On Sept. 7, 2001, a movie called Rock Star hit theatres.
It starred Mark Wahlberg as the lead singer of a heavy metal tribute band who eventually joins Steel Dragon, the band he idolizes (If this sounds familiar, it’s loosely based upon the plight of Tim “Ripper” Owens, who became Judas Priest’s singer after a lengthy career in a Priest cover band). Jennifer Anniston co-stars as Wahlberg’s girlfriend, and Dominic West is superb as Dragon’s lead guitarist.
Anyhow, four days after the film’s release, the 9.11 attacks took place.
And that was that for Rock Star.
Most people I know have never seen Rock Star. Most people I know have never heard of Rock Star. This is a shame. As I sit here writing, Rock Star is on HBO, and I love it. I’ve always loved it. Great movie. Best Wahlberg performance (save for Boogie Nights), and West, once again, is dazzling. The critics sort of panned it, but Rock Star is one of those films I can watch over and over again without getting bored.
Give it a look.
