Prey for Rock & Roll

Jacki (Gina Gershon) is the lead singer of the "Clam Dandys" an LA Sunset Strip all-girl band. Her current line-up includes the young drummer Faith, guitarist (and Faith's girlfriend) Sally (Lori Petty) and bass player Tracy. Jacki's turning 40 -- she's been playing the strip for twenty years while she waits for her big break. Until then, she's a tattoo artist. In this rather sloppy, fun movie -- these girls are all a mess. Jacki's bisexual, but can't commit and loses her girlfriend early on. Faith adores her older lover Sally -- they're the most stable of the band. Tracy's a mess -- she's addicted to speed and alcohol -- she lives off a trust fund -- and she's got a "bad news" boyfriend. Not a lot happens plot-wise in the film. There's some drama, a little lesbian sex, a strong feminist statement and whole helluva lot of good rockin' music.

The performances are excellent overall. Gina Gershon stands out with her portrait of a tired rocker who realizes that she's never going to be a star. Lori Petty is also superb in her supporting role -- when is she ever going to be a star -- are we the only ones who loved Tank Girl? The standout performer here is really the music and the atmosphere/sets. The good solid rock-n-roll tunes from Stephen Trask (Hedwig and the Angry Inch) really make the film. Anyone who has friends who have tried to make it in the rock-n-roll world will know Prey for Rock & Roll rings true.

Scott Cranin