Did you know Tom Cruise has a new movie out? Yup. And his co-stars are Russell Brand, Alec Baldwin, Mary J. Blige, Paul Giamatti, Catherine Zeta-Jones and Julianne Hough. Then there is a newcomer of sorts- Diego Boneta.
Now that we have the formal introductions out of the way, let’s dive into what IS “Rock of Ages.”
Cruise plays burnt out rocker Stacee Jax. He is everything you think of when describing a typical 80’s rock star who frequents women and booze. A LOT of booze. I was one of the “naysayers” that didn’t think Cruise could pull of this role. Boy, was I wrong. If you thought Cruise was over the top in “Tropic Thunder,” you ain’t seen nothing yet. Cruise nails this “Axl Rose”- ish character. His stage performances are brilliant.
The movie is based on the Tony award nominated Broadway musical of the same name. I saw it live. Not to name drop, but my good friend Constantine Maroulis (American Idol) starred in that live show playing the role of Drew. Boneta now plays that role in the big screen version. I was bummed to hear Maroulis didn’t get the role in the movie, but was happy to see Maroulis in a cameo as a record executive. You’ll see him.
Having seen the musical, I was prepared to harshy criticize this movie. While not the best interpretation, it’s really not bad. Think a hard core rock and roll episode of “Glee” and you’ve got “Rock of Ages” complete with the musical numbers intertwined with a plot.
The plot? A famous club on the Hollywood Sunset Strip (The Bourbon) is facing pressure from a “religious” group led by the LA mayor’s wife (Zeta-Jones) to close down. The Bourbon, named for the real-life existing LA club The Whiskey, is owned by Dennis (Baldwin). It’s losing money and needs a “resurrection.” Stacee Jax (Cruise) to the rescue! Jax’s sleeze-ball manager (Giamatti) books Jax to play a “one night only” show. Does he save the day? I’m not telling.
Meanwhile, there is also a love story developing between Hough’s character, Sherry (yes, there is a Journey moment in the movie) and Drew (Boneta).
I told you it had a bunch of “Glee” elements.
Bottom line?
If you want a fun ride singing along to tunes like Night Ranger’s“Sister Christian,” Bon Jovi’s “Wanted Dead or Alive,” Def Leppard’s “Pour Some Sugar on Me,” and Pat Benatar’s “Hit Me With Your Best Shot”- you’ll enjoy this. If you have never heard of those songs, you probably won’t.
Directed by Adam Shankman (“Hairspray”), “Rock of Ages” pays homage to what the 80’s were- over the top fun while jamming unforgettable tunes that used guitars and not auto-tune.
Remember Starship’s “We Built This City” and it’s lyrics? THAT is, rightfully so, this movie’s theme song.
Dave Morales is a member of the Houston Film Critics Society
