| Rock & Roll Will Never Die? | ||
| Rock of Ages | ||
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| Review by Ross Anthony | ||
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Exceeded expectations. Sort of a "Grease" for the 80's. Oh, dare me, do I need to say 1980's? These are the iconic songs of my youth, songs that were radio-played over and over, or as Drew says in a very funny moment (but only if you know the Journey tune to which he refers) "on and on." Nonetheless, I liked a lot of them -- or at least their hooks. This production not only re-produced them well, but in some cases, better than the originals. At times, two hits are combined here making for rich dialogue-in-song cinematic moments. Speaking of which, the singing voices are amazing. The two leads can belt. And was that really Tom Cruise's voice? If so, I want to know which software was used to help out.
Rock and Roll … but without the sex and drugs. The sex is implied, at times, in such a direct manner that the implication surely bests something cheaper and showier. Anyway, the film uses kissing as a pretty close replacement. And as for the drugs … refreshingly none … nada. (I don't even recall anyone smoking.) Alcohol, on the other hand, loads of that. As it turned out, I happened to have recently netflicksed "Pirate Radio" (fell below expectations). "Rock of Ages" is far more fun, musical and cohesive. Sure, the main plot line has been played as often as the tunes in the score, still, the originality of the dialogue, musical arrangements and especially Cruise's character (and performance) keeps the picture crisp and fresh. |
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Grade..........................A- (2.5/4) |
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Copyright © 1998-2023 Ross Anthony, Author - Speaker - Solo World Circumnavigator In addition to reviewing films and interviewing celebs at HollywoodReportCard.com, traveling the world, composing great music, motivational speaking, Mr. Anthony also runs his own publishing company in the Los Angeles area. While traversing the circumference of the planet writing books and shooting documentaries, Mr. Anthony has taught, presented for, worked &/or played with locals in over 30 countries & 100 cities (Nairobi to Nagasaki). He's bungee-jumped from a bridge near Victoria Falls, wrestled with lions in Zimbabwe, crashed a Vespa off a high mountain road in Taiwan, and ridden a dirt bike across the States (Washington State to Washington DC). To get signed books ("Rodney Appleseed" to "Jinshirou") or schedule Ross to speak check out: www.RossAnthony.com or call 1-800-767-7186.
Go into the world and inspire the people you meet with your love, kindness, and whatever it is you're really good at. Check out books by Ross Anthony. Rand() functions, Pho chicken soup, rollerblading, and frozen yogurt (w/ blueberries) also rock! (Btw, rand is short for random. It can also stand for "Really Awkward Nutty Dinosaurs" -- which is quite rand, isn't it?) Being alive is the miracle. Special thanks to Ken Kocanda, HAL, Jodie Keszek, Don Haderlein, Mom and Pops, my family, R. Foss, and many others by Ross Anthony. Galati-FE also deserves a shout out. And thanks to all of you for your interest and optimism. Enjoy great films, read stirring novels, grow. |
Yes it's campy, but in a self-aware way, and after all, it is a musical. Lots of energy, lots of costumes, lots of dance, spunk, music, and fun, a great cast, and to my surprise, a good sense of humor.
