The Rocker (2008)

In the 1980s, a drummer is abandoned by his band just before they become rock superstars. Twenty years later, the drummer sees his second chance at stardom arise when he is asked to perform with his teenage nephew's high school rock band.

Director:

Peter Cattaneo

Writers:

Maya Forbes (screenplay), Wallace Wolodarsky (screenplay) (as Wally Wolodarsky)

Stars:

Rainn Wilson, Josh Gad, Christina Applegate

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Rainn Wilson	...	Fish
Christina Applegate	...	Kim
Teddy Geiger	...	Curtis
Josh Gad	...	Matt
Emma Stone	...	Amelia
Jeff Garlin	...	Stan
Jane Lynch	...	Lisa
Jason Sudeikis	...	David Marshall
Will Arnett	...	Lex
Howard Hesseman	...	Gator
Fred Armisen	...	Kerr
Bradley Cooper	...	Trash
Lonny Ross	...	Sticks
Jon Glaser	...	Billy (as Jonathan Glaser)
Jane Krakowski	...	Carol

Storyline

The Rocker tells the story of a failed drummer who is given a second chance at fame. Robert "Fish" Fishman is the extremely dedicated and astoundingly passionate drummer for the eighties hair band Vesuvius, who is living the rock n' roll dream until he is unceremoniously kicked out of the band. Twenty years after his rock star fantasies are destroyed, just when Fish has finally given up all hope, he hears that his nephew's high school rock band A.D.D. is looking for a new drummer. They reluctantly make him the newest member of the band, giving him a chance to reclaim the rock god throne he always thought he deserved, and taking the young band along for the ride of their lives.

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Plot Keywords:

thigh high boots | female stockinged legs | bra | blue bra | milf | 

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Taglines:

Opportunity rocks

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Genres:

Comedy | Music

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated PG-13 for drug and sexual references, nudity and language

Did You Know?

Trivia

Loosely based on Pete Best, who was the original drummer for The Beatles, and can be seen at the beginning of the movie reading Rolling Stone Magazine with Vesuvius on the cover.

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Goofs

During the montage scene, before the band watches their music video, Fish high fives Curtis and you can see that his hair has already been cut short.

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Quotes

David Marshall: John Lennon is rolling over in his grave to hide the giant boner you just gave him!

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Alternate Versions

The UK release was cut, the distributor chose to make one cut in order to obtain a 12A classification. The cut was made to a partially spoken use of strong language. An uncut 15 classification was available.

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Connections

Featured in WatchMojo: Top 10 Emma Stone Performances (2015)

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Soundtracks

I Say Hey
Written by Ulises Lozano (as Joaquín Ulises Lozano), Omar Góngora (as Juan Omar Góngora) and Carlos Cháirez (as Carlos Alberto Cháirez)
Performed by Kinky
Courtesy of Kin Kon Records
By arrangement with Nettwerk Productions

User Reviews

Feel Good

This movie is as close as you can get to 90 minutes of feel good film. I'm a fan of Rainn Wilson from (obviously) The Office as well as Super and My Super ex girl fired which are also pretty decent films. Its a shame this bombed at the box office because it really had the potential to be a really GOOD summer movie.

Everyone in the cast does a great job. All the band members have their own 'story' and explored personality which makes you feel much more invested and care about whats actually happening to them. There's 1 or 2 laugh out loud moments with Rainns physical comedy but most of all this is a film to smile and feel good about. Nothing makes you cringe or think that obviously isn't funny and i would definitely recommend it.

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

20 August 2008 (USA)

Also Known As:

The Rocker

Filming Locations:

Cinespace Film Studios, Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Box Office

Budget:

$15,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend USA:

$2,636,048, 24 August 2008

Gross USA:

$6,409,528

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$8,808,935

Company Credits

Production Co:

Fox Atomic, 21 Laps Entertainment, Rocan Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

102 min

Sound Mix:

SDDS Dolby Digital DTS

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1