that just showcase a flavor-of-the-month band in a starring role like "Spice World," "Cool As Ice" or "Crossroads." Films like those feel so passé' and ancient in a week or so. When people go to those movies, afterwords, they just ask themselves, "What was I thinking? God, so dorky! So lame! So embarrassing! Eyecch!"

He's just like me... they're just like my buds. They sound and think just like us... Jeez... some things are timeless.

The cast is first-rate. The look and sound is so flawless, it's... And the music is all there. Director Adam Rifkin gives this an MTV-music video style of cinematography. And Carl V. Dupre' writes like he's about the age of the boys himself. It's almost like one of our heroes wrote it. Well, in a way, maybe they did.

"Write what you know. Tell your own personal story." --- Old Writing rule

The screenplay is the very definition of originality: entirely composed of stolen elements from countless other movies--"American Graffitti," "I Want To Hold Your Hand," "That '70's Show," "Clerks," "The Full Monty," "Footloose," "I Wanna Hold Your Hand," "Dazed and Confused" and probably a lot of others. And the character of Trip is obviously lifted from the Kevin Smith movies.

Of course, let's face it---there's nothing new under the sun and most filmmakers (at least 9 out of 10, anyway) are making movies just like the ones they grew up with. The movies that made them not only want to be filmmakers, but even before that---made them film lovers.

The scene-stealer's in the film are Sam Huntington as the sweet-natured, weak-willed, yet most lovable of the whole bunch, Jereimiah "Jam" Bruce and Linda Shaye as his God-fearing, bible-thumping, holier-than-Jesus mother.

The usually reliable Edward Furlong isn't nearly as good, and his role is much more on-par with that of the forgettable "Pecker," rather than the stand-out performance "T2." James DeBello is a lot of fun as Trip, but not quite Jay from the Kevin Smith films (which kinda feels like that's what they were going for). And newcomer Giuseppe Andrews unfortunately gives the weakest performance as the pessimistic worry wort Lex.

Porno legend Ron Jeremy himself appears here is an amusing cameo as the disco club MC. And Former Playboy Playmate Shannon Tweed has a thin and underdone role as the older woman "Mrs. Robinson" who picks Hawk up at a bar. The type of role she plays in the movie is nothing new for her (and certainly not very interesting), but the original scene (which was cut for length) had a lot more to it, and it really shouldn't have been trimmed out.

The boys (and the cast) feels realistic and genuine. Like the cast of "That '70's Show," they're not just wearing the vintage clothes and hairstyles. They genuinely seem to embody the era. The actors, the clothes, the cars, the music, the lingo, the spirit... this is a movie than genuinely feels authentic.

Although, it's not quite flawless, as precious few movies are (People aren't perfect, life isn't perfect. So why would movies be?) The direction is a bit too much a lot of the time. A little goes a long way, and it seems like Rifkin is indulging himself with fancy camera tricks. And it borderlines on motion-sickness and migraine-inducing at times.

And Dupre's screenplay has a lot of trite', warmed-over and and pedestrian comic material, and kind-of-a cobbled together plot that never feels like it's coming from it's source. The characters are great, and so are most of their lines, as well as some of their moments...

There's a great bit where Trip conjures up a hair-brained (at best) scheme to snake a KISS ticket and gets himself in the worst possible scenario. It's fun watching him try to dig his way out.

This album deserves to go quadruple-platinum and sell more copies than anything Michael Jackson or the Beatles ever did. It's a must-have for anyone who remembers the era fondly or just loves the music. It's retro-cool. The only real problem, as I see it, which kept "DRC" from being a classic in the tradition of "Animal House" or "Rock 'N' Roll High School" is that... well, it's never really sends up the decade or that age very much. Nor does it to that for any of it's targets (cruel teachers/parents, disco-fans, over-zealous, Bible-thumping Christians, and any other authority figure).

It really could have used some of that period-lacerating satire that "The Simpsons" or "That '70's Show" does so well. But it's more of a love letter to a time of innocence and wonder. Which isn't all bad, but some more name dropping (and name calling towards that long lost decade) would have made all the difference for the better in the world.

Isn't that always the way? Well, as it should be.

--For Rock 'N' Roll (meaning KISS) Forever, Dane Youssef

Abysmal fare who's only saving grace is rock and roll

[leopoldbloom1 · 4/10 · 29 May 2001]

Sometimes you get exactly what you expect. A film produced and by and as a vehicle for a rock band in the middle of a comeback is not to be expected to rank high in artistic merit- and in this case it certainly doesn't. In fact, as expected, the soundtrack is a much better investment than the movie itself, which like the 70's rock and roll lifestyle it attempts to portray, is characterized by excess, drugs, and over-the-top antics, but unfortunately is not nearly as much fun. Utilizing a script by Carl Dupre horrible enough to make a fellow screenwriter cringe, and wasting the talents of Edward Furlong, the sole highlight of this rock and roll period piece gone wrong is the music, most notably the elaborate recreating of a 1978 KISS concert.