DVD Collectors Online

Rock of Ages, a review by Dragonfire

Rock of Ages



I'm going to start by saying that this is not a movie for everyone. Some will hate it - I have a feeling Pet would run clear to Canada to avoid it - but I do think it is a fun, entertaining movie for people who like musicals and 80s rock. 

The plot is fairly simple, telling the story of a small town girl going to Los Angeles with dreams of stardom.  She meets a boy with the same dreams, they fall in love, then things get screwed up and she has to put her life back together. 
A slightly older rock star, so drunk that he doesn't have a clue about anything is performing one last concert with the bad that made him famous at the first club they performed in.  A group of religious fanatics targets the club and the singer, protesting and trying to shut things down.  Several things about the plot are predictable, but the movie is still really fun.  There are a few complications that pop up here and there, but it is fairly clear that things will be fixed.  There are touches of romance and some humor at times.

The music, which is all 80s rock, receives the most attention, with all the characters singing at least a little bit.  I still like 80s rock, and this movie, that is based on the Broadway musical, uses great songs.  I recognized all of them, though it did take me a little longer with a few of them.  I think the songs work well to help move the story forward and don't seem silly even though people break out into song all over the place.  There is a need to suspend disbelief when it comes to that.  The cast all sings well and I admit I was surprised by how well some of them sound.  Maybe some of that is something done in the studio, but however it is achieved, the singing sounds good.  Julianne Hough's voice is nice, but there is something about that..I'm still not sure exactly what is it.  In some songs, her voice doesn't sound strong enough for the song.  Alec Baldwin does really good with his singing and even takes part in a ..ummm...unexpected version of Can't Fight This Feeling.

I really don't consider myself a Tom Cruise fan, but I'll see his movies if I think they look interesting.  I didn't think too much about his casting in the movie, though I did wonder at times about him being cast as Stacee Jaxx, the rock star.  He is really good in the movie.  He becomes the character, stumbling around in a drunken haze, unable to keep a shirt buttoned, but still able to rock it out on stage in a really good version of Pour Some Sugar on Me.  He is completely believable in the part and he can sing.  At least he can sing 80s rock. 

Rock of Ages is a bit predictable, but it is a fun, entertaining movie that I think is worth checking out for people who like this type of movie or who like 80s rock.  I plan to get the movie when it is out and I want the soundtrack.  This movie isn't for everyone though.



I did get a longer review posted at Epinions.

Rock of Ages 

(From Rock of Ages on June 16th, 2012)

Eternal , a review by addicted2dvd

Eternal (2004/Canada) Sony Pictures Home Entertainment, Here! Films, Regent Releasing Director: Wilhelm Liebenberg, Federico Sanchez Writing: Wilhelm Liebenberg (Writer), Federico Sanchez (Writer) Length: 108 min. Rating: R Video: Widescreen 1.78:1 Audio: English: Dolby Digital: 5.1 Subtitles: English

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Stars:Plot:
When the beautiful wife of a Montreal vice cop disappears, his investigation leads him to an alluring temptress who admits only to having steamy sex with the missing woman. Unconvinced, the detective plunges into her dark, erotic world, uncovering a terrifying connection to a 16th-century countess said to have seduced and murdered young women to bathe in their blood in order to remain immortal. Now, the detective finds himself in a deadly race against time to prevent this modern vampiress from claiming another victim in this supernatural thriller inspired by actual events.

Extras:

• Scene Access
• Bonus Trailers
• Closed Captioned

I decided to check this one out today because I felt like watching a horror movie I haven't seen yet. And the plot of this one sounded interesting at least. And it saying that this story was "Inspired by Actual Events" didn't hurt. I went in knowing it could go either way. While I enjoyed this one... it's slow pace did lessen the enjoyment some. Though it still has a good story. I would really like to see another (preferably a little better) movie inspired by Countess Elizabeth Bathory. I have heard of her story before... but this is the first movie I have seen dealing with her.




(From Alphabet Marathon: The Unwatched Version on August 21st, 2011)

"Due South" marathon, a review by Rick

Mask
I liked this episode. But I should say that I like stories of Native American culture and folklore. This one fit right into that. The story also adds another level to Fraser's relationship with his boss even if Fraser isn't aware of it.

Rating:


(From "Due South" marathon on August 13th, 2009)