Rock Of Ages follows Sherrie Christian (Julianne Hough), a young girl from Oklahoma who comes to Los Angeles to fulfill her dream of becoming a professional singer. Here she meets Drew (Diego Boneta), a city boy who dreams of becoming a rock star – the pair begin work at famous rock bar, The Bourbon Room, where ‘rock God’ Stacey Jaxx (Tom Cruise), just happens to be playing.
From the onset, Rock Of Ages feels somewhat uninspired – the mere concept of the country girl moving to LA for fame and fortune, surely has to be one of the biggest cliches in the genre. There is very little to the plot than this, with the screenplay sagging between musical numbers. From the onset of Drew and Sherrie’s meeting we how the story will pan out: boy falls in love with girl, soon follows the inevitable break-up and then the predictable reconciliation. It does not help that these two characters, lack any real development or flashes of originality.
Mary J. Blige features in a likeable supporting role giving the star a chance to show off her flawless vocals, most notably through a lively rendition of Journey’s Any Way You Want It. Alec Baldwin and Russell Brand also entertain as the owner and emcee of The Bourbon Room, with the pair proving wonderful comic additions to the cast. Baldwin and Brand also feature in a strangely touching version of REO Speedwagon’s Can’t Fight This Feeling.
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