Rock of Ages - Movie

[songanddanceman2]

Just got back from watching this with my partner and first of all only me and him and 2 other people were in the whole cinema (oh dear). The film has some fun moments in but it is also way to long, over crammed with music, has no story, huge plot holes and manages to suck the life out of many of the songs (though some were brilliantly done). Alec Baldwin was wasted in this role and had nothing to do other than his rather predictable moment with Brand. Mary J looked like she missed the memo on what kind of film she was in and also had nothing to do. Juliana was great at acting the role and her dance was strong, she has a sweet voice but there is nothing rock about it at all.

Zeta Jones was great in her 2 big numbers and i thought Cruise did well (best moment in the film was his and the Rolling Stone reporter's duet). Russell Brand is trying to do a Birmingham accent and i could not stop laughing at how awful it is.

It was shot pretty well and did have some really good moments and a few funny moments, but all in all it was a huge let down. I see why this has divided critics and had more of them leaning towards negative.

[Jonwo]

I thought it was fun but I agree with the points you made, I think Cruise and CZJ was the best things in it but CZJ was very underused. My favourite songs were Pour Some Sugar on Me and Jukebox Hero.

[bob8rich]

"it is also way too long, over crammed with music, has no story, huge plot holes and manages to suck the life out of many of the songs"

Sticks pretty close to the stage show then. lol

[Spotlight61]

There is absolutely no need to be over analytical about this film or indeed the stage show.

Both are enjoyable, neither require you to bring your brain with you but the film edges it for me with the exception of Russell Brand whom is overused.

I never 'got' him as an 'entertainer' and this film confirms that. He is annoying beyond belief and his accents vary between Scouse and Brummy and if I had brought my brain, I might have asked why, even why cast him?!

The film edges it as I find the stage show irritatingly similar to a pantomime with too much deliberate mugging, corpsing and over the top self promotional/indulgent performances.

Perhaps we will see this vacate the Shaftesbury theatre in September.

Thankfully I haven't paid to see either!

[Phantom of London]

So that is what everyone has done wrong so far, nit left the 'brain' at home.

[yankeefan7]

In the US, the reviews have been fairly brutal about the movie overall. Cruise and Zeta-Jones have gotten favorable reviews for their roles in movie.

[Spotlight61]

Today, Rock of Ages London, confirms a new booking period to February 2013.

Really? I suspect this is more speculative as they have found it difficult to find an audience so far.

[Princeton Returns]

There was a clip on Graham Norton on Friday night with Catherine and Russell Brand and I have to admit it completely sold me on the movie and show. I love the music anyway but it just looks such fun, silly, but fun

[Jonwo]

I imagine the producers had hope the film would bring in an audience but it wouldn't surprise if it closes in September, if there any show interested in the Shaftesbury?

[mallardo]

The movie is a box office dud - at least in the US. It did a poor 15 million in its first weekend and finished third. It cost 70 million.

[philitalia]

70 million and that does not even include all the money spent on promoting the film.
On tv we get bombarded by publicity for this - and that's usually a bad sign