"Stunt Rock" is cult filmmaker Brian Trenchard-Smiths' tribute to one of the legends in the stunt department, Aussie icon Grant Page. Page essentially plays himself as he embarks upon many daredevil acts, often getting by on not just his athleticism, but his sheer bravado. There's not much of a "story" in this movie, but its basic set-up has Grant travelling to America to work on a TV series with film star Monique van de Ven (also playing herself). He also begins work on stage shows for a highly theatrical rock band dubbed "Sorcery", who come complete with a "wizard" style magician (Paul Haynes) and a "Prince of Darkness" (Curtis Hyde). Meanwhile, a journalist (Margaret Gerard) doing a piece on job dedication becomes fascinated with Grant.It does become apparent early on that "Stunt Rock" is not so much telling a story as it is detailing (documentary style, with use of split screen) the art of stunt coordination, and the "shock rock" genre that had been in style for a number of years. As such, it does go heavy on the musical numbers. It's never more interesting than when it follows Grant and his exploits, but at least the music is pretty catchy. (Also, the keyboardist in the band is a weirdo who never takes off his hood. There's one good gag when somebody asks him to take it off.)Grants' death-defying ambitions form a great basis for the movie, and there is some breathtaking action to behold. For example, we are shown the preparation that went into a stunt that Grant performed for Philippe Moras' 1976 picture "Mad Dog Morgan". Grant is a charismatic, easygoing guy, and you do enjoy watching him ply his trade and interact with other people. Some people could argue that TOO much screen time is devoted to the band, but it does ultimately lead into the possible development of entertainment that Gerard dubs "stunt rock".Overall, quite engaging, and relatively brief in run time (96 minutes). Director Trenchard-Smith clearly has a great respect for people like Grant, and had previously made a documentary in 1973 called "The Stuntmen".Look for Richard Blackburn (director of "Lemora: A Child's Tale of the Supernatural" and co-writer of "Eating Raoul") in a supporting role as the agent; comedy legend Phil Hartman is apparently also in here somewhere.Seven out of 10.

This film will not appeal to all, but what movie ever does. I first saw this as a kid and bought it on VHS second hand from the video shop.... somewhere along the way I lost it, BUT, I've just managed to secure a copy and I'm eagerly awaiting watching it again. I have always been into the art of stunt work and this portrays it in a way that wouldn't get passed most TV censorship now, coupled with an epic soundtrack by rock band Sorcery this film makes for an awesome viewing experience. If you don't like stunt work or rock music you'll hate this movie, but if you do lend an interest to the aforementioned you'll find this an enjoyable and memorable production..... that's if you can find a copy to watch.

So sums up the female lead of this one of a kind cinematic experience know as STUNT ROCK. A faux documentary about real life Australian stuntman Grant Paige, STUNT ROCK garnered considerable attention in cult film circles earlier this year when a trailer for it appeared on the TRAILER TRASH vol. 1. And, truth be told, the trailer is merely a glimpse of the insanity that dares to combine the reckless and the rocking.Grant Page (renowned stunt coordinator, probably best know for MAD MAX) packs up his bags and heads to L.A. to visit his "brother," a performer in the heavy metal outfit Sorcery. When his first stunt goes awry in Hollywood, Page attracts the interest of a blonde reporter who is determined to find out what makes this crazy stuntmen tick. Page is more than happy to show her the expressions of his unique knack, all the while making sure to catch a few Sorcery gigs. Yup, that is the plot of STUNT ROCK. But who needs plot when you have stunts! And rock! Filmed in both Australia and Hollywood, STUNT ROCK is a true oddity of cinema. The stunt work is pretty daring, featuring some real fist clenching scenes. Page, a dead ringer for Richard Norton, performs a myriad of dangerous stunts, mostly just to say that he had done them (just performing stunts was cool back then). He flies planes, jumps from cars, drives a dune buggy and dangles over cliffs and high rises alike. A stunt gone wrong from MAD DOG MORGAN is highlighted to show how dedicated Page is to his art (he was severely burned but made it back to the set a few days later). "Art?" asks the naïve reporter to which Grant replies, "Ah! You've never seen GONE IN 60 SECONDS?" Yes, to solidify the idea of stunts as art, the production even includes several of the amazing (and groundbreaking) car chases from the original GONE IN 60 SECONDS.To counter the outlandish nature of the stunt work, the production features several over the top numbers by the heavy metal outfit Sorcery. In addition to their music, Sorcery presents an elaborate on stage show featuring theatrics that put 70s rivals KISS to shame. The narrative of their show is a battle between good and evil, essayed in a number of magic performances featuring Merlin combating the Devil onstage as the band sings. Given the amount of pyrotechnics used, I guess they qualify as stunts too. The two diverse worlds of stunt and rock finally coincide when Page joins the band on stage for a fire stunt and then Sorcery dedicates a song to Page entitled "Stunt Rocker." Exactly who this combination of music and mayhem was aimed at has never been determined. But in both cases the events captured on film are truly something that astounds. Director Brian Trenchard-Smith is no stranger to the world of stunts, having previously helmed the similar Page vehicle DEATH CHEATERS (1976) and the stunt laced Jimmy Wang Yu film THE MAN FROM HONG KONG (1975).

Although this movie is somewhat dated, the rock band Sorcery makes it worth watching. I saw Sorcery live in LA at a concert where non-other than Van Halen opened for them. The movie showcases their music and their spectacular stage show. Not too much bad language so its OK for even little kids.