Light up the candles, one for every year that's gone
Happy to announce that no one has to make another rock doc ever again, for Rock-afire Explosion (2008) eclipses just about all of 'em, and that's gospel..
This is a passionate film made with an undying affection for each and every person and/or machine. It's a bunch of oddballs, a bunch of weirdos but there's never an ounce of pity. It's made carefully and lovingly never a moment used to mock or tease.
The movie starts with an 8 second pause. Aaron Fetcher (engineer and creator of RAE who is also the man who invented Whac-a-Mole and clearly looks like he listens to Steely Dan while in the shop) licking his lips and carefully choosing his words. I love that moment, that gap for breath. Here's a film about humans! These are simply people who are in the world, but maybe not of it.
Dook LaRue is Chris Thrash's favorite Rock-afire member because Dook gets to travel to space as we learn. Chris is a round peg in a square hole. Maybe he really doesn't belong in this world? Maybe, there's a place far away where he fits right in. The Rock-afire world was his home! But he isn't simple and he isn't ordinary, the world is just too cruel, too uncaring for him it seems. The man just wants to kick back, rock out and crack open a cold Mountain Dew, people!
**A few of my favorite fans, Damon and Kerry:
Damon's enthusiasm is so genuine it's contagious. I really dig his energy, he can hang.
This woman is so fascinating to me...She doesn't belong here?? She's a hottie??? She is the weirdest of them all, hands down.
We all knew there was no way they could keep getting away with Fatz Geronimo. But we liked him anyways.
Holding on a close up of Fetcher's tanned face as he tells his side of handing over the copyrights to what are essentially his children! is such a dramatic move! It works so well, it's so earnest, and heartbreaking and powerful listening to him speak at such close range. This isn't necessarily the face of a man I trust, but hot damn! he sure is my hero just for this scene alone! Keeping it tight on that sunglasses tan was a *chefs kiss* good move.
I love people!! We're all so weird and wonderful. The film is the full spectrum of bliss and heartache. It is so human. It's sympathetic and kind and boy! do I love the 80's. If you like American Movie, this is right up that same idiosyncratic alley. Anyways I'm waiting for a remastered release where the drawings these adult men did as children are the cover.
Here's a link to the full 72 minute masterpiece, enjoy.
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