Rock and Rule
|
List Price: Our Price: $12.49 You Save: $2.50 (17%) Availability: Usually ships in 9 to 10 days Buy Used: from $5.94 (click here) Category: DVD See more DVD releases |
|---|
Buy this DVD movie at online store in your country
Canada
Canada
Movie Reviews of Rock and Rule
Movie Review: At long last, it's here!
Summary: 5 Stars
The War was over...
The only survivors were street animals: dogs, cats and rats. From them, a new race of mutants evolved. That was a long time ago.
Another time, another place.
Mok, a legendary superrocker, has retired to Ohmtown. There his computers work at deciphering an ancient code which would unlock a doorway between this world and another dimension. Obsessed with his dark experiment, Mok himself searches or the last crucial component -- a very special voice.
* * *
Fans have been waiting years for this DVD release, and it's finally here! In this animated post-apocalyptic fantasy, superrocker Mok is searching for a new backup singer...only it's not for his next world tour. He wants to open a portal to another dimension, and the voice of the lovely Angel holds the key. Featuring the musical talents of Deborah Harry, Iggy Pop, Lou Reed and Cheap Trick, this is a movie experience that is not to be missed. My rating: 10/10.
Movie Review: MUST HAVE animation.
Summary: 5 Stars
Fully 2D animated Disney style at a time when there was very little in competition to Disney.
This story is engaging with one of the most intriguing villains: "MOK".
I met the animator that created MOK, when I was working at Disney animation, and he mentioned that where he went with MOK, he's never had that freedom to explore while working at Disney. MOK is totally insane and paranoid, his lip and face design is really delicious to behold, he moves with such fluid exaggerated menace.
Angel the lead heroine is delightful to watch too, she has spunk of a modern girl, and takes action, which I like.
This film was a masterpiece revelation of what could be done with full 2D animation that was not Disney, and it was done in the mid 80s. It still looks fresh with an exciting story, great 80s music, and beautiful designs animated by skilled 2D animators.
Movie Review: A Masterpiece
Summary: 5 Stars
This is one of the most beautiful movies ever made, and my favorite musical DVD. It features beautiful, fascinating characters, great animation and beautiful music.
True, it is easy to find fault with the film, if that's your thing. I do not personally believe in monsters from another dimension (except, perhaps, for George W. Bush.) And it is funny how the post-apocalyptic mutations look so much like humans. But this fault-finding is for cynics whose business it is to find fault (like the editorial writer, Mr. Solomon, who trashes the film on this website. I doubt the poor fellow even likes rock.)
Forget the cynics and enjoy the beauty. Love the magnificence of Mok's dirigible as well as his lifestyle. Love Angel and her beauty -- as well as Omar's great attitude. Enjoy the beauty, and forget the cynics.
Movie Review: Reminder of childhood
Summary: 5 Stars
I watched this as a kid and knew it well enough to look for it once I was an adult. I think the sound quality is better in this version, but it's still the same movie, which is awesome. Some of the lines are cheesy, but it brings back memories for me. Very glad I have it in my collection now.Movie Review: One of the most underappreciated animated films ever made
Summary: 4 Stars
I had never heard about this movie until I saw the DVD at a local video rental. "Rock and Rule" is a Canadian animated film from the 1980's that was made by Nirvana Studios, and was almost going to be a children's film except the filmmakers took a lot of liberties with the storyline and content, turning it into a more adult film. (and by "adult" I don't mean porn, but subject matter like drugs and swearing) Because there wasn't much of a market for adult animated films back in 1980's America the film was a flop and the animation studio nearly went out of business. They were clever, though, and made money through several succesful cartoon shows. Know what cartoon shows they worked on? "Inspector Gadget," "The Care Bears"...just to name a few.
The film itself is set in an apocalyptic world years after World War III. Rats, cats, and dogs have evolved and live a life among the ruins. In the city of Ohmtown resides rockstar genius Mok Swagger. (a major satire of Mic Jagger - in fact, I've heard his lawyers threatened to sue the studio) His musical career is going downhill, and his last concert was not as succesful as it should have been. (there were two empty seats) Because of this Mok vows to win back his fans and rule the world, discovering that if he can find the perfect voice to sing the right notes, then he can resurrect a demon from an alternate dimension. He attends the concert of a four-person band and hears the singing of Angel, the sole female of the group. She is the right voice! He invites the group to his mansion and kidnaps Angel, heading off to "Nuke York" to have the concert of a lifetime. The three other band members (including lead singer Omar, who loves Angel) head to Nuke York to rescue Angel. Meanwhile, Mok's world domination attempt fails and he realizes that to have enough power to resurrect the demon he has to use the power station in Ohmtown. Hence the plot thickens...
As you can probably tell from the previous paragraph, (if not its first two sentences) this movie is very different from any other film you've seen, animated or otherwise. What was my initial reaction to it? Well, admittedly it was quite mixed. The story tends to meander, especially around the Nuke York part, and at times you're left wondering if the filmmakers became overindulgent in what they had. However, I think another reviewer put it best when he said that while you're initial reaction is a bad one, this film quickly grows on you. As I've said it's very different, but it's also very well done. The characters are all well realized and stand out on their own in a quirky way, from Mok as the villain to the "French Canadian sailor" who has only a few minutes of film time. The world is also well realized, and from the mighty power station of Ohmtown to the housing complexes clinging to the destroyed ruins of the Statue of Liberty you really do get a feel for this world. I have to also admit it was VERY well animated. Expect the fine animation you'd see in any big budget Disney film and you'll get it. I really do commend the fellows up at Nirvana for the work they did in regards to that.
Some might compare it to "Heavy Metal" because of the use of music throughout the piece. Yet unlike "Heavy Metal," which used music in the background, "Rock and Rule" incorporates the music with the characters. Lou Reed is the singing voice for Mok, Deborah Harry from Blondie is Angel's singing voice, Cheap Trick provides the singing voice for Omar, and Iggy Pop sings for the demon. (and don't worry, I won't forget the great Earth, Wind and Fire, which made a fitting song for the dance club) All the singers fit the characters and are close to their voice actors, and I'm happy to say "Debbie" Harry is good as Angel's singing voice, so you do believe it when Mok finds her the best suited.
The DVD I'm reviewing is the special edition one, not the 2-disc set. Any one who was a lifetime fan of this movie will love the DVD release. There are character sketches of all the players, small or big, and includes concept artwork of their early designs. There's a commentary by director Clive Smith, which was an excellent listen as he goes into detail about how the film was made, and I'm happy to say he comes across as a pretty cool guy. (he's constantly complimenting those who worked with or under him) The only thing that took me aback was the making-of documentary, which seemed to focus a lot of attention on the more famous singing voices rather than the lesser-known voice actors. While Lou Reed deserves credit for "Triumph" and "My Name is Mok," I think Don Francks deserves even more credit - he stood out among everyone else and quite frankly I think he made the character of Mok work.
A rare gem - I would definately suggest people check this movie out, especially if you are fans of animated films. Even if your first reaction is lukewarm, be like me and give it a second shot. Trust me, it deserves it.
More Movie Reviews:
1 2
1 2