Rock & Rule

Well, I can see that here is about the same as in the real world, about three people have ever heard of this movie. That's a shame too, the Cheap Trick songs alone make it worthwhile. I would have to say if you stumbled upon this and have never seen it go try to track it down if you are into animation or good ol' Eighty's rock. Great story, great animation, great voiceovers, great songs = great movie. In my opinion, I would have to put this movie above Heavy Metal in comparison with viewability. This movie I could watch over and over, Heavy Metal always puts me to sleep near the end now. That is probably because this is one complete story instead of some short stories put together for a movie.

10 out of 10 here... By the way, to all you aspiring animators out there; can you guess what they used to give the Creature that gelatinous look? (Yeeech, you probably don't want to know)

In a post-apocalyptic future, (or if you watch the Candian version, "Another time...Another place) Mok, a legendary megolaniacal rock superstar who appears to have fallen somewhat, but not totally out of flavor, kidnaps Angel, a new female rocker, to sing for him to open a portal into a darker dimension. It's up to Angel's band mates to save her from Mok's evil clutches in this Canadian produced animated sci-fi musical. The story and plotting seem a bit on the archaic side, but the music is superb (escpecially from Lou Reed and Debbie Harry) and the animation is pretty good. That's enough to make me recommend this film, but I still believe that the earlier "Heavy Metal" is a better overall experience.

My Grade: B-

DVD Extras: Disc 1) 77 minute version; Commentary with Directory Clive Smith; 24 and a half minute Making of; Character sketch Gallery; Restoration Comparisons Disk 2) 81 minute CBC version; "The Devil and Daniel Mouse" short; a Making of said short; "Drats" work print; Rock and Rule Title Workprint; more sketch galleries; Theatrical Trailer; and Trailer for "Electric Dragon 80000V"

DVD-Rom content: the original screenplay in .PDF format

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.

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!

Ah, my childhood in the 80's. I recall staying up until dawn watching the marvel we've come to know as CABLE TELEVISION (which I was still exploring at the time). And THIS was one of those unforgettables they showed at 2am on Showtime (which was actually quite good).

Music fans will embrace this movie for the soundtrack - Lou Reed, Cheap Trick, Blondie, even Earth Wind & Fire! The songs are catchy and upon a couple of listens WILL stay in your head! ***Funny enough, R&R would come off like something you'd hear as a reference in a cartoon like Family Guy (who are FAMOUS for its numerous 80's and pop culture references disguised as "private jokes" for those who "were there.") Peter Griffin (sifting through video collection: "Let's see - Electric Dreams... Heavy Metal... Animalympics... Space Camp... HERE WE ARE - Rock & Rule!"*** Even the film itself has references to Rock & Roll, such as the sinister MOK, who is the "what-if result if you threw Iggy Pop, Mick Jagger, and David Bowie into a blender." EVIL INDEED! :) I won't say it was a 10 though... it's a basic guy-saves-girl story, but one with a rolling plot, gritty animation, and (like I said before) a great soundtrack! I will say it was the better of "midnight movies" I've seen, and I-CAN'T-WAIT for a DVD release (which is rumored to be available in 1st Qtr. 2005)! I hope you get to see Rock & Rule and join us many breakroom "insider jokes" to come (Hot dogs and sushi? You're not my kind).

-Jes'