Cast
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Giuseppe Andrews
as Lex
James DeBello
as Trip Hurudie
Edward Furlong
as Hawk
Sam Huntington
as Jeremiah 'Jam' Bruce
Lin Shaye
as Mrs. Bruce
Melanie Lynskey
as Beth Bumsteen
Natasha Lyonne
as Christine
Shannon Tweed
as Amanda Finch
Emmanuelle Chriqui
as Barbara
Kristin Booth
as Cashier
Joe Flaherty
as Father Phillip McNulty
Matthew G. Taylor
as Chongo
Miles Dougal
as Elvis
Nick Scotti
as Kenny
David Quane
as Bobby
Crew
Director
- Adam Rifkin
Writer
- Carl V. Dupré
Producer
- Kathleen Haase
- Barry Levine
- Gene Simmons
Reviews
Wuchak
_**Great 70’s songs, sometimes amusing, but basically an insult to KISS fans**_
In 1978, four teenagers from Cleveland plan to go to a KISS concert in Detroit and have many misadventures reaching their goal. The four are played by Edward Furlong, Giuseppe Andrews, James DeBello and Sam Huntington.
“Detroit Rock City” (1999) features great rock/metal from the 70s by KISS, AC/DC, Blue Oyster Cult, Van Halen, Sweet, Thin Lizzy, Nazareth, Styx, David Bowie, Cheap Trick, Black Sabbath, Ted Nugent, the Ramones, etc. There are some fun moments, but the tone is too over-the-top for its own good and the story isn’t very compelling. Couple this with some odious bathroom non-humor, a lack of attractive women beyond Natasha Lyonne and the negative one-dimensional depiction of the protagonists and you have a curiously disappointing teen flick.
The focus on pot-obsessed dudes is disingenuous since Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons were never into the drug culture; their idea of a party was working hard creating music, performing, touring, making money and celebrating gorgeous women. Unsurprisingly, mind-blowingly beautiful females were always attracted to KISS and frequented their concerts; so were dynamic, talented males. I’m not saying pot-worshipping, denim-clad waifs weren’t an element of their fan base, but KISS devotees always involved WAY more than this.
No wonder Paul Stanley lamented: "To call it a KISS movie does it a disservice, because it does a disservice to the KISS fans, which is what it's really about."
The film runs 1 hour, 35 minutes, and was shot entirely in the Toronto area.
GRADE: C-
May 3, 2021
Thematic Analysis
Detroit Rock City represents a fascinating example of Comedy/Music/Adventure cinema, offering viewers a unique perspective on the human experience and societal structures. The film's approach to its themes demonstrates a creative vision that distinguishes it within its genre.
Director Adam Rifkin brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1999, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Detroit Rock City took approximately 20 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $6.5 million, the film represented a significant investment in bringing this story to the screen.
- The final cut of the film runs for 95 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 116 minutes long.
- The costume department created over 360 unique costume pieces for the production.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 5 months to complete.
Historical Context
- In 1999, when this film was released:
- The internet was beginning to transform communication and information access.
- Digital technology was transforming the entertainment industry.
- Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.
How This Film Stands Out
While Detroit Rock City shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Kicking & Screaming, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Detroit Rock City offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like Just My Luck and Attack Force explore similar territory, Detroit Rock City stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: August 13, 1999
- Runtime: 1h 35m
- Budget: $6,500,000
- Revenue: $4,217,115
