Rock of Ages Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A small-town girl and a city boy sing 80s rock songs while Tom Cruise tries to seduce a reporter and save a rock club from a Christian zealot, and somehow everyone ends up happy and successful, probably because of the power of rock.

🍿 Rock of Ages: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Small Town Dreams, Big City Reality

In 1987, Sherrie Christian arrives in Hollywood from Tulsa, Oklahoma, with dreams of becoming a singer. Almost immediately, she encounters the harsh realities of the city when her suitcase, containing all her prized records, is stolen. Luckily, she meets Drew Boley, a bar-back at the famous Bourbon Room, who helps her find a job as a waitress at the club.

The Bourbon Room’s Fight for Survival

The Bourbon Room, owned by Dennis Dupree, is struggling financially and facing a hefty tax bill. To save the club, Dennis and his assistant Lonny decide to book Stacee Jaxx, a famous rock star who got his start at the Bourbon. However, the Mayor’s wife, Patricia Whitmore, is determined to shut down the club, viewing it as a symbol of the city’s moral decay. She organizes protests and campaigns to rid L.A. of its “sex, drugs, and rock ‘n’ roll” image.

Romance, Misunderstandings, and Shattered Dreams

As Drew and Sherrie’s relationship blossoms, they both navigate the challenges of pursuing their dreams. Drew gets an opportunity to perform with his band, but a misunderstanding leads him to believe Sherrie has slept with Stacee Jaxx. Heartbroken, Drew leaves with Stacee’s manager, who promises him fame. Meanwhile, Sherrie quits the Bourbon Room and finds work as a waitress at a strip club owned by Justice Charlier.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Sherrie Christian (Julianne Hough): A naive small-town girl who arrives in Hollywood to pursue her dreams of becoming a rock star.
• Drew Boley (Diego Boneta): An aspiring singer and bar back at the Bourbon Room who falls in love with Sherrie.
• Stacee Jaxx (Tom Cruise): A famous, but troubled, rock star who is scheduled to play a benefit concert at the Bourbon Room.
• Dennis Dupree (Alec Baldwin): The owner of the Bourbon Room who is struggling to keep his club afloat.
• Lonny (Russell Brand): Dennis’s energetic assistant and confidant at the Bourbon Room.
• Patricia Whitmore (Catherine Zeta-Jones): The religiously conservative wife of the mayor who seeks to shut down the Bourbon Room.
• Paul Gill (Paul Giamatti): Stacee Jaxx’s greedy manager who is focused on profit over artistry.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Lonny: “This place is about to become a sea of sweat, ear-shattering music, and puke.” – Lonny describes the atmosphere expected at the Bourbon Room, foreshadowing the wild rock experience.
• Stacee Jaxx: “I stopped listening to what people told me I was a long time ago.” – Stacee Jaxx says this during an interview with Constance Sack, highlighting his rebellious nature and detachment from outside expectations.
• Sherrie Christian: “I just want to be someone that people can look up to, not someone they’re gonna forget tomorrow.” – Sherrie expresses her dream of making a lasting impact as a singer, revealing her sincere ambition.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $75,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $38,518,613
• Worldwide Gross: $59,418,613

💥 Rock of Ages Reviews

Personal Review

I went into ‘Rock of Ages’ expecting a cheesy, fun romp through 80s rock, and that’s exactly what I got! Tom Cruise was hilarious and surprisingly good as Stacee Jaxx, totally committing to the rock god persona. I laughed out loud during his scenes with Malin Akerman. The music was a blast to sing along to, even if the plot was a bit predictable. I’m definitely adding this one to my guilty pleasure list. This movie made me want to break out my old hairspray and rock out.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of 1980s hair band music”
  • “People who enjoy jukebox musicals”
  • “Viewers looking for a light-hearted and fun movie”
  • “Fans of Tom Cruise, Julianne Hough, and Alec Baldwin”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Suggestive content”
  • “Sexual references”
  • “Drug use”
  • “Language”

