OK for kids 15+
Musical has more glam than grit, except for drinking.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that Rock of Ages is based on a Broadway musical comedy about rock 'n' roll, of which there is plenty (particularly heavy-metal hits from the '80s). There's also a lot of drinking, especially by an often-wasted star whose favorite drink is scotch, straight from the bottle, but no drugs or smoking. Words like "s--t" and "ass" are used (plus one "f--k"), and there are many suggestive scenes (think writhing, willing groupies and strip clubs) -- though there's no graphic nudity, and the sex scenes are more choreographed dance than erotica. The star-studded cast includes Alec Baldwin, Tom Cruise, Julianne Hough, Catherine Zeta-Jones, and Russell Brand.
- Families can talk about rock music. Do you agree with some of the people in Rock of Ages who say that rock can inspire debauchery and wears away community morals? Or is it a means of self-expression that shouldn't be censored?
- Do you think the rock star in the film is realistic? Do some musical legends live like this, surrounded by groupies and drunk most of the time? Or is this a stereotype?
- How is drinking depicted in the movie? Are the consequences realistic?
The good stuff
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Messages: Drew is hoping to make it as a rock singer in Los Angeles, but he loses track of his identity when a slimy manager tries to remake him into whatever might sell. His girlfriend's faith helps him rediscover himself and salvage a budding musical career that was almost scuttled by a detour into boy-band territory.
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Role models: Stacee Jaxx is the epitome of an aging rock legend who's become a self-absorbed diva, his manager is a complete sleaze, and the anti-rock activist is a hypocrite with a secret past. But on the other hand, the young couple at the heart of the film is seeking love and the true spirit of rock 'n' roll, and the brusque-yet-kind nightclub owner is certain that good music will redeem all of his problems.
What to watch for
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Violence: Some heated arguments and one powerful slap when a guy says something especially spiteful to his soon-to-be ex-girlfriend. Bouncers sometimes throw people out of nightclubs, and a few bodyguards growl menacingly. A pet baboon throws things at people he dislikes.
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Sex: Lots of suggestive scenes, exaggerated cleavage, and innuendo throughout, including scenes that suggest couples are about to or have just finished having sex. In one scene a couple is passionately kissing when a bunch of packaged condoms fall on them. A rock legend is almost constantly surrounded by scantily clad groupies writhing suggestively. He frequently greets women by groping their chests and passionately seduces a music journalist in a scene that features plenty of implied activity and a woman in her underwear, but no graphic nudity. Opposite- and same-sex couples kiss romantically, while others kiss with so much excess tongue activity that it's clearly played to be way over the top. A cocktail waitress at a strip club must endure unwanted touches from her customers; eventually, she considers dancing herself.
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Language: Language includes one "f--k," plus "s--t," "ass," "crap," "hell," "damn," "suck," "t-ts," "oh my God," and "blow me." One character flips his middle finger.
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Consumerism: Visible brands/products include Greyhound buses and Budweiser beer. The sets are filled with signage for brand names, and many well-known Los Angeles businesses are shown. Many famous rock bands are name-checked, often by showing their albums.
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Drinking, drugs and smoking: No smoking or drugs (a bit of a surprise in a movie about rock stars), but lots of drinking. Much of the film takes place in nightclubs where many people are drinking, and some get quite drunk. A rock legend is almost always wasted; his preferred drink is scotch, straight from the bottle.
Fan Reviews provided by
4
Not for everyone by Txye
Although it was obvious that there would be a lot of Rock songs in the movie it was a little unexpected to see a rock musical kind of flick. There were quite a few funny parts throughout the show creating a genuine laughter and scenes designed to be aluring to a healthy mix of a diverse audience. The cinematography was better than average and the show really rocked! Still even a good show as this one is not for everyone...the man next to me started to snore for a few minutes and eventually left before half the movie had shown.
