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DETROIT
ROCK CITY
review by Mike Jozic
I am not, and never have been, a big KISS fan, but when I saw the trailers for Detroit Rock City it seemed to portray a movie that, while definitely centred on the band, didnít spend all of itís running time dwelling on it. This could have easily been one giant 90 minute advertisement for the 70ís glam-rock quartet that refuses to die, but instead, the movie makes a real attempt to portray a coming of age tale reminiscient of Rob Reiner's classic "Stand By Me" - but with a KISS concert instead of a dead body and a hell of a lot of Rock n' Roll. The story revolves around four friends -Hawk, Lex, Trip and Jam - who are all certifiably KISS crazy. Like every other 'sane' parent in 1978, Jamís mother does not approve of his love for the band, or having him listen to 'the devilís music', much less see them in the flesh. To teach him a lesson, she torches the groups KISS tickets, deep-sixing their whole plan to head out to Detroit and see the band live for the first time. Their hopes are soon renewed when they hear of, and call in to, a radio contest with four front row centre tickets as the grand prize. They manage to win the tickets, rekindling their plans, and set off to Detroit Rock City and KISS, live at Cobo Hall. I found "Detroit Rock City" to be a very cleverly shot movie. Kudos should go to Adam Rifkin and the Director of Photography, John R. Leonetti, because while the movie sometimes resembled a music video - as a result of itís fast pace, high energy and music based concept - it still had a real good grounding and focus on the characters and storytelling which is where the real heart of this movie is. Rifkin shows a strong visual style and an eye for detail that really makes this movie stand out from all of the other films in this genre. Itís loud, tacky, dizzying hard rock filmmaking at itís finest, and you could tell that everyone involved is having a blast. Combine that with sharp dialogue, a well chosen cast and the best all around puking scene I've come across since "Strike's" disgustingly hilarious wind-down, and you have yourself one very entertaining piece of work. Overall, I had a lot of fun with this movie. It really reminded me of what it was like to be growing up in that time, as well as how little has really changed about being at that tender age. I think the characters were all very easy to identify with - youíd have to be over 60, under 12 or dead not to - and their story, while obsessive, is hilariously believable. If you're looking for a little fun, a little nostalgia and a lot of noise, dig out your face paint and moon boots and go see this one in the theatre while you can. OFFICIAL WEB SITE: |
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