3/5
Director: Adam Shankman
Stars: Julianne Hough, Diego Boneta, Tom Cruise, Alec Baldwin, Catherine Zeta- Jones, Russell Brand, Malin Akerman
If you're up for a musical medley of 80's hits such as 'We Built This City', 'Wanted Dead Or Alive' and 'Every Rose Has Its Thorn' woven amid two hours of light- hearted air guitar inducing entertainment, then grab your buddies and a few Woodies – 'Rock of Ages' is right up your alley.
The smash broadway musical turned all-star cinematic extravaganza tells the story of young wannabes, city boy Drew and small town hottie Sherrie who move to Hollywood to pursue their rock 'n' roll dreams.
Moments after arriving on the Sunset Strip Sherrie is mugged, she's rescued by Drew, and young love blossoms...with Drew convincing his boss Dennis to give Sherrie a waitressing job at the famous Bourbon Room.
On the verge of bankruptcy, the iconic haunt, led by Dennis (Alec Baldwin) and sidekick Lonny (Russell Brand), manages to secure a gig by rock band Arsenal, fronted by Axel-Rose-like legend Stacee Jaxx, played by Tom Cruise.
Meanwhile the virtuous wife of LA's new mayor Patricia, played by Catherine Zeta-Jones, is on a mission to rid the strip of its "sex, drugs and rock 'n' roll" lifestyle, directing her campaign at the all-embodying Jaxx.
What ensues is a smoky, loud haze of popular power ballads – which will transport you back to those awesome, shot-fuelled karaoke nights – a totally predictable yet likeable enough storyline, a mish-mash of OTT performances, weird, tongue-in-cheek, cheesy moments, and above all a hefty dose of toe-tapping, at times even fist-pumping, entertainment.
Despite a very awkward and cringe-inducing scene with Jaxx, Malin Akerman's character as Rolling Stone reporter Constance Sack is one of the best, along with Jaxx's greasy manager Paul, played by Paul Giamatti, while Mary J. Blige, cast as a strip club manager, adds a touch of true singing talent to the effervescent mix.
From the director of 'Hairspray', 'Rock of Ages' is a feel-good flick, but there’s no denying that the music is the star of the show.
'Rock of Ages' is in cinemas now.
8 Comments
Fun film, enjoyed the performances by everybody. Once again Cruise transforms in his role, like a cameleon. Just go with an open mind, have fun (but don't go if you have cruise hating tendancies, or don't like musicals)
ReplyLeave any highbrow expectations at the door, and have some fun. Be 18 again!
ReplySaw the movie on Thursday night, the music is definitely the star and the story line is a bit average but aren't most musicals? Tom Cruise isn't too bad but I didn't go to see the acting, just the music. Russel Brand steals the show, seeing the live version is probably the best option.
ReplyThat wasn't a review, that was a summary.
ReplyAvoid anything with tom cruise and russell brand in it!
Reply