MOVIE REVIEW
Prey for Rock & Roll (Blu-ray)
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Genre: Drama, Music
Year Released: 2003, 2024 Kino Lorber Blu-ray
Runtime: 1h 44m
Director(s): Alex Steyermark
Writer(s): Cheri Lovedog, Robin Shushan
Cast: Gina Gershon, Drea De Matteo, Lori Petty, Marc Blucas, Shelly Cole, Ivan Martin
Where To Watch: available November 19, 2024; pre-order your copy here: www.kinolorber.com or www.amazon.com

RAVING REVIEW: Navigating the waves of the Los Angeles rock scene, PREY FOR ROCK & ROLL delivers an unfiltered look into the raw emotions and struggles an all-female punk band faces. Directed by Alex Steyermark and written from Cheri Lovedog's real-life experiences, this movie blends the raw chase for musical success with intimate snapshots of personal setbacks, presenting a canvas that's as gritty as accurate.

Gina Gershon stands out in her portrayal of Jacki, the band's leader and vocalist, whose day job as a tattoo artist only adds intrigue to her complex character. Her dedication to the role—with authentic guitar riffs and heartfelt vocals—brings a rock star presence to the screen. Despite her strong performance, there are moments where Jacki's more emotional struggles seem muted, slightly distancing her from the audience.

The storyline explores themes such as betrayal, addiction, and the quest for redemption, often pushing the narrative to its limits. At times, this ambition leads to minor melodrama, with the screenplay introducing conflicts that exceed the scope of character development, hindering a deeper engagement with their personal stories.

Drea de Matteo's nuanced performance as troubled bassist Tracy adds a memorable touch to the ensemble. Yet the script often leaves her and other supporting characters like Lori Petty’s Faith and Shelly Cole's Sally wanting more room to express their roles' complexities fully. These performances expand the film's portrayal of the band's dynamics but struggle against a script that sometimes lacks the necessary focus.

Steyermark’s direction captures the unpolished essence of the rock environment, while the live performances inject the film with a dose of raw energy. The soundtrack, a crucial element of the film’s atmosphere, receives a mixed reception from some critics. While aiming to reflect the unrefined spirit of punk, the music might not strike a chord with all viewers due to its intentional rawness.

Despite its narrative and stylistic bumps, PREY FOR ROCK & ROLL is a poignant narrative of perseverance within the chaotic world of music. It captures the band's unity and shared dreams, particularly in their live performances, showcasing their tight-knit relationships and collective resolve. The voice-over, which adds an almost documentary-style feeling, is weird but also welcome. It’s hard to express, but this is a film that consistently reaches beyond its own genre. 

PREY FOR ROCK & ROLL is a raw tribute to the artists who push through challenges to pursue their passion. It exposes the gritty underside of the music industry with stark honesty, giving a voice to those typically left out of the spotlight. Although it wrestles with focus in its narrative, the film remains a powerful homage to the life-altering power of music. It portrays the life of rock artists with unapologetic rawness, reminding viewers of the resilience needed to follow one’s dreams and the profound impact of shared artistic endeavors.

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[photo courtesy of KINO LORBER]

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