Produced by Adam Shankman, Jennifer Gibgot, Tobey Maguire,
Matthew Weaver, Scott Prisand, Carl Levin, Garrett Grant
Screenplay by Justin Theroux, Chris D’Arienzo, Allan Loeb
Based on Rock of Ages by Chris D’Arienzo
Directed by Adam Shankman
Starring Julianne Hough, Diego Boneta, Russell Brand,
Paul Giamatti, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Malin Åkerman,
Mary J. Blige, Bryan Cranston, Alec Baldwin, Will Forte
and Tom Cruise
Rock of Ages is far more entertaining than it deserves to be.
With it’s tongue planted firmly in cheek, Adam Shankman’s adaptation of the hit Broadway musical doesn’t forget it’s roots. It never reaches the artistic majesty of Baz Luhrmann’s Moulin Rouge, but instead, keeps the depth shallow, but nevertheless fun, incorporating many familiar rock songs. Julianne Hough and Diego Boneta are unfortunately the weakest elements of the film, with a storyline that seems to mine Coyote Ugly and Three’s Company for emotional wallop.
Fortunately, the rest of the cast is pretty entertaining as they mug for the camera, with a particularly dedicated performance by Tom Cruise as rock god, Stacee Jaxx, who mines Axl Rose and Jim Morrison and who’s only honest friendship is with his pet baboon, Hey Man.
Rock of Ages might not be particularly great movie, but it might be the most fun I’ve had at the movies this summer. Recommended.
