Fans of the big-haired, leather-clad, screeching vocals 1980s heavy metal scene will get a kick out of this movie.
While not an epic by any stretch of the imagination, it's certainly a cute story of a wannabe rocker from working class middle America (played by Mark Wahlberg) who plays in a tribute band for his idols, STEEL DRAGON. When Steel Dragon's singer hits the road, they seek a replacement in Wahlberg's character. What follows is the classic tale of rock 'n' roll excess, crash-and-burn lifestyle that goes along with making millions in a rock band, touring the planet.
The story, incedentally, is not an unfamiliar one. It's based on the real life story of Tim Owens, who was plucked from obscurity in a JUDAS PRIEST cover band to sing lead for Priest when Rob Halford removed himself from the band in the early 1990's. While the band has distanced themselves from this movie, it's obvious that they were the primary influence.
Metalheads will notice Appearances from Zakk Wylde, Blas Elias of SLAUGHTER, Jason Bonham, and the Steel Dragon songs are being sung by none other than Mike Matijevic of STEELHEART (Even though Wahlberg took credit for singing a lot of the songs in the film, he didn't... it was Mike).
