The only hint of America that hit my eyes during my recent sublime visit to Paris, the City of Light, were posters in the subway promoting the new flick, Rock of Ages. The power of suggestion: had to see it upon my return. (Besides, I had to re-unite with that American phenomenon of Harkins popcorn!)
Ladies and gentlemen, this is my new guilty pleasure. A musical that had its origin on Broadway, it's just so much fun, but only if you remember the 80s. Within the first five minutes, we figured out it's a satire; however, I suspect plenty of thicker film-goers won't realize that and leave the theatre saying, "Oh, wasn't that a sweet love story." Set in 1987 Los Angeles, Drew and Sherrie are two young people chasing their dreams in the big city. When they meet, it's love at first sight, though their romance will face a series of challenges. (IMDB) Fraught with hilarious cliches and a plethora of groovy and corny 80s music, it follows that awkward musical era that brought us both Mega-Death and New Kids on the Block!
The cast is brilliant with Alec Baldwin, Paul Giamatti, Bryan Cranston, Mary K. Blige, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Russell Brand. But the scene-stealer is Tom Cruise, as a Van Halen/David Lee Roth composite. Say what you will about Cruise's bizarre personal side, the man can act, and he does so fearlessly.
'Nough said, but we laughed so much through this, and actually enjoyed tripping through the 80s again. I think I'll go see it again.
It's summer. Have some escapist fun. Go see Rock of Ages, dude!
Wow, Valerie, that sounds like fun! Must viewing, from your description. I am a sucker for musicals, even silly ones like Grease. Love 'em all. Remember Hair? I agree with your comment about good ol' Tom. He's struggling in his personal life, no doubt. But he's done some great film work. I recall most of all Born on the 4th of July. Thanks for the post...must return to those crazy 80's!
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