ROCK OF AGES--movie

ROCK OF AGES--Directed by Adam Shankman/Starring Julianne Hough, Diego Boneta, Tom Cruise, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Alec Baldwin, Paul Giamatti and Russell Brand/screenplay by Justin Theroux, Chris D'Arienzo, and Allan Loeb/from the musical book by Chris D'Arienzo/rated PG-13/2hr23min Bifocal Review by Ageless1der (Barbara Rich) & The Other Guy (B) We viewed this film with our 45 year old son and 13 year old granddaughter (her uncle). I have to admit I was not a fan of the 80’s music, but just watching my son thoroughly getting into the decade and loving the music really made it worthwhile. My granddaughter seemed to enjoy it too. I was disappointed to see so little dancing from Julianne Hough. That is what she does best. For me, Alec Baldwin and Russell Brand, along with Paul Giamatti as the rock star manager made the movie tolerable. They were very funny. Tom Cruise was quite impressive as a rock star, and quite amusing. It showed off his flexibility by stepping out of his normal roles in Mission Impossible. All in all, it was an afternoon well spent with my son and granddaughter. I’m sure it has generation appeal, but not my generation. I give it 2 binoculars. (OG) Although, I keep thinking that this movie had more negatives than positives (I always say that I’m not a fan of 80s music) I found several segments of the film entertaining, the music was mostly well-selected and I laughed out loud a few times). Julianne Hough is a a better dancer than a singer, but in this film (except for Catherine Zeta-Jones being an Academy Award Winner for doing just that) seeing actors and dancers singing along with the most memorable music of an era was part of the appeal for me. Tom Cruise is perfectly campy. A few days after viewing this movie, all the negatives had slipped away and I now can only remember back to some pretty enjoyable scenes, acting and music. There is so much here that should NOT have worked. First, the stars do not fit the generation who is likely to enjoy this film. Second, 80s rock? Really? And, third, Russell Brand…I’ve never seen him in anything that I’ve enjoyed. However, Brand’s chemistry (if you want to call it that) with Alec Baldwin is hilarious. After all is said and done, this movie (like the musical play from which it is spawned) is not supposed to be anything more than tongue-in-cheek, and leave you with a certain familiarity…like a name you can’t place with the face, which reminds me Malin Akerman was delightful as well. Her PG-13 sex scene with Tom Cruise was hysterical! I’m going to bump this one up to 2 ½ binoculars.