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The Rocker

  • 2008
  • PG-13
  • 1h 42m
IMDb RATING
6.2/10
41K
YOUR RATING
Rainn Wilson, Josh Gad, Emma Stone, and Teddy Geiger in The Rocker (2008)
This is a teaser trailer for The Rocker, directed by Peter Cattaneo.
Play trailer2:30
6 Videos
34 Photos
Quirky ComedyRaunchy ComedyComedyMusic

In the 1980s, a drummer is abandoned by his band just before they become rock superstars. Twenty years later, the drummer sees his second chance at stardom arise when he is asked to perform ... Read allIn the 1980s, a drummer is abandoned by his band just before they become rock superstars. Twenty years later, the drummer sees his second chance at stardom arise when he is asked to perform with his teenage nephew's high school rock band.In the 1980s, a drummer is abandoned by his band just before they become rock superstars. Twenty years later, the drummer sees his second chance at stardom arise when he is asked to perform with his teenage nephew's high school rock band.

  • Director
    • Peter Cattaneo
  • Writers
    • Maya Forbes
    • Wallace Wolodarsky
    • Ryan Jaffe
  • Stars
    • Rainn Wilson
    • Josh Gad
    • Christina Applegate
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • IMDb RATING
    6.2/10
    41K
    YOUR RATING
    • Director
      • Peter Cattaneo
    • Writers
      • Maya Forbes
      • Wallace Wolodarsky
      • Ryan Jaffe
    • Stars
      • Rainn Wilson
      • Josh Gad
      • Christina Applegate
    • 129User reviews
    • 96Critic reviews
    • 53Metascore
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • Videos6

    The Rocker: Teaser Trailer
    Trailer 2:30
    The Rocker: Teaser Trailer
    Podcast - Giuseppe
    Clip 2:39
    Podcast - Giuseppe
    Podcast - Giuseppe
    Clip 2:39
    Podcast - Giuseppe
    The Rocker: Naked Drummer
    Clip 2:43
    The Rocker: Naked Drummer
    The Rocker: Pocket O Puke Featuring Teddy Geiger (Exclusive)
    Clip 0:59
    The Rocker: Pocket O Puke Featuring Teddy Geiger (Exclusive)
    Rocker, The: Podcast Reunion (Born To Rock Edition Exclusive)
    Clip 2:30
    Rocker, The: Podcast Reunion (Born To Rock Edition Exclusive)
    MTV Panel:  A Satellite Kind of Thing
    Featurette 2:10
    MTV Panel: A Satellite Kind of Thing

    Photos34

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    Top cast58

    Edit
    Rainn Wilson
    Rainn Wilson
    • Fish
    Josh Gad
    Josh Gad
    • Matt
    Christina Applegate
    Christina Applegate
    • Kim
    Teddy Geiger
    Teddy Geiger
    • Curtis
    Emma Stone
    Emma Stone
    • Amelia
    Jeff Garlin
    Jeff Garlin
    • Stan
    Jane Lynch
    Jane Lynch
    • Lisa
    Jason Sudeikis
    Jason Sudeikis
    • David Marshall
    Will Arnett
    Will Arnett
    • Lex
    Howard Hesseman
    Howard Hesseman
    • Gator
    Fred Armisen
    Fred Armisen
    • Kerr
    Bradley Cooper
    Bradley Cooper
    • Trash
    Lonny Ross
    Lonny Ross
    • Sticks
    Jon Glaser
    Jon Glaser
    • Billy
    • (as Jonathan Glaser)
    Jane Krakowski
    Jane Krakowski
    • Carol
    Samantha Weinstein
    Samantha Weinstein
    • Violet
    Demetri Martin
    Demetri Martin
    • Kip
    Aziz Ansari
    Aziz Ansari
    • Aziz
    • Director
      • Peter Cattaneo
    • Writers
      • Maya Forbes
      • Wallace Wolodarsky
      • Ryan Jaffe
    • All cast & crew
    • Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

    User reviews129

    6.240.9K
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    Featured reviews

    7crimsonmnd

    Highly Recommended

    I was lucky enough to see The Rocker at a free screening and laughed all the way through the movie. Very funny. I enjoyed the movie so much, I saw it again at another screening, and it was just as funny the second time. Rainn Wilson turns in a very good performance as Robert "Fish" Fishman in his movie debut, however the part could have just as easily been played by Jack Black. Wilson plays a rock drummer who is kicked out of his band just before they make it big. Fast forward 20 years and he has a chance to live the rock-n-roll dream again with a new band. If you liked "Almost Famous" or "School of Rock," then you will like this movie more. While rated PG13, the movie contains no F-bombs or sex scenes and is a movie parents can feel safe letting their teen and pre-teen children go see. Parents will want to see this movie as well.
    8morten-summers

    Pretty Surprised

    So I just went to a pre screening of this film in downtown Chicago and Mr rainn Wilson himself was there to do a Q & A afterwards.

    This movie was actually laugh out loud funny, it shows a lot of character sub plots and builds a good and funny funny time telling about each character. This is a go for the win movie and even gave me tingles once and awhile. There is a lot of sub plots and it all works together for the ending. It is about Rainn's character who was in a in a rock band that was on their way to being huge and they kick him out of the band. He starts a band with his nephew and his friends and show them how to be true rockstar giving himself the chance and the dream that was cut from him. I give it a 8 out of 10 and Rainn was a true comic.
    8Sylviastel

    Pure Enjoyment!

