Why would anyone need to see a movie about a wannabe-rock-star, post-operative transsexual with a 1-inch penis? Because it rocks. It rocks incredibly hard, with a great story, great songs and characters you can’t look away from.

Of course, in the last year about ten bazillion critics have praised “Hedwig and the Angry Inch,” and before that they praised the off-Broadway theater production. So I’m not going to say anything that anyone who knows about the movie hasn’t heard already. It’s a great movie, go check it out.

But of course, we are in Michigan. The heartland, if you will. The land of frat guys, a church on every corner and dairy with every meal. Where the bars all have Pabst Blue Ribbon on tap, which really isn’t all that bad, in my opinion. But the point is, what is going to get the average Joe to go check this out? With any luck, little ol’ me, telling everyone how darn good this movie is.

The film that “Hedwig” is most commonly referenced with is 1975’s “The Rocky Horror Picture Show,” which is probably because they both involve men who dress like women. Well, first off, it’s quite easy to figure out that “Hedwig” is a better movie. Not only does it have a cohesive story within an economical 91 minutes, but the songs are better, and you don’t have to deal with audience members who shout out certain lines and throw bread. You know who you are, “Rocky Horror” fans, and don’t even bother to e-mail me and bitch. Once you see the movie you’ll agree, unless you’re totally obsessed with “Rocky,” in which case you’re probably too busy cleaning your leather and shaving your legs to read this anyway.

Also, “Hedwig” commits completely to it’s characters, allowing the people to be who they are and evolve dramatically throughout the movie. As we follow the journey of young Hansel as he transforms from an East Berlin boy to a Midwest woman, we also see him discover his own power, learning to utilize what he is rather than be ashamed of it.

And when we see him begin to use the power of rock ‘n’ roll to actually take control of his life, especially when he first begins performing, we see his identity begin to truly take shape. The character is not played as a joke, but rather a stepping stone to truly accepting oneself. None of the characters are a joke, which is remarkable considering what the whole setup of the movie actually is.

The concept may sound ridiculous, but upon that little pebble of an idea is built one hell of a movie. Yeah, the guy’s got a nub for a crotch. But it isn’t played as a joke. It’s played as another obstacle in the path of an odd-man-out as he makes his way towards accepting, and finally loving, himself.

If for no other reason, this movie has also got to be heard. The songs are amazing, catchy and wonderful. The songs just plain rock, and they work into the movie perfectly. Coming from a guy that hates most musicals with a passion, that’s saying a lot. The songs are much better than the average rock movie, unless of course you’re watching The Who’s “Tommy” while racked to the gills on acid.

In fact, the only other musical I’ve ever enjoyed, other than “Hedwig,” was “Co-ed Prison Sluts,” which just happens to be the longest running show in Chicago’s history. And it’s not as dirty as it sounds, you filthy little readers you.

But back to my first rant. “Hedwig” is a blast. Go check it out.