Detroit Rock City

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Detroit Rock City

R

Released Aug 13, 1999

1h 35m

Comedy

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Popcornmeter

52%

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42 Reviews

82%

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50,000+ Ratings

Rock-loving teens and aspiring musicians Hawk (Edward Furlong), Lex (Giuseppe Andrews), Trip (James DeBello) and Jam (Sam Huntington) can't wait to see their favorite band, KISS, perform at an upcoming concert. However, when Jam's pious mother (Lin Shaye) finds the tickets to the event, she incinerates them, leaving the boys desperate for a way to see the show. In their attempts to see KISS, the lads endure misunderstandings, humiliation and violence, all just to see their beloved idols.

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Critics Consensus

Silly plot, over-the-top directing style.

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Xan Brooks

Independent (UK)

Rifkin's yoof comedy hits a lot of easy buttons, but it's ultimately rather charming.

Dec 20, 2024

Full Review

Nell Minow

Common Sense Media

A valentine to sex, drugs, and cutting school.

Rated: 2/5

Dec 22, 2010

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Chuck Klosterman

Akron Beacon Journal

Much like the rock group it celebrates, Detroit Rock City is so brazenly moronic that it ends up seemingly brilliant for all the right reasons.

Rated: 3/4

Oct 26, 2023

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David Nusair

Reel Film Reviews

...a briskly-paced, unabashedly larger-than-life comedy...

Rated: 2.5/4

Oct 6, 2021

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Felix Vasquez Jr.

Cinema Crazed

By no means a masterpiece; hell, it's barely a great movie, but it packs in enough talent, fun, and healthy delusions only KISS fans are capable of.

Jan 2, 2017

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Steve Newton

Georgia Straight

Like KISS's music, it's juvenile, crass, bombastic, and loud.

Rated: 1/5

Aug 12, 2014

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Dominic I

I’m gonna be flat honest, Gene Simmons fr cooked with this one. This movie is one of the best coming of age comedies I’ve ever seen if not the best. The characters were very well cast and the plot just makes sense for teens that age. The film also has a fantastic soundtrack with songs from famous musical artists like KISS, AC/DC, Van Halen, Sweet, Cheap Trick, David Bowie, Blue Oyster Cult, Golden Earring, ELO, Black Sabbath, Styx and a LOT more! The movie is super fun with incredibly hilarious lines and scenarios. The biggest praise I’d have to give this film though, is the pacing. Every event in the whole movie is perfectly timed and there aren’t any moments drag on for too long or end too quickly. You actually get to enjoy the moments all in the perfect running time. It’s also a great movie to watch with your friends and I would highly recommend this to anyone in their teens to late 20s or to anyone that feels nostalgic for 70s culture.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

06/23/25

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Nick O

Like if Rock N’ Roll High School swapped out The Ramones for KISS…and don’t forget that trademark Adam Rifkin weirdness we all love!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

06/03/25

Full Review

Jeepers C

What a gem of a movie. For anyone who has ever been young and in awe of their favorite band. They will do anything to see their favorite rock band Kiss. This is a fun, little comedy to watch with a few friends.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

05/24/25

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H D

This is true cinema….. —Martin Scorsese probably

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

11/27/24

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Carlos I

This is definitely a product of it's time. I don't think most of what's going on here would be acceptable by today's audiences. That said, I still get loads of entertainment out of it, maybe it's just nostalgia controlling me, or maybe it's the movie's sense of fun, partying and teenage rebellion that keep me hooked. Whatever it is, I'll continue watching and having fun with it.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

09/14/24

Full Review

Liam N

If your 14-18, you need to see this movie. The feeling of freedom, purity and rawness the characters give is special. Any lost soul, or outcast will feel like they have a home. Rock on kids!!!!

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

04/26/23

Full Review

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Adam Rifkin

Director

Edward Furlong

Hawk

Giuseppe Andrews

Lex

James DeBello

Trip

Sam Huntington

Jeremiah 'Jam' Bruce

Lin Shaye

Mrs. Bruce

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Synopsis

Rock-loving teens and aspiring musicians Hawk (Edward Furlong), Lex (Giuseppe Andrews), Trip (James DeBello) and Jam (Sam Huntington) can't wait to see their favorite band, KISS, perform at an upcoming concert. However, when Jam's pious mother (Lin Shaye) finds the tickets to the event, she incinerates them, leaving the boys desperate for a way to see the show. In their attempts to see KISS, the lads endure misunderstandings, humiliation and violence, all just to see their beloved idols.

Director: Adam Rifkin
Producer: Gene Simmons, Barry Levine, Kathleen Haase
Screenwriter: Carl V. Dupré
Distributor: New Line Cinema
Production Co: New Line Cinema, Base 12 Productions
Rating: R
Genre: Comedy
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Aug 13, 1999, Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Jul 1, 2008
Box Office (Gross USA): $4.2M
Runtime: 1h 35m
Sound Mix: Surround

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