Prey for Rock & Roll (2003)

The not-so-glam side of rock is on defiant display in Prey for Rock & Roll, another well-cast Gina Gershon flick (after Showgirls and Bound) poised for cult-favorite status. Serving as co producer and star, Gershon (looking hotter than ever at age 41) is note-for-note perfect as Jacki, the tattoo-clad, pushing-40 leader of Clam Dandys, an L.A.-based all-girl rock band that's never risen above low-paying club gigs despite Jacki's 20-year experience as a wannabe rock star. On the verge of a possible recording contract, the band is close-knit but troubled: ace bassist Tracy (Drea de Matteo, from The Sopranos) has a nasty boyfriend and a drug-and-alcohol problem, while lead guitarist Faith (Lori Petty) and her lover, the band's drummer Sally (Shelly Cole) cope with the unexpected arrival of Sally's ex-con brother Animal (Marc Blucas), an unlikely virgin who's attracted to Jacki. Based on a play by rocker Cheri Lovedog (who wrote and performed most of the band's '80-styled girl-punk music, with Gershon ably handling lead vocals), this down-and-dirty chick flick falls prey to forced melodrama and obligatory tragedy, but it looks, feels, and sounds remarkably authentic, and the cast is terrific. Easily recommended despite its faults, Prey is a feminist cautionary tale for anyone who chooses rock & roll not merely as a profession, but a lifestyle that can't be denied. --Jeff Shannon Amazon.com

Not a film for the uptight

Being someone who actually lives in LA, who used to frequent the rock clubs of Hollywood where this film is set (not Silverlake -- Argyle crosses Hollywood Blvd near Vine) and WeHo, who is friends with many musicians, straight, gay and in between, and who LOVES most expressions of rock, I love this film for its realism and passion. I wish there were more films that told it like it is instead of the plasticized fantasies than some reviewers seem to have expected.

December 10, 2006

Joan Jett without a big break

An excellent movie, well cast, with a reasonable and easy to follow storyline. It really was reminiscent of Joan Jett's early days (in Philly)(I really expected Gershon to belt out 'I Love Rock and Roll').

It tells the story of the 'wanna be' groups playing clubs and wishing for a break. (There has to be at least 50 bands that are good that don't make it for every band - good or bad - that does and this is their story.
It deals with the gritty part of life trying to 'make it' as an artist.
-"When are you going to grow up?"
-"What do you REALLY want to be when you grow up?"
-"When are you going to get a real job?"
-"When are you going to pay the rent?"
-"How are you going to pay the rent?"
-"You spent HOW much on a d#$@ guitar?"

There are touching and tragic moments as well as some good music all presented equally well. You won't finish this movie with a smile on your face - but you'll be wrung out - as if you are the one that just finished a club set... All in all, an entertaining movie (I have to admit the 'street justice' hammered out got my applause).

For those playing the club scene, or related to anyone struggling to make it - this is a must see. For everyone else - see it, then go support your local bar band. November 11, 2006

The Underside of Rock & Roll

To Quote the rock band KISS, "Rock and Roll All Night, Party Every day"...if you believe that, dont watch this movie.

Put together a cast of modern B-rated female actresses (Gina Gershon, Lori Petty, Drea De Matteo and Shelly Cole) in a film about a female LA club band trying to make it big and watch this film cook.

Prey for Rock & Roll is a small indy film and draws you into the story. Based on Cheryl Lovedog's plaY, This is not a female Hard Day's Night or Spice World. This FILM is a taste of real life with its darker side. Its raw filmmaking with a driven story of success and failure mixed with death and life. This is NOT American Idol, this is real life Rock & Roll 101. This is not hype, but it does get heavy handed in spots. This R rating this film has is earned, but it is needed to move this story. You can smell the darkeness of one's soul from this movie

Now to the acting.... Gina Gershon is amazing, best since her role in Showgirls. The part of an over 40 year old rocker is taylor made for here. She sings the Cheryl Lovedog songs with so much passion and heart, you wonder when her album is coming out. And in their what happened to them department, Welcome back to filmmaking Ms Lori Petty--this is not a League of Our Own, but you blend well in this film. Drea de Matteo , i see why you won your Emmy, too bad not many in the Oscar area saw this film...you would have had one of those too!

If you are seeking a nice cute, clean rock & roll film, rent A Hard Day's Night. Help, Spice Girls or Sgt Pepper...If you want a real slice of what it means to live, breath and love what Rock & Roll is and its not so pretty underside, THIS IS YOUR MOVIE.

Bennet Pomerantz AUDIOWORLD October 11, 2006

Prey for Rock N Roll

This was a very interesting movie. I enjoyed it, but was hesitant at first. The music was to my great surprise really excellent. A very earthy, gutsy movie. I compliment all the actors also. They did an excellent job. It held my attention. If I get up after 10 minutes or so, then I know I don't like the movie. This one, I didn't. August 24, 2006

I love rock and roll

It's about an aging rock musician and her all female band. She's turning 40 so she questions if she should throw in the towel and get a "real" job". Tragedies happens to her band members during her struggle whether to continue or not. She also gets a record contract offer.

It's the people in this this movie that kept me interested in this film. The plot is mediocre at best. Still, I can't deny I liked it. Definitely a character based movie. It's not for everyone.
August 14, 2006

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