The unconvincing fictional storyline hits every meller cliche in the "self-destructive rock star" playbook.

Helmer-scripter-producer Scott Rosenbaum‘s debut, “The Perfect Age of Rock ‘n’ Roll,” is an overblown tale of music, friendship and betrayal. Pic boasts an authentic soundtrack of old and new tunes, including an extended jam session that taps the talents of blues legends Pinetop Perkins and Hubert Sulmin. Unfortunately, the unconvincing fictional storyline Rosenbaum weaves around this solid musical base hits every meller cliche in the “self-destructive rock star” playbook. Even Peter Fonda, typecast as an over-the-hill road manager, rings true only intermittently. Pic opened Aug. 5 in Gotham; its lame dialogue, callow thesping and absurdly predictable plot make extended play unlikely.

In a wraparound device, aging rocker Spyder (Kevin Zegers) is interviewed by a reporter (Lukas Haas) before the film flashes back to the ’80s and Spyder’s tension-filled return to his hometown and former best pal Eric (Jason Ritter), whose songs he stole for his megahit first album. Eric insists Spyder, his bandmates and his sexy agent (Taryn Manning) join him and ’60s relic Fonda on a folkloric trip down Route 66 to regain their spark, only to land in L.A., where sexual indiscretion, double-dealing and cocaine hold sway.

Read More About:

Jump to Comments

The Perfect Age of Rock ‘n’ Roll

  • Production: A Red Hawk Films release of a Red Hawk Films production. Produced by Joseph White, Scott Rosenbaum, Michael Ellis, Neil Carter. Directed by Scott Rosenbaum. Screenplay, Rosenbaum, Jason Cadic.
  • Crew: Camera (color), Madeleine Gavin; editor, Gavin; music, Andrew Hollander; music supervisor, Christopher Covert; original songs, Andrew Hollander, Steve Conte; production designer, Sarah Frank. Reviewed on DVD, New York, July 28, 2011. MPAA Rating: R. Running time: 91 MIN.
  • With: With: Kevin Zegers, Jason Ritter, Taryn Manning, Lukas Haas, Peter Fonda, Kelly Lynch, Lauren Holly, Ruby Dee, Pinetop Perkins, Hubert Sulmin.

More from Variety

Most Popular

Must Read

Sign Up for Variety Newsletters

By providing your information, you agree to our Terms of Use and our Privacy Policy.We use vendors that may also process your information to help provide our services. // This site is protected by reCAPTCHA Enterprise and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Variety Confidential

A Variety and iHeartRadio Podcast

ncG1vNJzZmiukae2psDYZ5qopV9nfXJ9jp%2BgpaVfp7K3tcSwqmismJp6sbHRn5ycrF2WtKZ5zp9kq6eToHqvedGoo6VlYWZ%2BeIWTbm5ucF8%3D