    Peter Cattaneo MBE is probably best known for his hit film, "The Full Monty." But here, he really utilizes top character actors and actresses to create some memorable and humorous moments. Rainn Wilson maybe the star but he's not alone. Jeff Garlin and Jane Lynch plays his brother-in-law and sister. Christina Applegate plays the mom of one of the musicians. The story isn't as sweet or vulgar as one would think of today's comedies. The only questionable scene is Rainn's character is naked for the rehearsal which lands him better known as the naked drummer. The beginning is humorous with Fred Armesen and Will Arnett as members of Vesuvius who ditched the drummer, Robert Fishman (Rain's character) right on the verge of stardom. Fish retrieves to having a somewhat normal life even has a normal girlfriend played for a few minutes by Jane Krakowski. Jason Sudekis plays the band's manager. Howard Hesseman plays their RV driver. I loved the casting of this film because of all the familiar faces. Jane Lynch is one of my favorite actresses because she can be both dramatic and comedic at once. This film is rated PG-13 and I think it has to do with that one nude scene but apart from that. They really have a message about working together as a team. This film wouldn't have been made without the teamwork of the cast and crew itself.
    7ajk08

    Feel Good

    This movie is as close as you can get to 90 minutes of feel good film. I'm a fan of Rainn Wilson from (obviously) The Office as well as Super and My Super ex girl fired which are also pretty decent films. Its a shame this bombed at the box office because it really had the potential to be a really GOOD summer movie.

    Everyone in the cast does a great job. All the band members have their own 'story' and explored personality which makes you feel much more invested and care about whats actually happening to them. There's 1 or 2 laugh out loud moments with Rainns physical comedy but most of all this is a film to smile and feel good about. Nothing makes you cringe or think that obviously isn't funny and i would definitely recommend it.
    8metallipowerman5000

    A lot better than expected

    Saw the movie with very low expectations...but was surprised.

    I mean seriously, i thought this movie was going to be completely lame, and i was just waiting for that one "stupid" moment that defined the movie as a complete Flop,etc. But to my surprise, the movie just seemed to keep getting better! (especially the beginning, with Rain Wilson chasing after his ex-band mates in the van, WOW, i literally almost fell out of my chair! I love unpredictable crazy moments like that...and this movie was full of them.....)

    Im a huge fan of Rain Wilson, and I KNOW he's an underdog actor who is not being used to his full potential.

    I just LOVE how his character is throughout the movie, he's just got this whole Jack-Black meets Dwight(from the Office) thing going on! He does a very good job of portraying a kind of washed up crazy rock star, yet still very sharp and witty at times....he just seems to be able to switch them on and off during the movie.

    Overall this movie was A lot better than i thought, had a very good rock flow to it, yet positive mood.

    If you see this movie, go into it NOT expecting much!(just like the trailers make you think) You'll be most likely surprised by all the witty funny moments that just flare out of nowhere!

    -----

    THE GOOD -

    -Rain Wilson is VERY funny -He does a good job acting, "The Office" fans will like it -Movie has a decent positive storyline IMO -The costumes were PRICELESS -The faces Rain makes, and his quotes were excellent..(not quite as weird/good as the Office, but definitely good enough.) -Alot of unpredictable little quick moments and quotes!

    THE BAD -

    -I couldn't stand the borderline EMO sounding songs the band played thru-out the movie sometimes!(although Rain was still his hardcore self and never missed a friggin beat!) -The storyline just suddenly moves REAL FAST...then all of a sudden slows back down to normal speed....like how they suddenly get a record contract,etc....

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    Related interests

    Jeff Goldblum, Bill Murray, Willem Dafoe, Cate Blanchett, Bud Cort, Anjelica Huston, Michael Gambon, Noah Taylor, Matthew Gray Gubler, Seu Jorge, and Waris Ahluwalia in The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou (2004)
    Quirky Comedy
    Mark Wahlberg and Seth MacFarlane in Ted 2 (2015)
    Raunchy Comedy
    Will Ferrell in Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy (2004)
    Comedy
    Prince and Apollonia Kotero in Purple Rain (1984)
    Music

    Storyline

    Edit

    Did you know

    Edit
    • Trivia
      Emma Stone learned to play bass for the movie. She can play all the songs in the movie.
    • Goofs
      When "Fish" is flung off the top of Vesuvius' van he lands with his head towards the van, but in the next shot he is sideways.
    • Quotes

      Robert 'Fish' Fishman: Loads of elevators play Celine Dion - that don't make it right.

    • Alternate versions
      The UK release was cut, the distributor chose to make one cut in order to obtain a 12A classification. The cut was made to a partially spoken use of strong language. An uncut 15 classification was available.
    • Connections
      Featured in Siskel & Ebert: The Dark Knight/Hancock/Meet Dave/Journey to the Center of the Earth/Hellboy II: The Golden Army/The Wackness/Roman Polanski: Wanted and Desired (2008)
    • Soundtracks
      Promised Land
      Written by Chad Fischer, Timothy Bright and Chris Link

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    FAQ18

    • How long is The Rocker?Powered by Alexa
    • Is "The Rocker" based on a novel?

    Details

    Edit
    • Release date
      • August 20, 2008 (United States)
    • Country of origin
      • United States
    • Official site
      • Official Site
    • Language
      • English
    • Also known as
      • Un Rockero De Locura
    • Filming locations
      • Cleveland, Ohio, USA(Exterior)
    • Production companies
      • Fox Atomic
      • 21 Laps Entertainment
      • Rocan Productions
    • See more company credits at IMDbPro

    Box office

    Edit
    • Budget
      • $15,000,000 (estimated)
    • Gross US & Canada
      • $6,409,528
    • Opening weekend US & Canada
      • $2,636,048
      • Aug 24, 2008
    • Gross worldwide
      • $8,808,935
    See detailed box office info on IMDbPro

    Tech specs

    Edit
    • Runtime
      • 1h 42m(102 min)
    • Color
      • Color
    • Sound mix
      • SDDS
      • Dolby Digital
      • DTS
    • Aspect ratio
      • 1.85 : 1

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