THE ROCKER tells the story of one failed drummer Robert ‘Fish’ Fishman (Rainn Wilson from T.V.’s THE OFFICE) as he redeems himself 20 years later by aiding his nephew Matt (Josh Gadd) in his high school band (A.D.D.).  The soul searching journey which ends in his facing of the original Vesuvius band members that dumped him allows director Cattaneo and writers Maya Forbes and Wallace Wolodarsky to parody the rock and roll scene.

The audience is treated often to cheap laughs that often undermine the storyline.  An example is the extended unfunny beginning sequence in which ‘Fish’ chases the band’s car.  A few jokes in the film work only for those in the know.  A comment by a Vesuvius member about the Vesuvius opening for ‘White Snake’ will be understood only by those who observe that the band’s dress at that time makes them look exactly like them.  When ‘Fish’ meets them again near the film’s end, Vesuvius (now sporting false British accents) looks like the Brit rock and roll band ‘The Darkness’.

Brit director Cattaneo (THE FULL MONTY) creates the camaraderie of ‘Fish’ and his nephew’s well as he did the workers in his successful comedy THE FULL MONTY.  He stresses the problems undergone, the quarrels and laughs (on the tour bus) and how age is all in the mind.  The bonding of rock and roll of the overgrown kid ‘Fish’ (comically called a Baby Huey by one character) and the high school kids lifts this film a few points up from other comedies.  The film is also careful to avoid any distracting romantic subplots.  What is admirable is the way the teens here are portrayed.  They are responsible and thoughtful and are not swayed by money or commercial practices.

Though THE ROCKER is more a comedy than a musical – there are a few original songs by Chad Fisher – the film could have been funnier.  The recent parody of rising singer WALK HARD: THE DEWEY COX STORY generated much more laughter.  Odd too that Rainn Wilson looks as he is reprising Jack Black’s role in SCHOOL OF ROCK.  But ultimately, the storyline follows an all too familiar path leading to the film being entertaining rather than insightful.  It is just too bad that audiences have seen it all before in other better made films and documentaries.