rock of ages

Rock of Ages (The Movie)

Anna Blankenheim Movies , , , , , ,

There has been very little on TV this week, so Mike and I decided to rent Rock of Ages to see how it stood up to the musical.

Rock of Ages (from IMdB)
Rock of Ages (from IMdB)

Director: Adam Shankman

Stars: Julianne Hough, Diego Boneta, and Tom Cruise

Runtime: 2 hours, 5 minutes

Plot Summary: (from IMdB) Set in 1987 Los Angeles, Drew and Sherrie are two young people chasing their dreams in the big city. When they meet, it’s love at first sight, though their romance will face a series of challenges.

Rating: SKIP IT! Go see the musical instead!

Where to start, where to start? Tom Cruise is officially creepy. Let me get that out. I hated him in the role of Stacee Jaxx. He didn’t look like a rock god, he looked like an aging old man. Find better roles Mr. Cruise. Let me also say that I hate Julianne Hough’s voice. Stick to dancing, you sound auto-tuned. The one good part of the movie, believe it or not, was Russell Brand as Lonny. Pretty sad when Russell Brand is the shining light of your movie.

You see, this is why I’m not a big fan of musicals being made into movies. In fact, I’m terrified to watch Les Misérables because I’m pretty sure they’ll destroy that one too. I think the only one I have ever liked the film adaptation of was Chicago, but I haven’t seen the musical, so I might actually end up hating the movie once I do. Definitely skip this one and see the musical instead!

Ratings Explanation:

  • Theater: This means the movie is awesome. Go see this movie in the theater – well worth the $100 you’ll spend for a night out to see it on the big screen!
  • On Demand: Since no one actually rents movies anymore, this category has changed to On Demand. This means it’s a great movie, but it is as good at home as it is in the theater and worth seeing a little sooner.
  • TV: This means the movie is ok. Wait for it to show up on HBO and see it for free.
  • Skip It: Movie sucks, don’t waste your time.

Rock of Ages

Anna Blankenheim Music ,

One of my birthday presents from Mike was a trip into Sacramento to see Rock of Ages. Neither of us had seen it before, so we didn’t know what to expect. I seriously loved this musical. Shy of Movin’ Out, I haven’t seen any other musicals that really incorporate pop music. Honestly, this was genius. It incorporated all of the 80’s anthems that we know and love (it’s like four hours later and they’re still stuck in my head!). One of my favorite parts of the entire experience was when I heard the lady next to me lean over to her friend and say “Do you think this is going to get much louder”? Seriously made my day. Check out the song list:

Seriously, you can’t go wrong with Journey, except for the fact that it’s going to be stuck in my head for the next six days. Up next on the musical list for the year, George Strait on Thursday. I can’t wait!!!

January 27: Rock of Ages

January 31: George Strait, The Cowboy Rides Away Tour

June 2: Les Misérables