Rock of Ages

I'm really not one for musicals, and wasn't ready for what this movie threw at me when I saw it in a theater (was expecting something along the lines of Rock Star or That Thing You Do! I guess.) Anyway, if you like 80's hair bands, have a sense of humor and can take a step back and listen to the genre placed into the setting of a musical, you'll love this movie. Russell Brand is an absolute hoot, as always. And, while I'm sure no big Tom Cruise fan, I have to give credit where it's due... he was awesome as "rock legend" Stacee Jaxx. His mascot is an absolute riot as well, but I won't spoil that for you.

Love the music, BUT...too much of a musical for a movie and poorly executed. I was very disappointed since Def Leppard has been one of my fave bands since the mid-80s. Even watched at a drive-in, yet I nearly fell asleep. If it weren't for my DL devotion, we would have left less than halfway through. :(

I was very excited about this movie when I first seen the commercials for it. Didn't see it in theaters but I did buy the DVD the day it came out. Sadly, I was disappointed. Although I did love the music, the story seemed forced at times as though the writers were trying too hard to make the story line lead up to a specific song. Also, the songs themselves seemed out of place. They seemed too perfect. They were obviously prerecorded songs; I just wish they would have made the effort to make them not so perfect, at least with the concert scenes. The choice of actors is another matter entirely, and I honestly feel that they could have done better. Would have been a pleasant surprise had they gotten actual 80's rockers from the bands the music was from somewhere in this movie, even if only as background characters.