Rock of Ages

In this nostalgic prodding of the 80's Broadway and West End stage musical of sex, love and rock 'n' roll, aspiring singers Sherrie Christian (Julianne Hough) and Drew Boley (Diego Boneta) fall in love while working at Dennis Dupree's (Alec Baldwin) legendary rock club, the Bourbon Room on the Sunset Strip. Sherrie and Drew's life takes a detour after meeting the emulated Rock 'n' Roll superstar, Stacee Jaxx (Tom Cruise) and his devious talent agent Paul Gill (Paul Giamatti).

Complicating matters are Justice (Mary J. Blige), owner of the Venus Club, Rolling Stone journalist Constance Sack (Malin Akerman), as well as Los Angeles Mayor Whitmore's (Bryan Cranston) prudish wife Patricia (Catherine Zeta-Jones) who is determined to shut the rock club down.

Superb cast performances include Paul Giamatti's hilarious portrayal of the sleazy and opportunistic talent agent, Alec Baldwin and, in the role of Dennis' business partner Lonny, Russell Brand. However, it is Tom Cruise who owns the feature with his over the top performance of the nonsensical, sex crazed, aging and burned out, Rock and Roll god superstar, Stacee Jaxx.

The uplifting collage of music videos is heavily intertwined with the story through high energy classic soundtracks and choreography. Actors Alec Baldwin, Tom Cruise and Russell Brand did their own singing. Surprisingly good is Tom Cruise's singing ability.

Cameo appearances of recording artists, many of whose songs are featured in the movie, include Nuno Bettencourt of Extreme, Night Ranger's Joel Hoekstra, Debbie Gibson, Skid Row's Sebastian Bach, and REO Speedwagon's Kevin Cronin.

Fun 80's hair, attire and accessories were included by costume designer Rita Ryack such as the huge phone and antenna with a phone bag. Slick production values by Jon Hutman include iconic landmarks such as Chateau Marmot and the former Tower Records.

Although simple and predictable, the performances and flashy musical entertainment deliver an enjoyable Rock of Ages.