Stars: Julianne Hough, Diego Boneta, Tom Cruise, Alec Baldwin, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Mary J. Blige, Russell Brand, Paul Giamatti
Studio: Warner Bros.
This film adaptation of the Broadway hit musical doesn’t lack for star power. Stacee Jaxx (Tom Cruise) is the over-the-top rock star with an attitude. Alec Baldwin is barely recognizable — which is probably the point. Mary J. Blige looks and sounds better than ever. But it’s not so much about the story line — small-town innocent (Julianne Hough) falls for the city boy (Diego Boneta) — as it is the music. And the music from Def Leppard, Foreigner, Journey, Poison, Reo Speedwagon and Twisted Sister, is a rock ‘n’ roller’s dream lineup. The film’s tagline promises “nothin’ but a good time” and director Adam Shankman (Hairspray) certainly delivers.
