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From the brothers Gallagher to Sarah Michelle Gellar, Mayor Of The Sunset Strip has one of the starriest casts you'll ever see. That's because it's a documentary about Rodney Bingenheimer, an LA radio DJ who's been a dedicated mover and schmoozer since the 1960s. Propelled by a hit-stuffed soundtrack, the film offers a lively, funny look at the allure of celebrity; but it also gets uncomfortable when the camera probes the darker corners of Bingenheimer's life.

The first half's a bit of a love-in, as chart-topping pals like David Bowie, Cher and Nancy Sinatra share their enduring affection for our hero. Still, it's not hard to see why they're so fond of him: coming off like a cross between Andy Warhol and Forrest Gump, the bouffanted Bingenheimer is an endearingly geeky, unassuming presence. What's more, he's sincerely passionate about the discs he spins for radio station KROQ, where he's introduced scores of new acts to US listeners (including our own Oasis and Coldplay).

"AN ARRESTING, AFFECTING PORTRAIT"

However, it's not the playlist, but what makes the DJ tick that fascinates director George Hickenlooper (who made the brilliant Hearts Of Darkness, about the disastrous filming of Apocalypse Now). Unfortunately, his second-half attempts to expose the sadness behind the smile are awkward and a tad exploitative, especially when the lens eavesdrops on Bingenheimer bidding a poignant farewell to a family member. The end result is still an arresting, affecting portrait, but one that works best when it's nosing in the stardust rather than the grit.