Detroit Rock City by Adam Rifkin

Rifkin, Adam. Detroit Rock City. New Line Home Video, 1999. R. DVD. 95 minutes. ASIN: B000031EFY.

Plot Summary

“Kiss. The Devils Music” Four teens from Ohio, James, Lex, Trip, and Hawk are growing up in the 70s. They are fanatics of the band kiss. Jam’s crazy, overbearing, hardcore Christian mother burns there Kiss concert tickets. Jams mother takes him to see a priest while his friends try to figure out a way to see Kiss. While listening to the radio in shop class an opportunity arises that might allow them to gain 4 Kiss tickets. Trip ends up winning but now they have to figure out a way to “save” Jam. They ditch school and outrun Elis, the security guy in school, to get Jam and watch Kiss. The journey is not easy thought. Along the way they puck up a hitchhiker, get beat up, and Lex’s car gets stolen. These rockers go through everything and are willing to do anything to see them. Jam, Lex, Trip, and Hawk, test there relationship in this coming of age story.

Critical evaluation

This movie captures teen rebellion with its tie with music. These four teens live in a small town where everyone is the same and listens to the same music, disco. They are different though, they love to 'Rock and Roll all night.' One of the funniest movies that capture teen rebellion, the love for music, and friendship. Rebellion play a major role in what a teenager is. These four teens defy authority to make it to the concert. With music comes identity and a sense of belonging. These teens identify with the music by acting, behaving, and dressing the part. There friendship is the most important part of the movie though. They do love Kiss but they love each other much more, without each other they would not be able to enjoy Kiss as much as they do. They would much rather see Kiss together than to be separated so they go through a lot to make that happen. Rifkin story line and text create a movie that captures teens love for music and one another.

Readers Annotations

It's the 1970s Jam, Lex, Trip, and Hawk have missed Kiss three times before but this they are willing to do anything to see them in Detroit.

Information About the Author

Rifkin was inspired by being a lifelong fan of Kiss and their music, which is shown through the people involved and the characters.

Genre

Adventure/ Comedy/Music

Curriculum Ties

Music

Booktalking Ideas

1) Discuss how music effect there lives

2) First person narrative of Jam and his relationship with his mother

3) What they are willing to do for a concert

Reading Level/Interest Age

17 +

Why Book Included

When I was a teen I was really into music and had many adventures going to see bands perform. This movie idolizes that for me.