Suck

A struggling Montreal band sells its soul for rock and roll in Rob Stefaniuk's cameo-laden horror-comedy. The Winners start out human and humdrum until bass player Jennifer (Jessica Paré) hooks up with a blood-sucking creep named Queeny (Dimitri Coats) on the eve of their tour. That same night, lead singer Joey (Stefaniuk) has his first run-in with an omniscient bartender (Alice Cooper) and parts ways with manager Jeff (Dave Foley). Thinking that Jennifer's quit, the band and roadie Hugo (Chris Ratz) go on without her, but she reconnects in Toronto—looking deathly pale but exuding a sexual charisma that draws fans in droves—where the band also attracts vampire hunter Eddie Van Helsing (Malcolm McDowell). Traveling to the U.S., the Winners encounter a border guard played by Rush's Alex Lifeson; and in Buffalo, Jennifer feeds on victims, including a rocker named Beef (vegan musician Moby). By this point the band has uncovered Jennifer's dark secret and they proceed to record with Victor (Iggy Pop), become bloodsuckers themselves, and call on DJ Rockin' Roger (Henry Rollins). Once Van Helsing catches up, however, they must decide whether to be famous and undead or alive and anonymous. Despite the vampire trappings, Suck has more in common with music-business satires like This Is Spinal Tap, while the Winners themselves recall the Dandy Warhols with their glam-tinged alternative rock. Recommended. (K. Fennessy)