Rock and Rule is a movie that has lingered in the periphery of animation discussions for decades, often mentioned in hushed tones by those in the know. For newcomers, it promises a unique cinematic experience: fluid, psychedelic animation married with a killer rock and roll soundtrack, all wrapped in an adult-oriented package that dares to be different from typical animated fare. Often compared to a blend of Ralph Bakshi’s raw style and the iconic Heavy Metal (1981), Rock and Rule certainly carves its own niche, even if it shares some of the chaotic energy of its contemporaries. While Heavy Metal achieved moderate box office success, Rock and Rule, despite its ambition, unfortunately stumbled commercially. Interestingly, Nelvana, the animation studio behind Rock and Rule, was initially approached to contribute to Heavy Metal but declined, choosing to pour their efforts into their own rock-infused project. Perhaps fate had other plans for both films.
Rock and Rule plunges viewers into a far-future Earth, ravaged by a nuclear holocaust. From the ashes rise mutated beings – dogs, cats, and rats, now evolved into anthropomorphic hybrids thanks to the lingering radiation. At the heart of our story is Mok (voiced by Don Francks), a veteran rock star, past his prime and desperate for a comeback. He’s on a quest for a voice of unparalleled power, a voice capable of tearing through the fabric of space and time to summon a demon from another dimension. Mok’s endgame? World destruction, fueled by the petty grievance of a poorly attended concert. While his motivations might seem comically exaggerated, they set the stage for a wild ride. Mok finds his vocal muse in his hometown of Ohmtown: Angel (voiced by Susan Roman), an aspiring rock singer fronting a band with her boyfriend Omar (Greg Salata). Angel’s voice is the key, and Mok swiftly kidnaps her, whisking her away to the neon-drenched metropolis of Nuke York (yes, you read that right) to orchestrate his apocalyptic summoning – disguised as a spectacular concert. It falls to Omar, along with his bandmates Dizzy (Dan Hennessey) and Stretch (Greg Duffel), to embark on a rescue mission, confront Mok, and prevent a second, potentially demon-led, apocalypse.
The narrative and character dynamics in Rock and Rule are… polarizing, to say the least. It’s fair to say that developing deep emotional investment in most characters proves challenging. While the animation brings them to life visually, many fall into archetypes that are either bland, irritating, or simply unconvincingly acted. Omar, positioned as the film’s protagonist, often draws the most criticism. He comes across as whiny, unsupportive, and perpetually pessimistic. His vocal performance can feel wooden, further distancing the audience. Despite his heroic quest to save Angel and the climactic showdown, his character arc feels stagnant; he ends the film much like he begins it, making it difficult to fully root for his success or feel satisfied with his triumphs. Conversely, Mok, the villain, emerges as surprisingly captivating. He’s a larger-than-life, cartoonishly evil rock icon, a flamboyant cocktail of David Bowie, Mick Jagger, Iggy Pop, and Lou Reed (with the latter two lending their iconic voices to Mok’s songs). His over-the-top villainy and sheer entertainment value make him arguably the most engaging presence in the film.
Despite its brisk runtime of just over 78 minutes, Rock and Rule feels surprisingly padded. Beyond Angel’s abduction and the demon-summoning plot, significant portions of the film lack narrative drive. The extended sequences set in Nuke York, while visually stimulating, ultimately contribute little to the core story progression. The climax returns to Ohmtown, where the story originated, making the Nuke York detour feel somewhat like a narrative detour. While Nuke York offers a visually arresting, if underdeveloped, post-apocalyptic cityscape, it doesn’t fully justify its screen time in terms of plot advancement. However, cutting Nuke York scenes would mean less screen time for Mok, and for many viewers, including myself, Mok’s scenes are the film’s most compelling moments. He, and the film’s musical numbers, are undeniable strengths that keep viewers engaged even when the plot meanders.
Music is integral to Rock and Rule; it’s essentially a rock musical. The film boasts original songs from an impressive roster of artists, including Cheap Trick, Debbie Harry, Lou Reed, Iggy Pop, and even Earth, Wind & Fire. These aren’t just background tracks; they are fully integrated musical interludes that drive the film’s energy. The animation during these musical sequences often reaches its creative peak, featuring psychedelic morphing and shifting effects reminiscent of 1970s music videos, yet filtered through a distinct 1980s aesthetic. Over 300 animators contributed to this film, and their dedication shines through in the visual dynamism of the musical segments. One minor audio quirk: the sound mixing sometimes prioritizes the music so much that dialogue gets slightly drowned out. However, some might argue that this inadvertently improves the experience by minimizing attention to some of the weaker dialogue.
Ultimately, Rock and Rule is a film of contrasts. It’s narratively uneven, populated with flawed characters, and embraces a level of eccentricity that might alienate mainstream audiences. Yet, it possesses an undeniable charm. Echoing the sentiment about Heavy Metal, Rock and Rule transcends its technical shortcomings through sheer creative energy. Its striking, hand-drawn animation, its unapologetic weirdness, and, above all, its exceptional rock soundtrack, are its saving graces. Rock and Rule successfully taps into a nostalgic vein for 70s and 80s rock music and animation, and its Ralph Bakshi-esque vibe gives it a unique appeal. While it’s certainly not a film for everyone, if you have an appreciation for adult-oriented, hand-drawn animation and a love for classic rock and roll, Rock and Rule is a cinematic curiosity worth exploring. If those elements don’t resonate with you, you might find yourself less enthralled.
