At the movies: Rock of Ages
When I first saw the trailer for Rock of Ages, I was curious until I saw they had cast Tom Cruise as the aging rock star. I am not a fan of his and felt like it was poor casting. After seeing buzz on Twitter that he was great in the role and actually stole the show, I talked a friend of mine into seeing the movie with me. I’ll admit that Cruise was better than I expected and was probably good but I wouldn’t classify his performance as great.
That doesn’t mean I regret seeing the movie – I thought it was cute and fun, even if it was predictable and cheesy at times. It’s the story of two young people who travel to Hollywood to try to make it in the rock scene. In the meantime, the mayor’s wife is trying to close down the city’s premier rock club. Think of it as the Mama Mia of 80′s Rock – the plot’s not terrific but the music sure is fun!
I didn’t think the acting was particularly stellar in the movie, but the song and dance numbers were terrific and had me dancing in my seat. This movie would be perfect to see on a rainy day at the beach.
you are not going to believe this, but I’m going to see this tonight with my friend. I’m not holding out for much, but hoping to leave with a smile on my face
Tom Cruise isn’t my favorite either. I can’t tellyou the movie of his that I saw. SInce it’s suppose to rain all day today, mom and me are going to go see Moonrise Kingdom.
The previews looked like it might be be a fun movie. I’ll keep it in mind for the next rainy day. Sure hope that isn’t too far away though…it’s getting dry around here!
I really love the music – 80′s!!! So I hope to see it before it leaves the theater
The trailer does seem like one I would like to watch. Great!
I’ve seen the previews and this movie just seems too ‘busy’ for my taste. Good to hear the dance numbers are fun though.
I don’t think I’ve seen the previews. I’m not fan of Tom Cruise either.
I went to this with my mother, grandmother, aunt, uncle, and two cousins. We had a blast. I love the music so it was bound to capture me that way alone. I really enjoyed Cruise’s performance even though, like you, I am not a fan of him at all at all. And I loved the blend of spoof and serious.
I think it looks like silly fun!
I’m not a fan of Tom Cruise, but he does tend to steal the show. He totally MADE Magnolia, and his bit part in Tropic Thunder was insane. So knowing that he totally puts himself out there, I was interested to see this. Plus…that music is totally ME.
I decided way back it was one I would wait a while to see. I don’t think it could be as good as Almost Famous (pure greatness) but I figure it will be cute. I should add in some movie stuff into my blog. hmmm…
Beth ^_^
http://sweetbooksnstuff.blogspot.com/
I think Rock of Ages is one of the “Broadway” shows that we have tickets to this upcoming season. If it’s ’80s music I am sure to enjoy it!
This movie looked so bizarre to me, but i”m glad you had fun!
I have to admit I’m not feeling like a big fan of Cruise lately, but I do think he is a good actor!
Every time I think of Tom Cruise in this role I get the giggles. He’s just so short, and so old for the part – and yet you liked him in it. I don’t think I would make it as a movie reviewer. I’m just too old fashioned.
I think I’ll wait for the DVD. I’m not a Tom Cruise fan either, but I grew up on that 80s metal so it does sound fun.
I love 80′s rock, but like Anna, I am not a big Cruise fan and might not see the film right away. I do really love the idea of a rock tribute movie that is kind of a musical, but once again, there is the Cruise factor, and that kind of turns me off!
I haven’t seen this one, but I’ve had my doubts. Looks like fun, though. Will wait for DVD. hehe
I just can’t picture him in this role, but maybe it works.
I’ll suffer through a bad movie if the dancing is good! I imagine I’ll rent this so I can fast forward to the dance scenes.
My husband expressed interest in seeing this and he never wants to go to the movies. Sounds like fun… guess I better take him up on it before he changes his mind.
My husband asked me if I wanted to see this one. I guess the whole 80s thing has some appeal to me!
Tom Cruise put me off this one too, but I’ll definitely check it out when it’s on netflix/cable. It does sound fun though and the music sounds great! Glad you enjoyed it
DVD for sure
Tom Cruise is ok, but I think I’ll wait for this to come out on DVD or on DirecTV before seeing it.
Glad you liked it.
I agree with you about Cruise; he’s not who I admire, but I do like Julianne Hough’s dancing. Thanks, Kathy.
Agree that it was pretty campy, but I had a good time! My dad wanted to see if on Father’s Day, so we went over with Spencer and enjoyed it. Fun for a lazy afternoon, and the Journey songs definitely had me singing along!
I like a little cheesey once in a while.
Now see…this was your chance to actually jump up and dance in the aisle!
I’m waiting for video on this….
Not my kind of movie either, and I’m not a Cruise fan either, so I guess this would be a rainy day movie for me.
I’ve actually been tempted to watch this just to see Russell Brand, but I have no interest in watching Tom Cruise.
I want to see this one just for the music!
Hi kathy,
I might also watch this one just for the music, but that’s a BIG maybe, as I actually don’t like Tom Cruise all that much and I am not a fan of his acting abilities.
Generally, if I am in the mood for some nostalgia and great music, then I much prefer a live music concert, or a stage show.
Yvonne
I thought Tom Cruise was so awkward in the movie but the singing was pretty good–we debated for a long time whether it was actually him singing or not but I guess he practiced for hours a day.
Scott and I went to see this one and he hated it and I loved it. It was TERRIBLE but still just too much fun. Would definitely see it again…on video. Glad you enjoyed it, too. You’re a better wife than I am for having saved Carl from experiencing this one!
Sounds like one to watch on DVD.
I saw this one in the theater too and enjoyed it for the great score and dance numbers. I was also impressed by Tom Cruise’s voice. I didn’t realize that he could sing — apparently neither did he. In an interview in People magazine he cliamed to have sang scales for 10 hours a day with a voice coach for months. I think his hard work really paid off in that way. I agree, however, that the plot was cheesy.
I am with you on Tom Cruise! I fell out of love with him {a very brief love affair during Top Gun} when I found out how short he is and especially after his theatrics on Oprah and jumping on the couch….very strange man!
Love the movie review though! I’m so out of touch with movies so it’s nice to see what’s out there and what I should avoid.
As an 80′s girl I’m going to have to see this one. I couldn’t convince Jason though so I’ll have to wait
I know very little about Broadway musicals, so I wasn’t so interested in seeing this one. Coupled with the fact I don’t like Tom Cruise much either, this is a no-go for me.
It does seem like one that would be a great summer film.
Thank you for reviewing this movie, Kathy! I couldn’t decide what to think because, like you, I’m not a fan of Tom Cruise. Still, I cannot deny that he tends to doa good job in the movies he’s in. So I was glad to read what you thought of this one. Now I drumming my fingers, waiting for a rainy day!
Glad you found this movie entertaining!
It’s on our list – the music is up hubby’s alley, but it looks campy so we’ll wait till it’s out in dvd… plus, only Jon Bon should sing Bon Jovi songs!
I heard Cruise was good in this (suprisingly … I didn’t know he could sing) but I think I’ll wait to rent it. By the way, have you seen Magic Mike yet? I went last night … total girl’s night out movie and it was a bit of a hoot!
I’m not a Cruise fan either but the 80′s music calls to me!!
Sounds like a fun rental.
This is coming on base next weekend – I think I will like it despite my distaste for Cruise.
I want to see this one. It sounds like fun and if I don’t take it too seriously I will enjoy it. I’m reserving judgement on the casting of Tom Cruise. I just don’t get it but it sounds like it turns out okay.