In an attempt to revive the rock nostalgia from the 1980s, “Rock of Ages” delivers a one-dimensional musical rom-com embellished with top rock hits from that era, translating like an edgier and more risqué cross between “Footloose” and “High School Musical.”
The film takes place in the year 1987. A sweet, small-town girl named Sherrie (Julianne Hough) leaves her home in Oklahoma to chase her dream of making it big as a singer in Hollywood. Upon arrival, she meets and quickly falls for Drew (Diego Boneta), who works as a waiter at The Bourbon Room, the celebrated rock ‘n’ roll venue run by its manager Dennis Dupree (Alec Baldwin) and his sidekick Lonny (Russell Brand).
The Bourbon Room on Hollywood’s infamous Sunset Strip was where the iconic Stacee Jaxx (Tom Cruise), a tattooed booze-guzzling rock star, became famous. Drew aspires to be just as legendary as Stacee, and in one lucky night, he scores the chance to sing as the opening act for Stacee Jaxx.
Unfortunately, The Bourbon Room is going through rough times. Not only is Dupree having trouble keeping the venue alive due to low funds, but the mayor (portrayed by Bryan Cranston of “Breaking Bad”) and his wife, Patty (Catherine Zeta-Jones), hope to shut it down for good in their declared war to eliminate the rock ‘n’ roll culture because of its negative influence.
The entire cast is on point and perfect for their respective roles. Everyone gets to rock out with a couple of lines or a few songs, but it’s all done Hollywood style, meaning lip-synced with unrealistic choreography.
