Hair bands live!

Not really.

But for about two hours “Rock Star” will propel you straight to the ’80s with mascara and permed hair while managing to keep things interesting and surprisingly serious.

Loosely inspired by the true story of metal band Judas Priest, “Rock Star” tells the tale of Chris Cole (Mark Wahlberg), an obsessed tribute band frontman paying homage to the (fictional) group Steel Dragon.

Shortly after getting kicked out of his tribute band, the overzealous and over-talented singer is recruited to take the place of Bobby Beers, the real singer of Steel Dragon.

In a short amount of time, Chris, or Izzy as he is now known, goes from a guy with a dream to a guy living a dream. But with that dream comes an unexpected rock star lifestyle and relationship turbulence with his girlfriend Emily (Jennifer Aniston).

This movie does a great job of capturing what it was probably like for ’80s hair bands.

The out-of-control backstage parties and drug extravaganzas are portrayed nicely and not overdone.

Throughout the movie you’re waiting for Izzy to embrace a cocaine or any other drug habit. But his addictions are more focused on the music and the dream.

In doing this, writer/director John Stockwell sticks to the premise of the movie very well and doesn’t get caught up in many things that could turn this movie for the worse.

Stockwell does a fine job of indirectly educating the viewer on all the characters.

For instance, scenes with Izzy and his brother fighting early in the film give good indications of what directions Izzy’s life has taken and why.

Wahlberg does a fine job portraying this colorful frontman as his actions both on and off the Steel Dragon stage prove his research of rock stars has paid off.

He is the kind of actor that people either love or hate, and this role is quite similar to his “Boogie Nights” performance – an exterior bad-ass with a sensitive and loving interior.

Wahlberg continues to mature as an actor, and you can almost forget about the Funky Bunch. That is until “Good Vibrations” is played in the closing credits.

Aniston also does a great job as Izzy’s girlfriend.

Her subtle sarcasm that shines through so well on NBC’s “Friends” is apparent in “Rock Star” and provides many of the humorous moments.

Other performances worth mentioning are Steel Dragon roadie Mats (Timothy Spall, “Still Crazy”) and Izzy’s longtime friend Rob (Timothy Olyphant, “Go”).

An impressive cameo comes from Third Eye Blind singer Stephan Jenkins, playing another Steel Dragon tribute band centerpiece.

“Rock Star” can’t quite be described as awesome, but it is definitely a must see if you like sex, drugs and rock `n’ roll all wrapped up in a drama and Mark Wahlberg’s chest.

Its entertainment value is exceptionally precious at a time when we are doing anything we can to keep a positive attitude in light of the nation’s events.

Kyle Moss is a senior in journalism and mass communication from Urbandale. His favorite hair band was Poison.