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Verdict: A minor-key Hollywood satire that leaves you wanting more.

Details: Starring Ally Sheedy, Rosanna Arquette and John Taylor. Rated R for strong language, drug content and sexuality. 1 hour, 32 minutes.

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Review: More minor-key ballad than arena-rock anthem, "Sugar Town" is co-writer and director Allison Anders' and Kurt Voss' pointed but affectionate satire of the world of rock 'n' roll show biz — emphasis on the biz side.

The filmmakers introduce us to a loosely connected group of has-beens, wannabes and hangers-on in the recording studios, aqua pools and granola-crunchy reaches of Hollywood's peaks and valleys. While the territory has been covered more sharply, from the film-industry side, in Robert Altman's "The Player," "Sugar Town" doesn't waste time or linger too long. It leaves you wanting more, and that's rare.

The large cast includes Eva (Rosanna Arquette), a second-tier actress who's reached the dread age when she's being cast as Christina Ricci's mother, and hubby Clive (John Taylor of Duran Duran), a once famous 1980s rock star whose waning popularity doesn't keep groupies from showing up in their driveway at all hours. Including one ashram refugee who dumps an angry kid named Nerve (Vincent Berry) on the doorstep, claiming he's Clive's son.

Clive is trying to kick-start his career by joining forces with two other last-decade wonders, Nick (Michael Des Barres of Power Station) and Jonesy (Martin Kemp of Spandau Ballet), who now gets by selling drugs.

Yes, the casting of actual '80s rockers is partly a gimmick, but their presence gives "Sugar Town" a bittersweet verisimilitude that enriches it.

Also in the mix: Ally Sheedy as Liz, a neurotic production designer trying to find happiness through massage, martial arts and men; John Doe as a session player tempted away from his loving, pregnant wife while touring with a Latin singer (Lumi Cavazos of "Like Water for Chocolate"); Beverly D'Angelo, in a hilarious, dragon-lady turn as an alcoholic matron willing to invest in a band under very specific conditions; and newcomer Jade Gordon as Gwen, a sexy sociopath who will do anything to get ahead, whether lie, cheat, barter her body or even steal from a friend who's about to OD.

Anders ("Grace of My Heart") and Voss met in college and collaborated on the low-budget drama "Border Radio," about the L.A. punk scene. They know the music territory, and it shows in the mix of amused disbelief and forgiveness they bring to their observations. It's insidery, but not snide.

As the plot lines weave together, you may find yourself expecting the movie to arrive at a specific message. That's not the point. Like a piece of music, "Sugar Town" balances themes, motifs, harmonies and dissonances. It's like a pop song for the eyes, something you hear from a passing car radio — catchy and brief, not at all profound, but liable to bring a smile to your face.

— Steve Murray, Cox News Service

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