The rock-centric musical ‘Rock of Ages’ hit theaters June 15, 2012, and is unfortunately under-performed due to its competition with the kid-friendly ‘Madagascar 3’ and highly anticipated sci-fi thriller ‘Prometheus.’ However, box office aside, the movie itself is an average romp with great songs, solid performances, and an upbeat cast. ‘Rock of Ages’ is certainly enjoyable, but the lackluster story and scattered plot-lines may have also contributed to its low ticket sales this past week.

Spoiler alert!

‘Ages’ is actually a film adaptation of Chris D’Arienzo’s 2006 Broadway musical of the same name. It tells the story of rock legend Stacee Jaxx (Tom Cruise), lead singer of Arsenal, giving his farewell performance at the Bourbon Room, a bar owned by Dennis Dupree (Alec Baldwin) and his best friend Lonny Barnett (Russell Brand). Stacie has decided to go solo and so Arsenal’s last performance as a band will draw in hundreds of fans, which the Bourbon Room needs, as it has recently fallen on hard times.

Meanwhile, a perky young girl named Sherrie Christian (Julianne Hough) arrives in Los Angeles from Tulsa, Oklahoma with dreams of becoming a singer. Unfortunately, LA is not kind to her and she gets mugged, losing all of her albums. Drew Boley (Diego Boneta) tries to intervene but the thief gets away, prompting Drew to offer Sherrie a job at the Bourbon Room to help her get back on her feet. Dennis refuses at first, but ultimately hires her so they can prepare for Stacee’s arrival at the club later that week.

Mayor Mike Whitmore (Bryan Cranston) announces his campaign for the city with the help of his wife, Patricia Whitmore (Catherine Zeta Jones), who is the real brains behind the politics. She wants to shut down the Bourbon Room due to the “immoral music” and wants to take Stacee Jaxx down as well, recruiting mothers and religious fanatics to back her up and protest his last performance.

Drew and Sherrie hit it off and start dating soon after she gets hired. Stacee arrives and turns everything upside down due to his monstrous ego and bizarre demands. A writer for the Rolling Stone named Constance Sack (Malin Akerman) stirs up trouble with her questions and manages to get through to Jaxx about his attitude problem and his slimy manager, Paul Gill (Paul Giamatti).

A couple of hours before Stacee performs, the start up band drops out and Sherrie convinces Dennis to let Drew and his band play. He reluctantly agrees and Drew’s band does well, prompting Paul to want to sign him as he is sick of Stacee’s attitude. However, Stacee bumps into Sherrie and Drew thinks they slept together, which makes him break up with her and sign with Paul. From there, everything takes a turn for the worse.

The selling point of ‘Rock of Ages’ is of course the musical performances, which are strong and varied. Special mention goes to the fact that all the actors actually do sing their parts themselves instead of being dubbed over by professional singers. The standout performances are Cruise, Zeta-Jones, and Mary J. Blige while the others fair relatively well. The selections of 80’s rock are all familiar tunes and create an air of familiarity for the audience as well as nostalgia.

Unfortunately, ‘Rock of Ages’ suffers from a dull story with too many characters that stretch the plot thin. The love story between Drew and Sherrie is clichéd and largely uninteresting as neither of them have distinct personalities. Furthermore, their relationship materialized in what seemed to be only a few days, so when they inevitably break up due to miscommunication, it does not stick with the audience.

Furthermore, since the two main leads were relatively boring, other actors did not get enough time to shine, particularly Catherine Zeta-Jones. It is a shame to see that she only received two musical numbers since her performance in ‘Chicago’ (2002) won her an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress. It would have been smarter to play up her antagonistic relationship with Stacee Jaxx rather than inserting a bland character like Constance to be his love interest.

Another pointless subplot is the romance between Dennis and Lonny, which is played for laughs, but does not go anywhere. It only adds to the number of songs stuffed into the story and is neither funny nor plot relevant. It could have been left out entirely and would not have made a difference.

To that same end, Alec Baldwin is largely out of place in the role of Dennis. He seems asleep at the wheel and does not breathe much life into the character while everyone else around him gives solid performances.

To close out the pointless angle, while Mary J. Blige’s singing is phenomenal, the entire subplot with the strip club is not utilized properly. It sends a mixed message that gets clogged up among the other things going in the story at the same time. It seems to imply that becoming a stripper is hitting rock bottom, but then there is a musical number about implying how it can be empowering. This idea is then contradicted by Sherrie, who does not enjoy the job and considers moving back to Tulsa as a result. It would have been better to give the strip club a clearer role in the storyline rather than shoehorning it in for the sake of fan-service.

Still, ‘Rock of Ages’, while just an average musical, is energetic, colorful, and funny. It is a bit of harmless summer fun that is not necessarily a must see, but it would not hurt to give it a try.

Grade: 3/5

Image Courtesy of   Rock of Ages

The article ‘Rock of Ages’ Mildly Rocks: A Review appeared first on The Toonari Post - News, Powered by the People!.

It was recently announced that for the first time Amnesty International’s world-renowned Secret Policeman’s Ball will be hosted in the United States. The event – a star-studded, legendary night of comedy and music – will take place on March 4, 2012 at Radio City Music Hall in New York City.

