The Rocker (2008)

I really wanted to enjoy The Rocker. Its the first staring vehicle for Rainn Wilson, who does a fabulous job on tv as The Office's Dwight Schrute. But the film falls flat with few if any laugh out loud moments.

Apparently 5 years is not long enough between this movie and Jack Black's School of Rock because it strikingly seems like the same movie with a few substitutions. Swap out the down-on-his-luck guitarist with a drummer who just missed out on making it big. Instead of the character taking a job as a 4th grade music teacher, he'll be asked by his nephew to join said nephew's high school band. Oh, and instead of this character being named Dewey Finn, this lead will be named Robert "Fish" Fishman.

If you're going to redo a distinct plot, you've got to bring something to the table. The slapstick and guest stars as Fish's former bandmates just weren't enough. And with all that being said, it's all still mildly amusing. Kids will probably like it.

Rating: 2/5
Recommended for: People who miss School of Rock and Guitar Hero fanatics