Rock of Ages
Movie review by Lauren
I saw Rock of Ages the Musical live and LOVED it. It’s one of my favorites. Just like Mamma Mia, Rock of Ages is a musical where you go in knowing most – if not all- the songs. You get classic hits from the likes of Journey, Def Leppard, Bon Jovi, and more.
As for the movie…well, the musical is my favorite out of the two versions, but I did highly enjoy the film and it’s something I would definitely see again. I was a bit weirded out for awhile that Tom Cruise was playing crazy rocker Stacee Jaxx, but he actualy did a good job. Maybe it would have been better to have a lesser-known actor play Stacee, but I think Cruise pulled it off and his singing voice was awesome. Kudos to him.
I saw the movie wiith my mom and sister, and afterwards, my mom commented that Julianne Hough (she plays country girl Sherrie who comes to Hollywood to sing) isn’t really an actor, but she has a good voice. While Hough is an actor, of course, I can see what she means. Her voice was nice and overall, she did a good job, but she really is a better singer/dancer than an actress.
However, I was really blown away by the other lead, Diego Boneta (who played rocker Drew). Personally, I think he’s an awesome actor and he has an really amazing voice. He is one I’d be on the lookout for in future projects. I also liked that he was relatively unknown before this role. It worked out well, because I could get lost in the idea that Drew was real.
The rest of the cast was awesome. Russell Brand and Alec Baldwin were a lot of fun, Catherine Zeta-Jones is one kick-ass singer, Mary J. Blige played the perfect part, and Paul Giamatti played a crazy, typically selfish manager…but I liked that the artists didn’t always let him get away with things. At least not for long.
Overall, if you’re interested in this movie, I would go and check it out. One of my favorite musical numbers was “Dead or Alive” by Bon Jovi…sung by Stacee Jaxx (Tom Cruise) in the film. I thought it was done really well, and I just love that song. Plus, it does give you an insight into Jaxx’s life…which is cool!
Random Fact: Constantine Maroulis, who originated the role of Drew on Broadway, makes a cameo appearance in the film…with an amusing line and everything!
Final Say: It’s full of over-the-top characters singing classic rock songs…blended together in one wild romp of a film!
I love Broadway as well as movie musicals. Rent and Wicked are my two favs ๐
I haven't gotten up to NYC to see Rock of Ages, but would love to. I've had my eye on the movie, and I was excited to see you'd reviewed it. The critics didn't seem to like it much, but I wondered if it was because the critics were just being stuffy. So I'm really glad you enjoyed it, and now I definitely want to check it out ๐
I want to see this too. Can't convince my husband to go – but maybe my daughter will go.
I would love to see this movie just for the nostalgia yes I grew up in the 80s. I didn't know Tom Cruise was a rock star. I think Alec Baldwin is hilarious. I will definitely be watching this when I get the chance!
Eh, I'm still not interested. It looks way too predictable.
hmmmm I actually haven't heard of this one but it looks interesting! So glad to hear you really enjoyed it. The movie sounds like a fun one for the summer. Glad to hear the actors were so awesome!!! The cast looks great! Great movie review!
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I was actually debating what we would do for my birthday date and I had thought of going to the movies but wasn't sure what we'd watch since we have such different tastes. This movie might actually be one we'd both really enjoy and your review has me excited, I think I want to see this one!
Aw, this seems like such a fun film! Hooray for musicals.
I love Julianne Hough so that totally makes me want to see it!
Oh there ARE great actors in this one! Definitely worth a watch!
Could be fun.
/ Avy
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Strange, my comments keep publishing without my clicking on publish only to instantly disappear.
Great review, I'm hoping to see this at the cinema real soon.
With regards to Mama Mia the movie I think part of the fun was seeing the actors making what can only be described as a mess of the songs – I think Pierce Brosnan was hilarious.
Great review! I've been wanting to see it but the hubs has been iffy about it. Now I'm off to tell him about your review ๐
Okay, so apparently I live under a rock because this is the first time I'm hearing of this movie despite the fact that I also saw the musical on Broadway when I was in NYC last and loved it too. I blame my lack of cable, among other things. I'm surprised by all the star power in this one! When you mentioned some lesser known actors playing the leads, I wasn't expecting any of those big names… okay, I'm excited to see this now (even if the acting left a little to be desired)! Thanks for letting me know about this from under my extremely dense rock, haha.
I want to watch this just for Diego, but I don't think it's something I'll put money out for at the theaters. Great review!
I too love this musical! Wicked is my fave musical ever! I just love it.. See it and LOVE it. It is very different. Stay in the center or as far into the center as you can. Even though far over wicked tickets may not be "unsighted", there is a lot going on on stage.
This movie does sound like a whole lot of fun! I haven't seen it yet, but I do hope to soon. ๐
I wasn't really planning on watching this movie, but Diego Boneta performance sounds too fantastic to miss. Thanks for the movie review. Since I don't really get out to the movies much, it helps to know what is worth checking out.