Rock of Ages Review

Based on a hit Broadway show, starring a talented and diverse cast, featuring hit rock songs from the 80's- Rock of Ages was my most anticipated movie event of the summer.  And just as your favorite band hitting the wrong notes in concert can burst your starstruck bubble, I left the theater feeling more than a little disappointed.


I'm not saying I didn't smile, or squeal over Sherrie Christian's adorable 80's fashion, or feel like applauding on occasion.  Tom Cruise (sorry, Suri) and Catherine Zeta Jones are especially ambitious in their roles.  But I don't understand how director Adam Shankman and phenomenal choreographer Mia Michaels couldn't manage to to create more exciting performances.  Most of the time the lead characters mope around singing ballads to themselves- think Glee's Lea Michele at her most annoying.  The two bright spots in choreography- ironically set in a church and a strip club- give us an idea of what could have been.


Like its predecessor on stage, Rock of Ages the movie doesn't take itself very seriously.  Most of the dialogue is tongue in cheek and the plot, like a rock god's hair, is overblown and absurd.  I didn't come looking for something serious, but I wanted to feel something.  I cried during High School Musical 2 for heaven's sake!  During the best moments of Rock of Ages I occasionally giggled.  I guess that's not a bad thing, but that's not rock and roll.


Rock of Ages , rated "PG-13," musical, starring Julianne Hough, Diego Boneta, Tom Cruise, Alec Baldwin, Russel Brand, Catherine Zeta Jones, etc "C+"

MTAD X 2

If someone were to ask me "what kind of movie would you love to see in theaters?" I would say:

A romantic comedy starring half of the cast of Bridesmaids, plus cute Ben from Parks and Recreation, and written and directed by a woman? ( Jon Hamm's lady!)

OR!

A musical set in the 80's, filmed in Florida, and starring 3 of my celebrity crushes- Julianne, Alec, and, yes, I have the hots for Russell Brand and I am not ashamed! Also, that cute guy who dated Spencer on Pretty Little Liars?

If someone were to tell me "those movies have been made! They'll be released in a few months!" I would say:

I've already watched the trailers 467 times.

Footloose Review

27 years ago, the original Footloose movie came out in theaters. Also 27 years ago, I was born. I saw the remake this weekend-the dancing and storyline felt brand new! As for me- I felt at least 10 years younger!

When I first heard about a Footloose remake starring Zac Efron I thought "that sounds about right." Then Zac dropped out and Chase Crawford was in! Nate Archibald dancing? Sure, why not? Then Chase AND Kenny Ortega left and I thought the movie was hopeless.

But Kenny Wormwald IS Ren. I loved how I didn't know him from a previous role so when he stepped into Bomont, GA with his cute Boston accent I was all "Oh hi Ren, nice to meet you, I like your ray bans."

Also excited to meet Ren? Julianne Hough as Ariel. Wow, is Julianne/Ariel cute or what? Cute hair, cute southern accent, cute preacher's daughter/bad girl attitude, cute clothes-

and PERFECT dance moves! I love that this movie has two leads who can actually dance! Everything from booty dancing in a burger joint parking lot to the everybody-cuts-loose finale was perfectly choreographed and featured an amazing soundtrack. There is a line dancing scene that reminded me so much of summer nights at The Round Up with my friends that I was almost in tears.

And I should mention that this IS a teen dance movie. Meaning some parts were a bit over the top and ridiculous. More ridiculous than getting emotional during country line dancing? I was having too much fun to care! Also having too much fun? Miles Teller as the awkward, sweet and ADORABLE Willard! He nearly steals the show!

I need to confess that I always feel about 17. I mean, I know I'm older and I hope I've matured some in these past 10 years. But I still get excited about cute boys in sunglasses and red cowboy boots and standing up for your right to dance!

So thanks Footloose, for giving me two hours of pure fun at the movies and encouragement to put Botox off for a few years . Now excuse me, I'm off to kick off my Sunday shoes!

Footloose, rated "PG-13," teen dance movie ( I think I just made that a genre), starring Kenny Wormald and Julianne Hough, A

Everybody Cuts Loose

Have you seen the new trailer for the Footloose remake? While I am completely opposed to a Dirty Dancing remake, I am getting excited about Footloose!

As soon as I watched this my heart began to race and I started to sweat. I then realized this song, Sour Cherry by The Kills, has been on my running playlist for the past year, so I think I've got a Pavlov/salivating dog situation going on. Or maybe I'm just REALLY excited about this movie for the following reasons. . .

1) I love teen dance movies. The dancing is always "forbidden" which is pretty badass. I was not a teenage rebel but if line dancing had qualified as "acting out" I might be eligible for parole right now.

2) The new Ren McCormick is supposedly from Boston and as you can tell from the trailer, has a "Mid-Atlantic" accent. The only thing better than listening to said accent is reading the wikipedia entry.

3) Julianne Hough is one of my top girl crushes AND she's wearing some pretty cute red cowboys boots in the movie.

I would be looking to buy a pair if I hadn't already seen some on Gwyneth in Country Strong. . .

Bought a pair when Frye was having a gigantic online sale. . .

And wore them when I was going through my Rachel Zoe phase. . .

I die.

The End.