5
1 Part Campy, 2 Parts Funny, 3 Parts Romantic + 10 parts Rock & Roll = 1 Great Movie! by naturelover
One of my favorite movies of the year! The best of the summer movies. One of the funniest movies of the year too - got a lot of laughs. I was taping my foot and rock'in my head from the get go and quietly singing along- I wanted to sing out loud, but the crowd didn't go to hear me sing, so I just sang along to myself. Great songs, well sung and well performed. Loved seeing Tom Cruise get his rock on and bring some heart too! Julianne and Diego were wonderful- remind you of being young. Alex and Russel so fun. Kathryn made a fuddy duddy of role and made it sexy. And loved Mary J Blige's singing- sounded better than ever! Great casting and performances all around. A fun romp to great songs of rock. I enjoyed the story, hadn't seen on Broadway, but sure you'll love it whether you've seen the staged musical or not. A feel good movie.
5
Attention Alec Baldwin and Tom Cruise fans by MrRay
I wasn't sure if I wanted to see this movie, but I sure was surprised by the cast. The beginning was boring but once Alec and Tom came then it turned around. Alec did a great job of playing the bar manager. It was his lines, character, just Alec being Alec. He's just one of the actors that can play a wide range...Oh boy Tom cruise did a great job as well!....The way Tom played "Stacey Jaxx" was just something....He had the lines, costumes, and just really did a great job playing a singer of all the various ones combined!...There were just so many funny scenes.....I'm not a big fan of musicals, but Alec and Tom sure did a great job!....It was just so fun to hear the original versions in the background.....
5
Loved this Movie by conway3000
I thoroughly enjoyed Rock of Ages. Cruise is absolutely wonderful as Stacee Jax. I saw the play first run on Broadway and Cruise was much better as Stacee Jax than the person who originated the role on Broadway. Alex Baldwin, Russell Brand are both hilarious. Catherine Zeta Jones brings all of her talent to her role. I love watching her sing and dance. Giamatti as well as Mary Lou Blige also perform well. The two newcomers Julianne Haugh and Diego B do well as the sweet young performers. Julianne Haugh is gorgeous. I loved revisiting all of Rock of Ages wonderful songs. Cruise's singing voice is terrific.
4
Brings back memories! by vmitro1
This movie was corny, but we still enjoyed it. Spend the couple of bucks and see it with a friend that liked the music from then just as much as you.
It is also doesnt have nudity (stripper scenes yes, but no nudity in these scenes) or F bombs, so you can take your teenagers.
I saw this with a friend, simultaneously in another state. We called each other afterwards as planned, and talked and laughed and reminisced! Whenever we hear "Sister Christian" we get taken right back to our youth. And you will too. Acting was great, we liked Tom C more than I thought I would. All the actors were great actually, Mary J Blige, Alec Baldwin, etc. Writing was good; they paid homage to others of that era, and only some of us got the references!
I know I felt good and happy when I left the theater, and I like that. This isn't a must, you can wait til dvd. But if you are looking for a simple inexpensive fun night out, go see this movie.
5
THIS MOVIE IS A BLAST! by cissymac
GREAT ROCK N ROLL!! And if you're a fan of Tom Cruise & Alec Baldwin you are gonna love this movie. Can't believe Tom Cruise can sing like a rock star! If you love music from the 80's or a fan of classic rock--THIS IS YOUR MOVIE!
5
Hit the mark by Movie Marv
I go to the movies to be entertained. Not educated or inspired. This move really entertained...Good job "Rock of Ages" team...and I am 68 years old...
4
Rock of Ages by tpp
More of a musical than a movie, but very funny at times. It reminded me of a Saturday Nite Live skit. Acting is not great at times.
4
ROCK Solid...! by BradPitt4me
I LOVED this movie... It was so much fun. Of course, the music is great! Believe it or not there is a story line. The stars are fantastic and a few surprise cameos. This is really fun movie, looking forward to the CD, to keep rocking on...
4
LOVED Rock of Ages!! by bklobe
This movie had me laughing the entire time - the casting was superb, very sophisticated humor - especially if you know the music & the era - it was such a fun parody of the times!! Loved everyone, Catherine Zeta-Jones was hilarious, Alex Baldwin was perfect & Tom Cruise had it nailed!