Rock of Ages – Lynn Venhaus (Belleville News-Democrat)
What It’s About: Don’t stop believin’ that ’80s rock anthems can still bring a crowd to its feet, but the movie “Rock of Ages” is such a hot mess that you’ll have more fun at your local hangout on karaoke night. Based on the campy Tony-nominated jukebox musical that has won over Broadway audiences for three years, this disappointing adaptation unwisely strips the show of its buoyancy, energy and tongue-in-cheek humor.
It’s 1987 on the Sunset Strip. Small-town Oklahoma girl Sherrie (Julianne Hough) arrives in Hollywood with dreams of being a singer. She meets Drew, a barback at The Bourbon Room...
“Rock of Ages” – Kevin Brackett (Review St. Louis)
Rock of Ages is based on the jukebox musical of the same name, which opened on Broadway in 2009. With an A-list cast, and built-in audience of both fans of the show and music from the 80s, it is sure to open strong. But for those who aren’t normally inclined to watching musicals, there isn’t a strong chance it will make you a believer.
The year is 1987, and Sherrie Christian (Julianne Hough) is travelling from her country home in Oklahoma to try and make it big in LA. After getting off the bus, and singing “Just Like Paradise,” she has her most prized possessions stolen – a suitcase full of her favorite records....
Rock of Ages – Reelworld (Kent Tentschert/Carol Hemphill)
Carol’s Take:
“Rock of Ages” is one of those movies that can either be picked apart or enjoyed. I recommend the latter.
Set in the thick of the 1987 Hollywood rock scene, the picture does “silly” with true panache. Alec Baldwin and Russell Brand are delightful. Tom Cruise’s tongue-in-cheek (and lots of other places) performance mesmerizes. Whether that’s in a good way or a bad one will forever be up for grabs.
Rock music is the soundtrack for many people’s lives. “Rock of Ages” taps into this truth and overcomes many flaws by prompting some authentic toe tapping along the way.
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