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The Rocker

The set-up is adequate, but the jokes fall flat
By BROOKE HOLGERSON  |  August 20, 2008
2.0 2.0 Stars
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Rainn Wilson of The Office gets promoted to the big screen with this anemic comedy directed by The Full Monty helmer Peter Cattaneo. Wilson plays an out-of-work drummer (his old group dumped him when they got their big break) who signs on with a high-school band as a favor to his nerdy nephew. Thanks to a disgusting on-line video, they get a record deal and set out on a US tour — which is where the story falls apart. The set-up is adequate, as far as high-concept comedies go, but the jokes fall flat. And though Cattaneo strives for a School of Rock vibe, Wilson, a genius when playing smarmy, merely bores when playing sincere. His “growth” from partying musician to (spoiler!) responsible adult feels as if it had been generated by a screenwriting program. Of the young rockers, only Emma Stone’s sarcastic bassist stands out, but with bandmates like these, that’s not saying much. She should look for a new gig. 102 minutes | Boston Common + Fenway + Fresh Pond + Circle/Chestnut Hill + Suburbs

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  Topics: Reviews , Rainn Wilson , THE ROCKER , Peter Cattaneo ,  More more >
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