“Rock of Ages” may leave fans of the original Broadway musical wanting more. An all-star cast makes this musical amusing, including such gems as Russell Brand, in a role surprisingly similar to his personality; Tom Cruise as an over-the-top drunken rock star and Mary J. Blige as the proprietor of a gentleman’s club. The plot is simple, with two main romances and two seemingly ‘big’ problems, but the story is greatly upstaged by the soundtrack. Hits like “Sister Christian” by Night Ranger and the film’s closing song, Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believin’,” complement every random emotion in the film. While the music will make any true ’80s rock fan swoon with nostalgia, it almost makes the audience forget what’s going on in the movie. The overall message of “Long live rock’n’roll!” will resonate with anyone who wants “Nothing But a Good Time” – if they don’t mind the raucous outbreak of song and underdeveloped plot.
Grade: B0
 
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