This rock and roll fictional biography, The Incoherents, puts a lot of heart into the 90’s music with a pretty good interpretation of the times. Jumping into today, 30 years later, the film’s writers try to give it a different look and succeed quite well. If you are into the music of the era and enjoy a good comedy/drama, then check this film out on DVD and Video On Demand.
A paralegal in a New York City firm, Bruce (Jeff Auer), although successful and well liked at the office, has become bored with his life. Thinking back to the 90’s when he was helping to put together a knock-out rock band, he’s starting to have second thoughts about his life. His wife Liz (Kate Arrington) and two children are okay with living a normal family life in the burbs and she is trying to pursue her own dream of become a graphic artist for a big company.
Well, Bruce starts to let his past take over his life with writing songs and strumming his guitar in the basement. So much so that he starts to contact the members of his old band Jimmy (Alex Emanuel), Keith (Walter Hoffman), and Tyler (Casey Clark). Before you know it, the guys are thinking of making what they could have been, good again.
When Bruce and Jimmy start talking big time, things in their lives start to stray from what has been their normal. Director Jared Barel makes this his first effort for a big screen venture and does a good job of bringing the story together. His cast choices are right on with the ability of play instruments and write some of the main music in the film. This along with some new faces that control the main characters create the energy that a rock movie needs for that generation.
The film is a big surprise for me as all I could think of is “another rock band film”. But, as the movie plays out, you can see how this guy who left it all behind to marry, have kids and become a family man, may deep inside tell a story of a good number of people. What he does may inspire a number of musicians, but more so those of us who had left a few dreams behind may get inspired by the film.
Alex Emanuel, who plays the role of Jimmy, served as music supervisor, and along with Jeff Auer, wrote the original songs the band performed in the film. Guitarist Sean Eden (Luna) and drummer Kevin March (Guided By Voices) perform on the tracks as well. The film also includes musical performances from Stew (Tony Winner for Passing Strange), Jimmy Gnecco (Ours), Fiona Silver, Gentlemen Brawlers and the band 60/40, plus appearances by Chris Barron (The Spin Doctors), Jack McKeever, Joe Hurley and Richard Barone. The original songs and the soundtrack are love letters to the 80’s/early 90’s Rock ‘N’ Roll scene in America.
The Incoherents has not been rated by the MPAA, but contains some language, a hot tub scene of sensuality and brief nudity. The soundtrack is available with all songs written by Alex Emanuel and Jeff Auer and performed by “The Incoherents”. Check on line to see where the soundtrack may be available.
FINAL ANALYSIS: If you are into rock it’s a fun time to reminisce. (3 out of 5 stars)
Additional Film Information:
Cast: Jeff Auer, Alex Emanuel, Walter Hoffman, Casey Clark as THE INCOHERENTS, with Amy Carlson, Annette O’Toole, Kate Arrington, Robert McKay, Margaret Anne Florence and Christine Chang.
Directed by: Jared Barel
Written by: Jeff Auer
Genre: Music, Comedy, Drama
MPAA Rating: Not Rated, language, brief nudity
Running Time: 1 hr. 43 min.
Opening Date: Now Available
Distributed by: Gravitas Ventures
Released in: DVD and VOD
