Prey for Rock & Roll

I like it, but dang- I was expecting just a fun punk rock movie, but instead got a movie that gets pretty dark and serious. And that ending nearly ruins it for me, but... well, all in all, it does still have a fun punk rock feel about it, so I can't hate it on the whole.

Worth noting is that the film's star, Gina Gershon was coached by real-life Rock star Joan Jett on how to properly play electric guitar, and if you really pay attention, you can see Joan's influence in her stance and mannerisms as-well. Also, the tie/rope necklace Gina wears throughout the film was given to her by Joan. That said, Gina's way of talking and other things about her say more Chrissie Hynde of The Pretenders to me (the Rock star Gina herself says she relates to more, in real life). All in all, it seems she basically channels a combo of the two.

The whole film is well-made and casted, and if it weren't for how depressing it gets, I would like it a lot more than I do, but I still like it. Besides, one thing a lot of people don't seem to realize is that this movie is loosely based on the real-life impressions and recollections of a woman named Cheri Lovedog during her time working in and around the music scene. And she who actually wrote the story for the film (so no, not based on Joan Jett as some of her fans joke). Thus, I guess the dark details needed to be in there for authenticity.

FYI- my girl Joan Jett was supposed to make an appearance in this film AND the guitar parts in the songs were supposed to be done by her on the soundtrack, but financial issues and disagreements between Joan's team and the movie's team meant that Joan dropped out and the idea for her cameo was abandoned, and her guitar parts replaced. Too bad too, cause there're some good songs in this movie.

I really just liked this movie a whole lot. Sure the music wasn't the greatest but I am close to "40" and really can relate to these women. Must be my generation that went through Punk Rock, New Wave and Goth era that really got this movie. It just goes to show you you're never too old to dream and if your my age you're far from a poser instead we old folks deserve our respect for making a scene that people still try to emulate to this day. Have fun watch this movie and just be yourself. Thats what I got from it and I just really dig women with their style and panache. Always will and when you see someone that feels so strongly about their craft it makes it even better. This is far from just some average movie that glorifies the hardcore scene it makes it personal and non glamorous in a realistic way.

I've always thought of punk rock as the most pure variant of what 'rock and roll' really is. Anarchy, chaos, pure violent emotion. Basically we are going to say what we came here to say and f*ck you if you don't like it.

In this film we are treated to those who would dare to devote some or all of their lives to the creation and perpetuation of this form of musical expression. We see how life and all its harsh realities are synthesized into musical form. This film is not a simple 'band chasing a contract stereotypical Hollywood rubbish' though I think that is how its marketers are trying to falsely spin it. This film is about each character and how they influence and are influenced by the music they create. Punk rock isn't pretty, thoughtless or safe music and the characters depicted in the film aren't either. We see both the humor and the tragedy that makes that humor possible in each of the characters lives (and there is plenty of each). Also, the lifestyle of those who choose to 'pray' at the alter of rock and roll pay a price. I think the double almost triple meaning of the title of the film says it all. Perhaps one really must suffer for ones art.

Basically, everything about the film is extremely well done from writing to the cast, direction, music, costumes, etc... Its obvious that this was a work of love for all involved. That being said this film isn't for everyone and there is plenty for people to hate and fear. If you're one of those unfortunate few who sympathize with the title of this review then you have more problems than I can help you with because Gina Gershon is hot no matter who she is kissing!

Overall Rating 9/10

oh, and f*ck you!

PREY FOR ROCK AND ROLL (2003) *** Gina Gershon, Drea da Matteo, Lori Petty, Shelly Cole, Marc Blucas, Ivan Martin, Eddie Driscoll, Greg Rikaart, Sandra Seacat, Ashley Drane, Joannah Portman. Highly energetic and scrappy depiction of women in rock and roll and the dreams that always seem within grasp even if it takes decades to achieve. Gershon (she also co-executive produced and sings and performs all her own original songs to boot) is the lead singer (think the love child of Iggy Pop and Joan Jett) of a woman's rocking band attempting to score a recording contract to a ticket to the big time but the usual melodramas of bad choices in boyfriends, drugs and life in general delay them despite their game camaraderie and love for one another. The autobiographical screenplay by rocker Cheri Lovedog (and Robin Whitehouse) shows the warts and all look at a tough industry with some tough cookies clawing their way to gain some respect for their artistry (and from within). Petty gives her best performance since `Point Break' while da Matteo and Cole provide enough sugar and spice to mix things up believeably. Great soundtrack and again Gershon (who I love) clearly shows her blood, sweat and tears in this personal project with her trademark ballsy yet vulnerable and sexy-as-hell aplomb; she shoots and scores! (Dir: Alex Steyermark)

"Prey for Rock and Roll" sticks B-movie diva Gershon in the spotlight of yet another B-flick as the lesbo lead of an all-girl small time club rock band. This slice-of-rock-life look at the aging rock musician almost works but can't seem to avoid those oh so very Hollywoodish excursions into lesbian sex, sex for drugs, rape, revenge, etc. More music and fewer gratuities and this could have been a reasonable representation of the plight of the aging rocker, the narcotic-like hold music has over the musician, and the trade-offs and sacrifices they make for their art. However, when all is said and done, "Prey..." plays out like just another B-flick wannabe. Recommended for rockers and Gershon fans. (C+)