Musicals have always had a special place in my heart. I think it may be because I’ve always liked music videos; a format that puts a story to your favorite song. Well, just expand that into multiple songs over a longer time span and you have yourself a musical. And Rock of Ages does have some classic tunes.
Ranging from Joan Jett to Foreigner to Bon Jovi, this film is packed with some of the most popular rock songs of the 1980s. There’s enough 80s music and references for you to truly believe you’ve lived through it, or remember it vividly…
The story starts off with naïve Sherri played by Julianne Hough (Footloose) running off to Los Angeles to become a famous musician. When she arrives things aren’t quite the fairy tale she imagines. But never fear, in comes struggling musician/bartender Drew played by the stellar Diego Boneta (TVs Pretty Little Liars) who quickly offers her a job. Soon they fall in love over their mutual love of heavy metal music which leads to habitually breaking out in song.
Joining them on screen is the surprisingly magnificent Tom Cruise (Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol) as Stacee Jaxx, the pentacle of rock music success. The character is heavily influenced by any rock band member of the 80s, especially a certain lead singer of Guns N’ Roses.
The job of reeling in Jaxx falls to Malin Ackerman (Wanderlust) playing the straight-laced Rolling Stone reporter Constance who is trying to write a coherent article about who Jaxx really is.
Also, Alec Baldwin (TVs 30 Rock) and Russell Brand (Arthur) extend a large portion of the comic relief in between musical numbers. Baldwin as Dennis, the grungy bar owner, lights up the screen alongside his right-hand man Lonny (Brand).
Catherine Zeta-Jones (Chicago) plays the most complex role of the film as Patricia Whitmore, an up-tight politician’s wife who has a slightly secretive past. With her musical and acting skills, you can’t take your eyes off of her, even if you might hate her character at times.
The movie is filled with incredible performances and music that nearly got me to start singing in the theater. It may not necessarily be fun for all ages, but if you lived through the 80s or if you just like the music, I guarantee you will have a great time.
