Z Rock

Every once in a while a children's entertainment act emerges that manages to keep extreme cuteness at bay, such as Dan Zanes or the Imagination Movers. Kids dig ‘em, and there's enough of a beat or smart sensibility to engage parents, as well. The Brooklyn trio at the heart of this 10-episode IFC series have that kind of crossover appeal, except they rock harder and would prefer to play for adults only. By day, Paulie Z (Paul Zablidowsky, vocals), David Z (David Zablidowsky, bass), and Joey C (Joey Cassata, drums), are the real-life acoustic Z Brothers for kids, but at night, they become the electrified ZO2 (with topless babes and expletives added to the mix). Guest star John Popper says of their music, “It's like the Foo Fighters, except it didn't make me want to shoot myself in the face.” In this faux reality series, as the trio struggle to land a record deal with the assistance of intimidating manager Dina (Lynne Koplitz), they play day gigs (from birthday parties to bar mitzvahs), cavort with groupies, sit for mockumentary-style interviews, and hobnob with real-life celebs like Sebastian Bach, Gilbert Gottfried, and Dave Navarro. Other regulars include label mogul Harry Braunstein (Greg Giraldo), whose wife is having a fling with David; club manager Neil (Jay Oakerson), who has the hots for Paulie; and Joan Rivers, who plays Dina's aunt…Joan Rivers. If Z Rock isn't as funny or as inspired as HBO's Flight of the Conchords, it's still an entertaining variation on the formula that made This Is Spinal Tap and The Rutles big-screen cult favorites. DVD extras include a “making-of” featurette and a handful of behind-the-scenes segments. A strong optional purchase. (K. Fennessy)