Rockin' the Wall

While the mildly jingoistic Rockin' the Wall does its best to advance the notion of rock 'n' roll being the driving force behind the fall of communism, this documentary lacks the requisite depth and complexity to provide a realistic and truly comprehensive picture of the political and economic realities that prompted the lifting of the Iron Curtain. Filmmakers Larry Schweikart and Marc Leif serve up an often disorganized mélange of historical footage, music theory, academic commentary, and banal testimony by a host of second-tier musicians (from the likes of Toto, Vanilla Fudge, and Quiet Riot) to underscore the obvious notion that freedom is an organic theme within rock ‘n' roll. While the film points out that the music has transcended both national and ideological boundaries, its presentation of rock ‘n' roll as an actual force for political change borders on idealized revisionist hindsight. More engaging here are the personal stories of dissidents (such as Hungarian record producer Leslie Mándoki) recalling their miraculous escapes from Red-controlled territory to freedom. Optional, at best. Aud: C, P. (M. Sandlin)