'Rock Of Ages', review

First film review

Rock of Ages (12A)

Plot-

a small town girl, heads to LA, falls in love, gets a job in an 80s rock club, and meets plenty of rock stars and misfits along the way, singing while she does so of course...

Cast-

Julianne Hough, Diego Boneta, Catherine Zeta Jones, ALec Baldwin, Russell Brand, Paul Giamatti, Malin Akerman, Mary J Blige and Tom Cruise

Review-

Going into this film, i had several thoughts that spiralled around my cinematic mind. There were two main worries that bothered me. Firstly, that this film resembled Mamma Mia, in some way, shape or form. Secondly, Tom Cruise singing. To my actual surprise this film didnt resemble Mamma Mia in any way, shape or form, and believe it or not Tom Cruise doesn't make a bad effort at singing his heart out. With an A- list cast there was always the inevitable high risk that some characters would be pushed out of the plot and render themselves useless, again suprisingly the film covered all the characters equally bar one (a pretty much useless Zeta Jones, whos character must have been forgotten in the writers minds). The films soundtrack is definately one to remember as well, with Tom Cruise showing off his ballad skills with, 'I Want To Know What Love Is' (with the outstanding Malin Akerman), and the highlight to his performance, the duo of 'Wanted Dead Or Alive', and 'Pour Some Sugar On Me', showing off his acting talent and his star persona extremely well. While the film prides itself on its songs and dances, you cant help but notice its biggest downfall....the acting. Unfortunately, as good as Hough and Boneta are at belting out a tune or two, there acting is so wooden you cant help but cringe when they speak but thankfully they seem to be paid to sing more than act, which bodes well with the audience. All in all though the film visually is impressive (Sets and singers), humorous (Baldwin and Brand singing, 'I Cant Fight This Feeling Anymore') and immensely entertaining.

Verdict-

A musical bred for the other half of society that cant find their kicks in Mamma Mia, but in a good old bit of Rock and Roll, entertaining like no other.

Daniel Jones. 16/06/12