Rock of Ages

Rock of Ages

Starring Julianne Hough, Diego Boneta, Tom Cruise, Alec Baldwin

Directed by Adam Shankman

In Hollywood in 1987, young starlet wannabe Sherrie (Julianne Hough) arrives from her small town midwest hometown in hopes of making it big as a singer.  Things don't go especially well on her first day, but she does meet Drew (Diego Boneta), who's a barback at a club called The Bourbon Room, which is famous for finding the talent Stacee Jaxxx (Tom Cruise).  Drew convinces his bosses (Alec Baldwin & Russell Brand) to hire Sherrie, and sparks fly between the two.

When a misunderstanding comes between the two, they go their separate ways.  Sherrie takes another job at a gentleman's club run by Justice (Mary J. Blige), while Drew signs up with producer Paul (Paul Giamatti) to become the next big rock star - but ends up fronting a boy band instead.  Meanwhile, activist Patricia (Catherine Zeta-Jones) sets out to bring down the Bourbon Room, and Rolling Stone reporter Constance (Malin Akerman) tries to get to the bottom of Jaxxx's story.


Director Adam Shankman ("A Walk to Remember") brings to life the rock and roll era of the 80s by featuring several of that decades' best rock anthems including "Paradise City," "Wanted Dead or Alive," "Any Way You Want It" and the best song ever recorded, "Don't Stop Believing," sung by today's biggest stars.  That is the film's great achievement, as it showcases why 80s rock was the best type of music in recent memory.

Unfortunately, the rest of the film is a big dud.  There's several story lines going on at the same time, and it seems like each one only gives us a birds' eye view of what's happening.  There's no true depth of character or real desire for the audience to see them succeed or fail.  It's generally something you'd see in some college production, which is sad considering the unique range of talent in the film.

Still, if you grew up in the 80s, or have a fond appreciation for rock and roll, you'll love the musical numbers in this film, and thankfully there's enough of them to keep you entertained, even if the story is exceptionally weak.

My Rating: B+