Rock & Rule

A very well made animated film that has garnered a cult following. The animation was groundbreaking for its day. The film features music by Cheap Trick and Blondie but the songs never seemed particularly awe inspiring to me. I enjoyed the storyline, and the post-apocalyptic style of the film worked well and fit with some of the humor in the film. The animation is very psychedelic in the way it is presented, and this unique added a lot to my enjoyment of the film. Overall, I thought it was a very fun film.

I have to say, I was very excited when I learned that this movie was going to be released on DVD. I vaguely remember seeing this as a 10 year old in the 1980s and being impressed (granted, as a 10 year old).

So I rented it last night and was overall disappointed, but I must say its probably because I had over-hyped it with my own cloudy memories. I found the animation and the general artwork to be very impressive. The songs were fantastic, especially "My Name is Mok", but I found the characters to be generally annoying and the story lacking much development. Mok was the only character who was interesting and entertaining. Omar was a self-absorbed narcissist who doesn't give the audience a reason to empathize. Omar's companions were overly juvenile as were Mok's assistants.

The story has a great basis--dangerous post-apocalyptic world of mutants. But we don't really get much of a feeling for this world beyond the initial set-up. Also, we know that Mok wants to raise a demon, but why? Did I miss it or is it never really stated? I assume he wants to dominate the world, but it seems to me that he pretty much does already.

Overall, the movie is lacking character development and follow through on the story. The music is fantastic and the animation is great. Its kind of a mixed bag. I only wish it had lived up to my expectations.

The re-dubbed American cable edit is absolutely horrible. It rips the heart and soul out of the movie - right from the intro where Mok's code isn't referred to as "satanic", to the removal of almost all of the drug references, and the absolutely horrible replacement voice for Omar (the guy doesn't hold a candle to the original voice actor). Get the 2 disc version from Amazon with the uncensored Canadian version, you won't regret it.. the original movie, as intended.

I think the problem with this movie, ever there ever really was a problem, is that it isn't a kids movie, nor is it particularly well written or clever to be much of an adult's animated feature, but it works well for teenagers (as I was one when I first saw it, many years ago on the CBC late night movie). Given the time the movie was made animation was still thought of as "kid's stuff", or simply dirty (Say Fritz the Cat), and this movie really falls into the grey area between those extremes. Poorly marketed, no doubt, but the American cable edit exists because of this failure to the realize the market.

I first saw this movie back in '85 on HBO and I LOVED it! (I managed to tape it, but someone stole it from me!) The art is great, the music superb, and the storyline is intriguing! I've managed to find some of the songs online (with alternate lyrics) I agree that its a shame that Nelvana doesn't seem to think releasing this on DVD is worthwhile. I managed to find a genuine VHS copy at a flea market (for $3) back in '94 and I've held on to it ever since!! :) the box is very worn and slightly damaged, though. Rock and Rule is on a par with some of the best Anime on the market today! I showed it to a local Anime club, and they loved it and asked where they could acquire a copy as well...See Nelvana? You could still have a moneymaker there.....

Rock & Rule was put out of print back in 1985 shortly after its first video run. Since then it has not really seen the light of day, other than on ebay auctions, random TV sightings, and most recently on Bit Torrent. Now, with a two disc special edition DVD being released, it is finally time for this film to get the attention it deserves.

Rock & Rule most likely failed because it was released in a time when animation was still dominated by the Disney/Children's market. Ralph Bakshi had a few successful films in the 70's, but as the 80's came along, he failed. Transformers (another PG animated film) failed. There were so many experimental animated films coming out, but none of them were successful, just because of its more adult-like content. Rock & Rule isn't as extreme as say some of the Bakshi film are. But, there is a strange use of drugs (with orb-like balls) in the film, sexual innuendos, language, etc., But, nothing a young teen couldn't handle.

Our story begins with some information about a war that is long passed. Humans don't exist anymore. What we have now are mutant evolutions of street animals (dogs, cats, rats, etc.,). We are introduced to Mok. He's an Iggy Pop/David Bowie sort of character. His music career is somewhat going under. It isn't as strong as it used to be.

He stumbles unto a secret code that can only be un-locked with a certain key. That key is the perfect voice. Once this code is unlocked, a beast will come and destroy all that Mok wants to be destroyed.

He stumbles upon a struggling band in his local town led by Omar and Angel. Omar sings the first song. Then Angel sings the second. When Mok hears this, he discovers the perfect voice. So, he does a little heist and kidnaps her and takes her to "Nuke York" to perform. After Omar and his friends wake up from a drug-haze, they travel to Nuke York to try and save her.

Animation is splendid for its time. Crazy visuals. Especially during the "Triumph" scene. It's almost like a psychedelic trip. The music is also great, featuring Cheap Trick, Earth Wind and fire, Iggy Pop, etc.,

I suggest any fan of animation check this out once it comes out on DVD (whenever that may be, but it will be soon). It ain't a cult classic amongst true animation fans for nothing!