| Original Score: 3/5 | Nov 17, 2011

A whacked-out, superannuated, would-be rock star might seem to be too easy a comic target, but Wilson gives this sad sack so many fresh twists that he never wears out his welcome.

| Original Score: B+ | Nov 21, 2008

As a movie, it may not rock, but it rolls along nicely enough.

| Original Score: 3/6 | Oct 17, 2008

There are occasionally amusing moments, but the writing lacks the warmth that made School of Rock such a hit.

| Original Score: 2/5 | Oct 17, 2008

It all looks good and there's a decent cast but nothing really takes off.

| Original Score: 2/5 | Oct 17, 2008

The film is untidy, cheery, sometimes amiable. If only it were funny too.

| Oct 17, 2008

Director Peter Cattaneo will probably never repeat his Full Monty success, but even in its mediocre patches one senses a renewed eagerness to entertain.

| Original Score: 3/5 | Oct 17, 2008

A decent US ensemble cast includes regulars from Curb Your Enthusiasm and, though the pacing is too slack, some silly one-liners help to make up for it.

| Original Score: 3/5 | Oct 17, 2008

The Rocker is certainly not This Is Spinal Tap, but it is fair to moderate entertainment and Rainn Wilson holds it all together energetically.

Full Review | Original Score: 3/5 | Oct 17, 2008

It's a slave to formula, and it hits its marks satisfyingly enough to make for a pleasant time-passer, but Wilson and a loaded supporting cast are never as funny as they should be.

Full Review | Original Score: c+ | Aug 22, 2008

The Rocker has the requisite vomit, the view of some very unfortunate hind quarters and the suds. It's also got a vein of sweetness and charm.

| Aug 22, 2008

The melody of The Rocker feels predictable but the beat is refreshingly off-kilter.

Full Review | Original Score: 2.5/4 | Aug 22, 2008

Sharp dialogue, knowing jabs at the music business, and a satisfying pay-off make this a late-summer pleasure that reminds us of what rocking out should be.

| Original Score: B- | Aug 21, 2008

The film equivalent of an inoffensive throwaway track, what we used to call a B-side, back in the days of Vesuvius.

| Original Score: 2/4 | Aug 20, 2008

The conflicts that arise are highly predictable. But there are plenty of funny moments, as well as a sweet subplot involving the unkempt drummer and the guitarist's no-nonsense mom.

| Aug 20, 2008

A grubby little redemption comedy that in every way feels like a consignment-shop Jack Black vehicle.

| Original Score: 2.5/4 | Aug 20, 2008

Unfortunately, The Rocker, Wilson's first lead role in a feature film, emphasizes the wrong quirks.

Full Review | Aug 20, 2008

If only the movie had some bite, some edge, some anger, some insight. Instead it's generic, staying far away from the darker temptations of the rock scene.

| Aug 20, 2008

The Rocker is an amiable comedy, so efficiently constructed that you can practically see the computer software on how to write comedy screenplays at work. Nonetheless it is an enjoyable construction.

| Original Score: 2.5/4 | Aug 20, 2008

An innocuous late-summer entry that barely rises above the level of sitcom alternative to Olympic-coverage overload.

| Original Score: 1.5/4 | Aug 20, 2008