Rock of Ages is over-the-top, it's the good old musical.
It has an almost brought-back-from-the-dead feel.
I said 'almost', because it is actually lovable - in a campy way.
It gives us a star to root for - Diego Bonita.
Diego Bonita and Julianne Hough make a cute fresh lead pair.
Russell Brand displays his British wackiness once again.
And, with Alec Baldwin, Brand displays a quirky chemistry.
The story - of aspiring rockers - is as old as the history of musicals.
The girl-meets-boy-in-the-big-bad-City-of-Angels tale is paper-thin.
However, the secondary characters have a lot of pizzazz.
The deliciously funny, though predictable, situations make us chuckle.
Glam rock tracks, with anthem status, make us groove.
And the icing on the cake is Tom Cruise himself.
Cruise is a topping that is worth watching the movie for.
Cruise buffs have a reason to rejoice; others: witness a revelation.
Mary J. Blige shines too, as the owner of a night club.
Paul Giamatti plays a manipulative manager called, ahem ahem, Paul.
Despite the silliness, and some ham-acts, the film worked for me.
The songs - the cover versions plus the featured classics - are heavenly.
For a popcorn munching good time at the theaters,
Rock of Ages is recommended viewing.
Cast: Tom Cruise, Diego Bonita, Julianne Hough, Catherine Zeta-Jones,
Russell Brand, Alec Baldwin, Paul Giamatti, Malin Akerman,
Mary J. Blige, and Bryan Cranston.
Director: Adam Shankman.
Original musical: Chris D'Arienzo.
Screenplay: Chris D'Arienzo, Justin Theroux, and Allan Loeb.
