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Parents' Guide to

The Rocker

By Sandie Angulo Chen, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 12+

Some laughs, but this is no School of Rock.

Movie PG-13 2008 102 minutes
The Rocker Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this movie.

Community Reviews

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age 14+

Based on 3 parent reviews

Mom R.
Mom R. Adult
March 3, 2017
age 15+

Nudity overlooked in stars

There is some male rear nudity in this movie. It's innocent and nonaexual, but it's not listed in the stars rating.
ilikemusik23
ilikemusik23 Adult
April 25, 2009
age 13+

Rocker Rocks!

While there is some negative role models in this movie. it has a good message about following your dreams and is a pretty funny movie itself. i say its ok for teenagers but you might want to watch it first if there any younger
See all 3 parent reviews

What's the Story?

Robert "Fish" Fishman (Rainn Wilson) is a flabby, unemployed man in his late 30s with a broken dream. Back in 1986, he was the drummer for Vesuvius, a hard-rock band that fired him just before they hit the big time. More than 20 years later, Fish is still seething with jealousy and resentment. His fortunes finally improve when his nephew, Matt (Josh Gad), reluctantly asks Fish to join Matt's four-person high-school band, ADD, to play the prom. After a few other small gigs, ADD gets signed by a label and goes on a Midwestern tour with lead singer Curtis' (Teddy Geiger) mom (Christina Applegate) along to keep the kids -- and Fish -- in line.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (3 ):
Kids say (6 ):

This is an amusing -- if not memorable -- musical comedy. Wilson -- who's pitch-perfect as kooky Dwight on The Office -- is a talented comedian, but he's not as hilariously manic (or musical) as Jack Black, so THE ROCKER pales in comparison to School of Rock. Singer-songwriter Geiger naturally knows how to be ADD's handsome, brooding teen frontman (he looks like a young, longer-haired James Franco), but when he's not in musician mode, his acting feels forced.

On the plus side, as Amelia, the band's beautiful-but-insecure guitarist, Emma Stone (Superbad) proves she's ready to take her place as one of young Hollywood's talented go-to actresses. Supporting actors like Jeff Garlin and Jane Lynch (who play Matt's parents), Applegate, and Jason Sudeikis as the band's greedy manager, lend their considerable comedic chops to their roles.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about how fame and celebrity are typically depicted in movies. Based on what you see in the media, how does a "star" behave? Do Curtis, Matt, and Amelia act like stereotypical rock stars? What about the members of Vesuvius? The ADD teens' parents were all supportive of their band. Is that realistic? Kids: What do you think of ADD's music? Also, what's the most important thing Fish learns from the kids, and what's the most important thing they learn from him?

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