This historic event is a spectacular evening of original comedy, multiplatinum, award-winning musical performers and collaborations, never-before-seen sketches, stand-up and guest appearances, all written around and in support of free speech. An audience of more than 6,000 people will gather at Radio City Music Hall to experience a special night filled with original performances from some of the world’s most popular entertainers including: Coldplay, Jon Stewart, Stephen Colbert, Mumford & Sons, Russell Brand, Reggie Watts and many more.

“I used to think humor was a luxury, but at the last election Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert taught me it was a necessity,” said John Cleese. “The Secret Policeman’s Ball was  - and is  - a coming together of the very best comedy talent of any generation to celebrate their art, remind audiences how important free speech is, and highlight just how much vital work Amnesty International does to protect it. I implore you to support it.”

“We are so happy to be involved with the 2012 Secret Policeman’s Ball,” said Chris Martin of Coldplay. “We have followed and supported Amnesty International – and the amazing work they do around the world in the field of human rights – for years, and it is a pleasure to be asked to contribute to such an inspiring event.”

Beginning in 1976, the Secret Policeman’s Ball pioneered cause-focused benefit concerts that bring together star-power and world leaders to raise awareness about critically important global issues. The Secret Policeman’s Ball has featured legendary artists and entertainers who both share world-renowned talent and a dedication to changing the world.

“Secret Policeman’s Ball has a long and hilariously off-color history of using comic genius to fight for free speech and human rights around the world,” said Lily Sobhani, Executive Producer of the Secret Policeman’s Ball. “We are thrilled that the leading lights of comedy and music are coming together to bring the Secret Policeman’s Ball to the United States for the first time.”

“Entertainers have used political cartoons, protest songs and straight-out skewering of politicians and leaders to challenge virtually every government’s failure to uphold fundamental rights,” said Suzanne Nossel, Amnesty International USA’s new Executive Director. “We are thrilled that some of the most creative political humorists of our time will perform when Amnesty International hosts the first Secret Policeman’s Ball in the United States. And on March 4, those of us who can make fun of our government and walk away in safety will dedicate the program to those who cannot.”

Amnesty International is thrilled to present the Secret Policeman’s Ball, being produced by Amnesty International; world leading producer of global events Control Room; and leading independent creative agency, Mother.

Image Courtesy of   https://www.facebook.com/coldplay

The article Coldplay Entertain at Amnesty’s Secret Policeman’s Ball appeared first on The Toonari Post - News, Powered by the People!.

Sirius XM Radio has announced recently that Ringo Starr will sit down for a rare, exclusive Q&A session, hosted by Russell Brand and moderated by legendary producer Don Was, with a select group of SiriusXM subscribers at the Troubadour in Los Angeles, California.

“SiriusXM’s Town Hall with Ringo Starr” will air live on The Spectrum, channel 28, on Monday, January 30at 4:00 pm ET, the day before the release of Starr’s new album, Ringo 2012. The special is part of SiriusXM’s “Town Hall” series, an intimate gathering with an iconic musician and a studio audience of SiriusXM listeners. Previous “SiriusXM Town Hall” specials have featured Bruce Springsteen, the surviving members of Nirvana, Tom Petty and Coldplay.

Hosted by Russell Brand, and moderated by Don Was, who is featured on Ringo 2012, the “SiriusXM Town Hall with Ringo Starr” will include the legendary singer/songwriter/drummer answering questions from the studio audience.

The “Town Hall” special will also feature an in-studio performance by Starr and his band. SiriusXM listeners will hear some of Starr’s classics as well as songs from his new album Ringo 2012.

“I am a massive fan of Ringo and of all his work, but like most people I am ignorant as to his life before he rose to prominence with Thomas the Tank Engine,” said Russell Brand. “Now we can unravel the enigma of Ringo.”

“As a member of The Beatles and with his enduring series of hits as a solo artist, Ringo Starr changed not only popular music, but pop culture,” said Scott Greenstein, President and Chief Content Officer, SiriusXM. “We are thrilled to give Ringo’s fans the chance to sit, talk and ask questions of this music icon as part of our Town Hall series.”

Ringo 2012 is Ringo Starr’s 17th solo studio album and was produced by Starr. The album, from Universal Music Enterprises, was recorded in Los Angeles and features nine songs – including covers of Buddy Holly’s “Think It Over” and Lonnie Donegan’s “Rock Island Line” plus two new versions of his own songs, “Wings” and “Step Lightly.” Special guests on the album include Joe Walsh, Dave Stewart, Edgar Winter, Charlie Haden, Van Dyke Parks and Don Was. For more information on Ringo Starr and Ringo 2012, visit www.ringostarr.com.

The Spectrum plays music spanning the past, present and future. Listeners will hear artists like U2, Dave Matthews, REM, Tom Petty, Coldplay, Wilco, David Gray, Neil Young, Counting Crows, Ryan Adams and more.

Image Courtesy of   http://www.flickr.com/photos/schroederschoembs/

The article “SiriusXM’s Town Hall with Ringo Starr” to Air Live on January 30 appeared first on The Toonari Post - News, Powered by the People!.