Rock & Rule

1983's ROCK & RULE occupies that comparatively small niche of animated films aimed at adults.  There were several in the '70s and '80s.  Ralph Bakshi had a hit with '72's FRITZ THE CAT, which apparently resonated with children of the 1960s.  He followed it up with some odd, sometimes grotesque features (notwithstanding LORD OF THE RINGS) that drew smaller and smaller audiences.  There was also 1981's HEAVY METAL, a Canadian produced filmic anthology based on the same titled magazine, which continues to boast a sizable cult.  Other similar, obscure features would open and close quickly, becoming fodder for late night cable and chatted about across school lunchrooms, sometimes in excited whispers. 

Director Clive A. Smith's largely forgotten ROCK & RULE, also from Canada,  in fact feels like an (extended) episode intended for HEAVY METAL. It also fuels the argument that rock and roll is the devil's music. A famous, but fading, rock musician named Mok is in fact trying to summon a demon that will give him immeasurable power and eventual immortality.  His supercomputer informs him that to access the demon he needs to find a certain vocalist hitting certain notes in just the right order.  And a whole lot of electrical power, not a problem as he lives in Ohmtown.  

When Mok hears Angel singing in a dumpy nightclub, he's found his siren.  Her band mates follow them to Nuke York (oh yeah, forgot to mention this story takes place in a post-apocalyptic future) on a rescue mission.  But Mok has the power to hypnotize and brainwash.  You would imagine it leads to a chaotic, effects laden finale.  You'd be correct. 

You might wonder about the soundtrack.  There are songs with duets by Debbie Harry and Cheap Trick's Robin Zander.  Also, Cheap Trick proper, Lou Reed (as sung by Mok), and Iggy Pop.  Earth, Wind & Fire contribute the end credits song.  All decent, though forgettable.  This really describes the movie as well.  The story has a rather typical arc and interest does lag at times - curiously, when the action switches to Nuke York.  But at least Catherine O'Hara voices a tattoo artist.   The animation, the work of over three hundred artists, employs photographic techniques and looks great.  If you are an admirer of such things this is definitely worth your time.