Rock Of Ages (Film)
Directed by Adam Shankman
Released 15th June 2012
When I heard that Rock Of Ages was being made into a film, I presumed it would be similar to the musical - a light hearted fun night out. I did not expect to be sitting there, cringing for the majority of the two hour film.
The reason that the musical works so well is because it doesn't take itself too seriously. The story is light hearted and the character of Lonny narrates the show making it a perfect, chilled, fun night out. However, in the film the storyline is completely serious and simply does not work. The first scene sees Sherrie travelling to Los Angeles on a packed bus with hopes of making it as a singer. I could tell she was about to start singing and I found myself sitting there praying that she didn't. But of course... she did. Then I joked to my friends that the whole bus would start singing and sure enough, one by one each passenger started to join in. It was terrible. I honestly had tears rolling down my cheeks as I was cringing so much. The thought that I had to sit through another two hours of this film terrified me.
The films saving grace is Russel Brand. If it wasn't for his fantastic performance as Lonny there is no way I would have given this film more than one star. His scene with Alec Baldwin where they sing 'Can't Fight This Feeling' was just as funny as in the musical and this time I had tears rolling down my cheeks for the right reasons.
Tom Cruise played a hardcore Stacee Jaxx! I liked the fact he had a completely different interpretation of the character which is what I want to see in a film version of a musical. His entrance was amazing but I won't spoil it in case anybody does actually want to see the film.
Diego Boneta and Julianne Hough were fine as Drew and Sherrie. Their voices were good and their acting was predictable. They didn't bring anything new to the roles. Julianne Hough looked a lot like Susan McFadden and to be honest I would have much preferred to have watched Susan play the role.
Mary J. Blige was good as Justice but producers obviously wanted to get their moneys worth and found a way to slot her into every single song which is strange as her character is so irrelevant to the story. Alec Baldwin was also good. He had a lot of chemistry with Russel Brand (thank god). I found it really awkward to watch Catherine Zeta-Jones as Patricia Whitmore. It just felt so fake and I advice you to just ignore her backing dancers as they were also incredibly cringey.
Rock Of Ages is nothing like musical films of Dreamgirls and Mamma Mia. After watching these films you almost feel the urge to stand up and give a round of applause. If I was you I wouldn't waste your hard earned cash on buying a ticket to see Rock Of Ages in the cinema, just wait till it comes out on Sky Movies so you can cringe alone in the comfort of your own home with affordable home made popcorn. Alternately go and see the musical at The Shaftesbury Theatre starring Shayne Ward and Justin Lee Collins.
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