Writer: Sharon Chu

Writer Ratings:
Overall:
Cast: NA
Plot: NA
Effects: NA
Cinematography: NA

Watch this if you liked: NA

Directed by Mamat Khalid, "Rock" is a rather moving tribute to the age-old rockers of yesteryear. The story is based on an up-and-coming rock band in the 80s who joins a music competition with hopes to mingle with record producers and catch the adoration of screaming fans. The comedy stars local actors Hasnol Rahmat and features Amy (from Search ) as a guest star.
Everything you can imagine about rock bands in the 80s era - the big hair, the tight jeans, the adoring looks of female fans, plus (and this is most important) the super-duper cute guitarist in the band - they're all here in this Malay comedy by local production house, Grand Brilliance.

"Rock" has something extraordinary that other local movies rarely have - it has the director's heart and personal influence in the movie. The 80s rock essentials - the clothes, the jewellery, the music - have all been revived and the 80s have been revived in this low-profile comedy. Whatever the director dreamed up during the movie's production has certainly come true as this movie has a lot of heart, stupor as well as tender moments.

That said, the best of 80s rock music is certainly in this movie, but so is the worst.

An undeniable part of the 80s local music scene must also be our dodgy local MTVs. There are scenes in the movie "Rock" which resembled local MTVs shot in very, very unlikely locations such as the railway of a train station, the hangar of an airport and in front of old buildings. This part of our local popular culture is also inherent in the movie, which some may like but others will reject. Give it the benefit of doubt and ignore this tiny 'flaw' in the movie.

The final verdict? Watch "Rock" for nostalgic reasons, and you shall happily reminisce the good old times of the 80s rock scene!


Cinema Online, 23 September 2008