I’m going to give my age away, and admit to loving 80′s music. The kids aren’t in the car and I’m all alone and you will most likely find an 80′s channel tuned in on my radio, so when “Rock of Ages” came out in theaters I admit to more than a passing interest in seeing it. But sometimes a trip to the cinema with just Mr. Money Saving Parent is easier said than done and many of the movies on my “wish list” to see will wait until they come out on DVD or try to watch them On Demand or Instant Video. “Rock of Ages” is one of those movies that now that I’ve seen it on the small screen of my computer, I can’t wait to see it on my TV as well as hear the music through stereo surround sound.
Let me start off by saying that ‘Rock of Ages” really isn’t anything but a good time. One of those sometime jaw dropping, sometimes laugh out loud, sometimes sing along to the music and not sure if you should keep watching or get up and dance sort of movies. If you take your movies and music seriously, you may not enjoy it. However, if you are out for a good time, good laugh and some fun with adult friends or your significant other and you lived and love rock and roll then you will most likely find this to be a “good time.”
What did I like about “Rock of Ages?”
- I loved the music. Sure, they took certain liberties with it, but I still recognized it. It was pretty surprising to see rock and roll, turned into a Broadway musical of sorts.
- Oh the clothing, the hair, the styles! Did we really look like that back then? Uhhm yeah, but if anyone pulls out a picture of me from then they will be in trouble. The movie nailed the flashy clothing, mini skirts, off the shoulder shirts, torn jeans, bangles, bracelets, heavy metal, great big earrings and even bigger hair.
I admit to lifting an eyebrow in skepticism when I read the cast names of Tom Cruise, Catherine Zeta-Jones and Alec Baldwin. Sure, Russell Brand and Mary J. Blige I can see. I even anticipated that Paul Giamatti would be the unscrupulous band manager. But, and this is a big one . . . they ROCKED! Seriously. Cruise started off a little slow, but seemed to pick up steam as the out of control bad boy rocker, think of a cross between Axl Rose and Bret Micheals, complete with fur coat, no shirt, tattoos and bandanna.
I have to admit that the young lovers out to find fame and fortune in the big city didn’t rock my world. Sure, the idea was there but I wasn’t overly impressed with the Diego Boneta (Drew) or Julianne Hough (Sherri Christina) (who looks remarkably like Hayden Panettiere). The movie was also a little on the long side, but at least the music kept it moving.
I won’t give away the plot, but let’s just say sex, alcohol (no drugs though) and rock and roll. Politics and pressure, and a little of the darker side of fame and fortune. True love conquers all and you can have both fame, fortune and love, you just gotta fire that manager and beat the users off with a monkey.
Watch the movie, you’ll know what I mean.
Now remember, this movie is rated PG 13 and with good reason (sexual content, language, suggestive dancing, and alcohol). While the sex was not right in your face, it was pretty clear what had happened or was going to happen, but it also had an element of humor. Would I let my kids watch it? Nope. But snuggled up on the couch with Mr. Money Saving Parent with a bowl of popcorn or with some friends over and the kids in bed, they yeah, I’m up for another “good time” from “Rock of Ages.”
“Rock of Ages” on DVD and Blu-ray and the “Rock of Ages” soundtrack is available for purchase at Best Buy on or after October 9, 2012.
The reviewer has been compensated in the form of a Best Buy Gift Card and/or received the product/service at a reduced price or for free.
