....via NETFLIX and thought it was very entertaining.
The Link
I really dug all the anthemic, classic '80s songs that were featured front and center throughout and this completely over the top depiction of the LA Sunset Strip music scene, which was already completely over the top back when it happened without any of the comedic embellishment added here.
If you enjoyed "The Banger Sisters" or "This Is Spinal Tap" or "Almost Famous," here's another movie I bet you'd appreciate.
And if you liked "Hairspray" or "The Wedding Planner," also from director Adam Shankman, this is another look from him at a specific time and/or place that rings true, IMHO.
Had other, original music been used, I think this movie offering would have been a failure, even with the all campiness and the exuberance coming from the cast who were obviously having a lot of fun doing it.
But all the great '80s hits that were utilized here put this film right in the middle of my wheelhouse.
After a lifetime of music appreciation, decades of cover band performance and with a few cold beers in my belly, this film elicited plenty of memories and a whole bunch of chuckles from this old rock and roller.
"Sister Christian," "I Want To Know What Love Is," "Paradise City," "More Than Words," "Heaven," "Hit Me With Your Best Shot," "Waiting For A Girl Like You," "Wanted Dead Or Alive," "I Wanna Rock," "Pour Some Sugar On Me," "Harden My Heart," "Shadows Of The Night," "Here I Go Again," "I Can't Fight This Feeling," "Any Way You Want It," "Undercover Love," "Every Rose Has Its Thorn," "We're Not Gonna Take It," "We Built This City," "Don't Stop Believin'," "Juke Box Hero," "I Love Rock And Roll" and "Rock You Like A Hurricane."
All these were variously and decently sung by Tom Cruise, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Alec Baldwin, Mary J. Blige, Russell Brand, Paul Giamatti, Malin Akerman and by lead performers Julianne Hough and Diego Boneta,
I'm glad they made this flick, because I dug it and I didn't get to see it on stage.
If you also liked this music and knew at the time just where it was coming from and going to, this cinema treat most certainly is for you.
And even if you only barely remember hearing these songs and missed that whole Hollywood/Whiskey a Go Go scene, in person or in spirit, it's still not too late to take a peek.
You might not instantly recall the opening lyrics to some of these iconic hits, but just be patient until the more familiar hooks in the choruses come 'round.
This movie displays the '80s and its music just as "Saturday Night Fever" did for Disco and "Urban Cowboy" for Cowboy Chic, but has more well-placed tongue in cheek.
In fact, there was a lot of tongue action.
I didn't see John Travolta in a cameo, though for him I did look.
Regardless of his absence, I thought this flick and especially its soundtrack was a whole lot of fun.
Your thoughts?
The Link
I really dug all the anthemic, classic '80s songs that were featured front and center throughout and this completely over the top depiction of the LA Sunset Strip music scene, which was already completely over the top back when it happened without any of the comedic embellishment added here.
If you enjoyed "The Banger Sisters" or "This Is Spinal Tap" or "Almost Famous," here's another movie I bet you'd appreciate.
And if you liked "Hairspray" or "The Wedding Planner," also from director Adam Shankman, this is another look from him at a specific time and/or place that rings true, IMHO.
Had other, original music been used, I think this movie offering would have been a failure, even with the all campiness and the exuberance coming from the cast who were obviously having a lot of fun doing it.
But all the great '80s hits that were utilized here put this film right in the middle of my wheelhouse.
After a lifetime of music appreciation, decades of cover band performance and with a few cold beers in my belly, this film elicited plenty of memories and a whole bunch of chuckles from this old rock and roller.
"Sister Christian," "I Want To Know What Love Is," "Paradise City," "More Than Words," "Heaven," "Hit Me With Your Best Shot," "Waiting For A Girl Like You," "Wanted Dead Or Alive," "I Wanna Rock," "Pour Some Sugar On Me," "Harden My Heart," "Shadows Of The Night," "Here I Go Again," "I Can't Fight This Feeling," "Any Way You Want It," "Undercover Love," "Every Rose Has Its Thorn," "We're Not Gonna Take It," "We Built This City," "Don't Stop Believin'," "Juke Box Hero," "I Love Rock And Roll" and "Rock You Like A Hurricane."
All these were variously and decently sung by Tom Cruise, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Alec Baldwin, Mary J. Blige, Russell Brand, Paul Giamatti, Malin Akerman and by lead performers Julianne Hough and Diego Boneta,
I'm glad they made this flick, because I dug it and I didn't get to see it on stage.
If you also liked this music and knew at the time just where it was coming from and going to, this cinema treat most certainly is for you.
And even if you only barely remember hearing these songs and missed that whole Hollywood/Whiskey a Go Go scene, in person or in spirit, it's still not too late to take a peek.
You might not instantly recall the opening lyrics to some of these iconic hits, but just be patient until the more familiar hooks in the choruses come 'round.
This movie displays the '80s and its music just as "Saturday Night Fever" did for Disco and "Urban Cowboy" for Cowboy Chic, but has more well-placed tongue in cheek.
In fact, there was a lot of tongue action.
I didn't see John Travolta in a cameo, though for him I did look.
Regardless of his absence, I thought this flick and especially its soundtrack was a whole lot of fun.
Your thoughts?
