Rock of Ages (Tom Cruise, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Mary J. Blige) in Theatres on June 14, 2012

Rock of Ages (2012)

Hazel's
Comment: There was an episode in this year's season of American Idol wherein the director of "Rock of Ages," Adam Shankman, was their guest. He shared that he wasn't expecting much from the singing talent of Tom Cruise and was totally blown away when Tom brought the house down. Can't wait to watch this on the big screen! Also, already bought tickets to watch the "Rock of Ages" play at RCBC Plaza on July 7 so I get to compare the stage play to the movie. I wonder which one is better...

Audience
Like to See the Movie: 86% (n=15,980)

Critics
Rating: 3/5
Liked the Movie: 33% (n=6)


Reviews

"As a story, Rock of Ages is all over the place, but the performers are clearly having a blast, and their enjoyment is infectious." - Shaun Munro, What Culture

"[T]his is just a madly silly, deeply goofy movie that's meant to pander to GenX 80s nostalgia. It's not trying to be radical or revolutionary... I'm not even sure director Adam Shankman realizes how extraordinary his film is on [a certain] level..." - - MaryAnn Johanson, Flick Filosopher

"Shankman] succeeds in draining most of the fun from a vehicle that was all about the winking humor of its flagrant cheesiness." - David Rooney, Hollywood Reporter

"This lively but decidedly overlong film showers the audience with kitsch at the expense of characters." - Tim Grierson, Screen International

"As the tagline says, Rock of Ages is nothin' but a good time. Sometimes, it's even less." - Charlie Lyne, Ultra Culture


Movie Info

Rock of Ages tells the story of small town girl Sherrie and city boy Drew, who meet on the Sunset Strip while pursuing their Hollywood dreams. Their rock 'n' roll romance is told through the heart-pounding hits of Def Leppard, Joan Jett, Journey, Foreigner, Bon Jovi, Night Ranger, REO Speedwagon, Pat Benatar, Twisted Sister, Poison, Whitesnake and more. -- (C) Warner Bros

Rated: PG-13

Running Time: 2 hr. 3 min.

Genre: Musical & Performing Arts, Drama

Directed By: Adam Shankman

Written By: Chris D'Arienzo

Distributed By: New Line Cinema

Cast
Julianne Hough (Sherrie)
Diego Boneta (Drew Boley)
Russell Brand (Lonnie)
Paul Giamatti (Paul Gill)
Catherine Zeta-Jones (Patricia Whitmore)
Malin Akerman (Constance)
Mary J. Blige (Justice)
Alec Baldwin (Dennis Dupree)
Tom Cruise (Stacee Jaxx)
Bryan Cranston (Mayor Mike Whitmore)
Will Forte (Mitch Miley)

Source: rottentomatoes.com

The Rite (Anthony Hopkins, Colin O'Donoghue) in Theatres on February 2, 2011

The Rite


Audience
Rating: 3.4/5
Like the Movie: 57% (n=24,052)

Critics
Rating: 2.05/5
Like the Movie: 17% (n=99)


Reviews

"The fact this Anthony Hopkins led movie is based on a true story makes the implications more intense and the possibilities scarier." - Jackie K. Cooper, jackiekcooper.com

"Hafstrom creates a nice, creepy vibe, especially for the first part of the movie, which has a menacing atmosphere." - Bill Goodykoontz, Arizona Republic

"Anthony Hopkins is as excellent as ever, but he's no match for The Rite's dawdling pace and lack of chills -- or Colin O'Donoghue's tentative performance in the leading role." - rottentomatoes.com

"A horror film that goes nowhere very, very slowly." - Tom Horgen, Minneapolis Star Tribune

"A so-called horror movie dull enough to have been produced for the Catholic cable channel." - John Beifuss, Commercial Appeal

"The Rite commits the supreme sin of making the devil dull." - Owen Gleiberman, Entertainment Weekly


Movie Info

Genre: Mystery & Suspense, Drama

Synopsis: "The battle against the Devil, which is the principal task of Saint Michael the Archangel, is still being fought today, because the Devil is still alive and active in the world." -Pope John Paul II "The Rite" is a supernatural thriller that uncovers the Devil's reach to even one of the holiest places on Earth. Inspired by true events, the film follows seminary student Michael Kovak (Colin O'Donoghue), who is sent to study exorcism at the Vatican in spite of his own doubts about the controversial practice and even his own faith. Wearing his deep skepticism like armor, Michael challenges his superiors to look to psychiatry, rather than demons, in treating the possessed. Only when he's sent to apprentice with the unorthodox Father Lucas (Anthony Hopkins)--a legendary priest who has performed thousands of exorcisms--does Michael's armor begin to fall. As he is drawn into a troubling case that seems to transcend even Father Lucas's skill, he begins to glimpse a phenomenon science can't explain or control...and an evil so violent and terrifying that it forces him to question everything he believes. Directed by Mikael Håfström ("1408"), "The Rite" stars Oscar (R) winner Anthony Hopkins ("Silence of the Lambs"), Colin O'Donoghue in his feature film debut, Alice Braga ("Predators"), Toby Jones ("Frost/Nixon"), with Ciarán Hinds ("Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Part 2"), and Rutger Hauer ("Batman Begins," "Blade Runner"). Beau Flynn and Tripp Vinson ("The Exorcism of Emily Rose") produced the film under their Contrafilm banner. The screenplay is by Michael Petroni ("The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader"), suggested by the book by Matt Baglio. Richard Brener, Merideth Finn and Robert Bernacchi serve as executive producers, with Mark Tuohy co-producing. New Line Cinema presents, a Contrafilm production, a Mikael Håfström film, "The Rite." The film will be distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company. -- (C) Warner Bros.

Rated: PG-13 for disturbing thematic material, violence, frightening images, and language including sexual references

Running Time: 1 hr. 52 min.

Distributor: Warner Bros. Pictures/New Line Cinema

Directed By: Mikael Håfstrom

Written By: Matt Baglio, Michael Petroni

Cast
Anthony Hopkins (Father Lucas Trevant)
Colin O'Donoghue (Michael Kovak)
Alice Braga (Angeline)
Toby Jones (Father Matthew)
Ciarán Hinds (Father Xavier)
Rutger Hauer (Istvan Kovak)

Source: www.rottentomatoes.com