Rock of Ages

Director: Adam Shankman
Star Cast: Tom Cruise, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Alec Baldwin, Russel Brand, Paul Giamatti, Julianne Hough, Diego Boneta and Malin Akerman

Set in 1987, Rock of Ages, a musical Broadway, dramatically captures the rock legends Def Leppard, Joan Jett, Journey, Foreigner, Bon Jovi, Night Ranger, REO Speedwagon, Pat Benatar, Twisted Sister, Poison, Whitesnake, and more. The ‘80s and ‘90s were an era when youth leaned towards hip hop and the so-called ‘pop’ culture and the rock stars could never comprehend that transition. It wasn’t just about their music; it was their way of living. But this movie gives rock music the voice it barely got. No need for you to be a hard core rock music fanatic, this movie wins you over with its light-hearted humour and sincere protests. And reliving classic tunes is what makes it rocking.


Filled with sass, drama, heartache, witty wisecracks and of course hardcore music, the movie keeps you enthralled till the end. Every character lives classic tunes as if they were their own. Bigwigs like Tom Cruise, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Alec Baldwin and Russell Brand stay true to their characters. Talk about living the spirit of a die hard rock fanatic. It’s tough to see our Bollywood stars make such a collective effort in an ensemble cast film, isn’t it?


The storyline in a nutshell is all things Bollywood. There's a budding love story between Sherrie (Julianne Hough) and Drew (Diego Boneta). She’s small time girl who ditches her hometown, Tulsa for the city of her dreams - Sunset Strip. There she meets the city boy and subsequently discovers what the evil of fame can do to an innocent bond. You'll catch Tom Cruise in a never-before-seen avatar as ‘the’ Stacee Jaxx. He grosses the daylights out of you, but you’ll love him nevertheless. You’ll be utterly shell shocked watching him play an eccentric rock maestro. He's at his kinkiest best while being maneuvered by his manager Paul Giamatti. Cliches are as abundant as songs in this musical and the biggest is about the evils of fame. How it makes and breaks dreams. Comic timing from Russell Brand and Alec Baldwin is legendary and a bizarre chemistry between them is something you need to watch out for.

The show stealer here is Catherine Zeta-Jones. Even though her character doesn't take center stage, she manages to set the screen on fire. She plays an activist against rock music and culture, but she's a satire to all those aspiring hypocrites who’ve not been able to make it but yearn to. And boy does she personify that well.


Rock of Ages is one head banger you should not miss. Director Adam Shankman’s adaptation of the musical Broadway hit Rock of Ages translates spectacularly on the big screen. I’d be more than glad to watch this movie every time I’m feeling low. Like most musicals this movie can elevate your mood in a jiffy.