The marketing materials for IFC's "Z Rock" (11:30 p.m. Sunday) could lead one to think it's child-like or rock-star-sleazy. The show's logo is the letter Z on a child's block with rockin' wings behind it. So I wasn't sure what exactly to expect but the time slot should have been a giveaway. This comedy series, based on a "(kinda) true story," is both sweet and raunchy.
"Z Rock" follows brothers Paulie (lead vocals) and David Z (bass guitar) and life-long friend Joey (drummer) who form the band ZO2 by night and The Z Brothers by day. The Z Brothers play for children's parties. It's funny enough in concept and execution but not something I would stay up past my bedtime to watch.
Joey is the most responsible band member while Paulie and David, the hunk of the group, are more likely to hook up with groupies in a van the night before a kid's birthday party. The hook-ups don't leave much to the imagination in terms of what's going on just out of the camera frame.
Their manager, Dina (Lynne Koplitz), tries to book them gigs. She networks wherever possible: "I'm not Jewish but I go to temple for the connections."
Episodes have a serialized element with the women the guys bed in Sunday's premiere returning the following week when a child's party is double-booked. Cast members from IFC's "The Whitest Kids U'Know" guest star as the rival band.
"Z Rock" definitely works up a sweat trying to be outrageous. A bar manager hits on Paulie pretty severely but denies he's gay with this exhortation:, "I will bite your penis if you say that again!"
There's definitely some amusing moments but the show will have limited appeal. That's probably OK by the show's creators and even IFC. "Z Rock" has "cult series" written all over it.
Posted
Aug 21 2008, 05:55 AM
by
Rob Owen