Shake, Rattle & Rock!

• Director: Allan Arkush
• AMG Rating:
• Genre: Musical
• Movie Type: Rock Musical, Teen Movie
• Themes: Generation Gap
• Main Cast: Renée Zellweger
• Release Year: 1994
• Country: US
• Run Time: 83 minutes
• MPAA Rating: NR

Plot

Shake, Rattle & Rock follows the exploits of 1950s disenfranchised teens Susan (Renee Zellweger), Cookie (Patricia Childress), and Tony (Max Perlich) who find their calling when they start a hot rock & roll band at a time in America when rock was considered the devil's music. Despite the objections of Susan's prim mother (Nora Dunn) and the spinsterly town librarian (Mary Woronov), Tony opens a rock club and books for the club's big opening night his band, the Eggrolls, and the talented local vocal group the Sirens, led by the determined Sireena (Latanyia Baldwin). But the conservative forces mount against them, despite the efforts of leather-jacketed rebel Lucky (John Doe), and the club is closed at mid-performance, causing a riot in the small town. Will the forces of the Establishment win out, or is rock & roll here to stay? ~ Buzz McClain, All Movie Guide

Review

A remake of sorts for Showtime of a 1957 teen-exploitation cheese-fest, Shake, Rattle & Rock captures much of the campy, cult vibe it obviously intended to create, given the choice of director, Allan Arkush, best known for the similarly themed Rock 'n' Roll High School (1979), and the casting of oddball favorites Howie Mandel, Mary Woronov, John Doe, P.J. Soles, Gerrit Graham, and Paul Anka in supporting roles. What makes the film work, however, is the youthful exuberance of its star, Renee Zellweger, who makes the most of this early opportunity by radiating energy and charm in every scene. The topical issues -- racism, oppressive conservatism, rebellious youth -- are handled gently but not brushed aside, giving just enough seriousness for the farce to bounce off. The music, featuring tunes by Eddie Cochran, Fats Domino, Little Richard, and Iggy Pop (doing a terrific remake of Cochran's "C'mon Everybody"), is the heart and soul of the film, and it's used perfectly. A bright, fast-moving production with a cast as perky as its star, Shake, Rattle & Rock deserves a look. ~ Buzz McClain, All Movie Guide

Cast

• Renée Zellweger

Jenifer Lewis; Max Perlich

Credit

Allan Arkush - Director

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