Rock & Rule

It's 'Fritz the Cat' meets 'The Devil and Daniel Mouse' meets 'Heavy Metal' I was astounded at the level of animation and love that went into this film. I can't even believe that I had never heard of it before watching it now in 2016. It is absolutely 80's "retrotastic", with the soul of 'Fritz the Cat', the animation and story of 'The Devil and Daniel Mouse' and the atmosphere of 'Heavy Metal'. Anyone who loves the 80's and the animation it brought, of the likes of, Don Bluth, Ralph Bakshi and the team of animators from 'Heavy Metal' and the Nelvana animation production house, will love this film.

Also, with Don Francks (Dr. Claw on Inspector Gadget 1983) as Mok; and Lou Reed as the singing voice in "My name is Mok", is freaking awesome.

Cheap Trick also played many of the heavy tracks of the film which seals the deal with this film's immortality, and makes it a "must own" for 80's lover's. Gotta say if you love the 80's and have never seen it, why are you not watching it now. Seriously, wth are you waiting for.

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

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'

I was never fortunate enough to catch this film on the big screen. However, I did see it on cable in '86 and have been keeping my eyes open for a copy ever since. Having found an old bootleg recently, I was pleased that the animation is still truly amazing and has held up well over the years. The soundtrack is equally fine. Being a fan of stories with an apocolyptic bent, I really enjoyed this particular film. My friends and I still quote various parts of the film even after all this time. While the story is a little short, I feel it captures some of the frustration of being in a small-town band that is trying to break out. That and the fact this band must battle a vast evil is an interesting angle. Please won't someone re-release this diamond in the rough?

I first saw this movie back in '85 on HBO and I LOVED it! (I managed to tape it, but someone stole it from me!) The art is great, the music superb, and the storyline is intriguing! I've managed to find some of the songs online (with alternate lyrics) I agree that its a shame that Nelvana doesn't seem to think releasing this on DVD is worthwhile. I managed to find a genuine VHS copy at a flea market (for $3) back in '94 and I've held on to it ever since!! :) the box is very worn and slightly damaged, though. Rock and Rule is on a par with some of the best Anime on the market today! I showed it to a local Anime club, and they loved it and asked where they could acquire a copy as well...See Nelvana? You could still have a moneymaker there.....