Professional Reviews

• Rolling Stone: “Rock of Ages is a fun, energetic spectacle with incredible musical numbers, but the flimsy plot and predictable story leave much to be desired. Tom Cruise shines as Stacee Jaxx, delivering a hilarious and captivating performance that elevates the entire film. While the romantic storyline may fall flat, the music and Cruise’s performance make it a worthwhile experience for fans of 80s rock.
• The New York Times: “Adam Shankman delivers a vibrant, if somewhat chaotic, adaptation of the Broadway hit. The musical numbers are visually stunning and the cast embraces the campy spirit of the 80s. However, the film struggles to balance its over-the-top humor with a genuine emotional core. While Cruise steals the show, the overall experience feels more like a jukebox musical than a compelling narrative.

Audience Reactions

Tom Cruise’s insane rock god performance made the whole movie worthwhile.: The high-energy musical numbers and nostalgic soundtrack were the highlights for most viewers.

The cheesy romance and predictable plot were major drawbacks.: Many found the storyline weak, but enjoyed it as a fun, light-hearted escape.

Overall Consensus: Rock of Ages is a fun, campy musical with a killer soundtrack, elevated by Tom Cruise’s outrageous performance, though burdened by a predictable plot.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Tom Cruise based his portrayal of Stacee Jaxx on a combination of Jim Morrison and Axl Rose.”
• “Many real-life rock stars from the 80s made cameo appearances in the film.”
• “The Bourbon Room in the movie is inspired by iconic Sunset Strip venues like the Whisky a Go Go and The Roxy.”

🖥️ How to Watch Rock of Ages?

Rock of Ages is available for streaming rental or purchase on platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Vudu. Check your local listings for availability on cable or satellite services. Physical copies on DVD and Blu-ray are also widely available through online retailers.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Rock of Ages, you might like these similar films:

• Hairspray (2007): Another vibrant musical directed by Adam Shankman, featuring an ensemble cast and catchy musical numbers.
• Almost Famous (2000): Captures the essence of rock and roll culture and the pursuit of dreams in the music industry during the 1970s.
• This is Spinal Tap (1984): A mockumentary that hilariously satirizes the excesses and absurdities of the rock and roll lifestyle.

🛒 Rock of Ages Related Products

• Rock of Ages (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack): Relive the glory of 80s rock with this collection of iconic songs from the movie. Includes hits performed by the cast and original artists.
• Rock of Ages: Theatrical Cut [Blu-ray]: Own the musical extravaganza that is Rock of Ages on Blu-ray with the Theatrical Cut. Includes bonus features and behind-the-scenes content.
• Rock of Ages: Stacee Jaxx T-Shirt: Show your love for the rock god Stacee Jaxx with this awesome movie themed shirt.
• Rock of Ages Movie Poster: This is a copy of the original movie poster from Rock of Ages that shows off the movie in all of its glory.

🎧 Soundtrack

Rock of Ages features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Paradise City” – performed by Tom Cruise
• “Sister Christian / Just Like Paradise / Nothin’ But a Good Time” – performed by Julianne Hough, Diego Boneta, and Ensemble
• “I Want to Know What Love Is” – performed by Tom Cruise and Malin Akerman
• “Don’t Stop Believin'” – performed by Julianne Hough, Diego Boneta, and Ensemble

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Rock Of Ages “Anyway You Want It” Dance Sequence

Ever wondered how they pulled off those killer dance moves in Rock of Ages? This video breaks down the choreography of “Anyway You Want It,” and honestly, it’s way more impressive than I thought!

Tom Cruise can do ANYTHING! Everything Tom Cruise LEARNED TO DO by himself FOR HIS MOVIES! #shorts

You know Tom Cruise does his own stunts, but did you know he *learns* completely new skills for his movies? Check out this video to see the insane lengths he goes to for his roles – it’s kinda mind-blowing!

✨ Rate