Plot
A small town girl and a city boy meet on the Sunset Strip, while pursuing their Hollywood dreams.
Release Year: 2012
Director:
Adam Shankman
Stars: Julianne Hough, Diego Boneta, Tom Cruise
Storyline Set in 1987 Los Angeles, Drew and Sherrie are two young people chasing their dreams in the big city. When they meet, it's love at first sight, though their romance will face a series of challenges.
Writers: Justin Theroux, Chris D'Arienzo
Cast: Diego Boneta
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Drew Boley
Dakota Sage Grant
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Little Girl on Bus
Julianne Hough
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Sherrie Christian
Tom Cruise
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Stacee Jaxx
Matt Sullivan
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Random Guy
Alec Baldwin
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Dennis Dupree
Russell Brand
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Lonny
Erica Frene
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Beth
Bryan Cranston
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Mike Whitmore
Michael Olusczak
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Crook
Anthony Bellissimo
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Rocker Thief
Shane Hartline
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Bartender Jimmy
(as Alan Shane Hartline)
James Martin Kelly
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Doug Flintlock
Catherine Zeta-Jones
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Patricia Whitmore
Celina Beach
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Mayor's Secretary
Trivia: Taylor Swift was considered to play Sherrie, but Julianne Hough was cast.
Quotes: Dennis Dupree:
This place is about to become a sea of sweat, ear-shattering music and puke.
User Review
Was not quite the Rock of Ages, but close
Rating: 7/10
*There are no real spoilers in this review, just some minor plot
details.
I had the privilege of being able to see this at an advance screening a
couple of months ago. Just to let you know, I have never seen the
Broadway show, so I can't compare the two.
On one hand, Tom Cruise stole the show as he always does. He plays the
role of aging rocker Stacee Jaxx, tasked with saving the Bourbon Room
from the villainous Patricia Whitmore's (Zeta-Jones) wrath. He has a
killer voice, and he shared some great chemistry with journalist
Constance Sack (Malin Akerman). I think everybody is going to love
those two together.
On the other hand, the two lovebirds Sherrie Christian (Julianne Hough)
and Drew Boley (Diego Boneta) just did not bring a lot of chemistry.
And their acting ability is so far inferior to the likes of the
Cruises, Baldwins, and the Giamattis of the world. And when they are
the leads, it kind of brings down the movie a little bit. The singing
was great, but isn't that the standard for musicals? I would've
preferred Brittany Snow be cast alongside the original Drew Constantine
Maroulis. Even though I have not seen the original play live, I've seen
numerous of his performances either live or on the computer.
Another critique I have is that the whole thing is a little too much.
This film felt a little busy to me. I almost wish someone would have
told Adam Shankman to tone it down a little because it fizzled a little
towards the end.
The musical numbers in were just incredible. As someone in the younger
generation, I don't believe I could appreciate the the 80s music as
much as the people born in the later 1950s, 1960s, and early 1970s.
But, make no mistake, every single number was executed pretty well. I
happened to like the performances more than Shankman's previous
musical, Hairspray.
It was legitimately funny. Even if you don't like Tom Cruise
personally, he kills it in every movie he's in. His scenes are the
best. I was also impressed by the performances of Alec Baldwin, Russell
Brand, and Paul Giamatti. Even singer Mary J. Blige got involved.
This is a movie that is some big time fun. It's not for everybody, as
the person sitting next to me reminded me of. But if you liked
Shankman's Hairspray, then you'll probably have a place for this one in
your heart too.
Kudos to Adam Shankman and Chris D'Arenzio (creater) for achieving what
they wanted to accomplish.
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