Rock of Ages

If Tom Cruise doesn't do it for you in Rock of Ages Giamatti is sure to...

Fans of the stage show are likely to enjoy Adam Shankman’s film adaptation. Sex, stardom and Stacee Jaxx (Tom Cruise) dominate this story of small town girl meets bright lights. Shankman’s past films include a remake of John Waters’ Hairspray, Bedtime Stories and a couple of episodes of Glee. The music hails from the 80s and it is nothing if not fun but it falls into the modern Glee world of mash-ups and mildness. It is entertaining cheese with some strangely surreal performances and appearances.  

Sherrie (Julianne Hough) meets Drew (Diego Boneta) just as she enters LA to fulfil her dreams of becoming a singer. Drew works in the Bourbon Room and sets her up with a waitressing job only for young love to ensue and the pitfalls of the rock 'n' roll lifestyle to rear its ugly head.  The two leads will appeal to the audience it is aiming for, but they are totally eclipsed by the supporting actors. Tom Cruise as the topless, whiskey sipping rock star Stacee Jaxx steals every scene, and apart from the unnecessary pairing with a baboon called Hey Man will keep you laughing.  His scenes with Malin Akerman, who plays Rolling Stone journalist Constance Sacks, are filthy over the top fun.

Alec Baldwin’s club owner Dennis is paired up with Russell Brand’s Lonny who fits into the picture and is well cast.  Their dynamic is amusing and they both seem to be having lots of fun in their roles. Paul Giamatti turns up as the crooked manager to Jaxx and his character presents the issues that creative types face in the industry.  You may cringe when he sings, but it is all done with a knowing nod.  Catherine Zeta-Jones plays the zealot fighting against rock music and her dance scenes are brilliant, but she lacks the exuberance of Lin Shaye who played a similar role in Detroit Rock City.

You need to be all in with this kind of film; if you are a fan of hair metal and power ballads you are sure to leave the cinema with a grin on your face. 

Rock of Ages is out in the UK from Wednesday 13th June.