Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Brisk
- Intensity
- Moderate
- Complexity
- Easy to follow
- Violence
- None
- exuberant
- campy
- nostalgic
- karaoke night
- nostalgic movie night
What critics said
Critics found the film exuberant but bland and overlong, with Tom Cruise's committed performance standing out amid weak leads and an inconsequential script.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
The story advances through familiar rock songs performed by aspiring musicians and established stars.
Dennis and Lonny struggle to keep the Bourbon Club operating while Mayor Whitmore and Patricia campaign to shut it down.
Stacee Jaxx embodies the film's exaggerated 1980s rock-star persona through theatrical behavior, costumes, and stage performance.
Sherrie and Drew pursue musical careers while Dennis, Lonny, Stacee, and Constance negotiate the realities of the Hollywood rock scene.
Films like Rock of Ages, and why
Mamma Mia!
shared jukebox musical format, romantic subplot, theatrical humor, and music-industry setting
Footloose
shared rock musical energy, coming-of-age ambition, romance, and performance-driven storytelling
Nine
shared backstage music-world setting, ensemble romances, comic tone, and nostalgic popular-song soundtrack
Hairspray
shared 1980s nostalgia, musical spectacle, romantic comedy elements, and rebellious entertainment culture
Movie Details
- Director
- Adam Shankman
- Release Date
- 2012-06-13
- Runtime
- 123 min
- Rating
- 6.2 / 10 (1390)
Cast
- Julianne Hough
- Diego Boneta
- Alec Baldwin
- Tom Cruise
- Russell Brand
- Malin Akerman
- Paul Giamatti
- Bryan Cranston
- Catherine Zeta-Jones
- Mary J. Blige
Where to watch in United States
- Streaming
- Howdy Amazon Channel
- Rent
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
- Buy
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
Streaming options come from TMDB and change over time.
Common questions
- What is Rock of Ages about?
- Aspiring singers, fading rock royalty, and desperate club owners collide in a glittery 1980s Hollywood jukebox musical about romance, rebellion, and keeping the music alive.
- What is Rock of Ages like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Rock of Ages as brisk, its intensity as moderate and its storytelling as easy to follow.
- Is Rock of Ages violent?
- No — Ember's analysis finds no violence in Rock of Ages.
- What did critics think of Rock of Ages?
- Critics found the film exuberant but bland and overlong, with Tom Cruise's committed performance standing out amid weak leads and an inconsequential script.
- Which films are like Rock of Ages?
- Films with a similar feel include Mamma Mia!, Footloose, Nine, and Hairspray.
- How long is Rock of Ages?
- Rock of Ages runs 123 minutes.
- Where can I watch Rock of Ages?
- In United States, Rock of Ages streams on Howdy Amazon Channel.
