Adam Shankman’s film adaptation of the stage show Rock of Ages hits UK cinema screens in less than a week, and if you like what you hear as much as what you see, then picking up this rollicking soundtrack isn’t such a bad idea.
Adam Shankmans film adaptation of the stage show Rock of Ages hits UK cinema screens in less than a week, and if you like what you hear as much as what you see, then picking up this rollicking soundtrack isnt such a bad idea. While rooted firmly in what is now referred to as the Glee generations favouritism towards slickly produced karaoke-style takes on classic 80s rock riffs, Rock of Ages as a theatre show, as a film, and as a work of music, is very much a celebration of that style rather than a parody of it, even if it completely surrenders how campy these tunes have always been. The danger with casting untrained singers in title roles is obvious, but much more so than the likes of Mamma Mia, the cast here seems up for the task, with Tom Cruise, Alec Baldwin, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Malin kerman and Russell Brand gamely chipping in with professional singers Julianne Hough, Diego Boneta and Mary J. Blige. Opening with a real zinger, Cruise tackles Guns N Roses' seminal Paradise City with enough gusto that you might initially question his involvement. Nevertheless, the conclusion on this, and his lively renditions of I Want to Know What Love Is (with Malin kerman) and Wanted: Dead or Alive the latter of which is even more of a showy blast with the cinematic accompaniment - is that the man can wail, effortlessly reaching those impossible high notes, no doubt aided by the fact that he trained with Axl Roses own vocal coach. The impression is of a surprisingly capable singer, and frankly, given some of the bad press he gets, it is nice to hear and see him trying to win his fun image back.Part 2 of the review is next...