Rock And Rule

Synopsis: Mok, a superstar of an apocalyptic future is the world's biggest rock star and devil worshipper. He needs the perfect female singing voice to summon up an evil spirit. Meanwhile a young punk group are desperately trying to hit the big time and soon Mok realises that singer, Angel, has vocal talents that are perfect for his diabolical plan. It's up to the rest of the band to save their kidnapped singer from the clutches of the meglomaniac before its too late.

Every so often a film comes along that you haven't heard of at all but have no idea why. Being a huge fan of the Velvet Underground and '70s NYC trash I was astounded when asked to review this animated feature; how on earth had I missed a film that features a soundtrack performed by Lou Reed, Iggy Pop and Blondie's Debbie Harry.

The animation is vivid and bright, reminiscent of the work of Ralph Bashki on Fritz the Cat and Fire and Ice and the classic '80s arcade games Dragonslayer and Space Ace by Don Bluth. Directed by Clive A. Smith, the man who brought us Droids: The Adventures of R2 D2 and C3PO, the film is aimed at children but the talents involved bring Rock & Rule squarely into cult territory.

Previously known as Ring of Power the film seems to have flown under the radar until the advent of DVD. Perhaps the medium will give it the opportunity to go beyond its cult status.Despite the younger demographic the film is full of references to drugs and sex and the music provided Cheap Trick, Earth Wind and Fire and the aforementioned luminaries is fabulous. Horrendously dated in places the scenes as the rock band strut their stuff are hilarious in their desperate attempts at looking cool, despite the fact that no discerning kid would be listening to any of them at the time.

The look of the lead characters, a mutation of human, rodent, cat and dog is bizarre and the overall design of the film is fabulous. Rock & Rule is a must for animation aficionados and rock fans alike. As the tagline says it's the story of The Beauty, The Beast and The Beat.

 

 

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