Living a similar parallel life back then, Stacy was my perfect companion to see this movie. We didn't go expecting much, but this over-the-top anthemic 80s musical (yes, musical) blew us away in so many ways. Started out simple enough - 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.
* conjurs the cool, insider's POV like Spinal Tap did, but characterized and satirized in a fun way rather than the depricating spiral that Spinal Tap was
* doesn't allow Tom Cruise's Stacee Jaxx to descend into the nihilistic tailspin of Pink in "The Wall"
* doesn't even come close to the cheesy camp of other rock musicals like "Mamma Mia"
It found redeeming qualities in characters that Hollywood usually milks for their "train-wreck" value, and managed to not take itself too seriously, but without any Will Farrell-style goofiness. It was at the same time an homage, a roast, and even documentary of a time that those of us that were there remember with a smile, a cringe, and a sigh...
Way to go, Hollywood, this time you got it right. You can still rock in America!
Ah I was wondering if I should see this. Now I really want to :D
ReplyDeleteIt's a must-see! I had my doubts, too, but not only was it big fun, the humor was more cerebral and smart, not yuk-yuk like other "parody" films. The pairing of Alec Baldwin and Russell Brand was priceless. And so was Tom Cruise. And so was Catherine Zeta-Jones, and so was...
DeleteJust go see it!
Michael, I am soooo with you on this! I am thinking this may become the first Cult classic in a long time! My first DVD Purchase for sure and sound track soon thereafter.
ReplyDeleteIndeed! A cult-classic-in-the-making. And yes, Stacy downloaded the soundtrack within an hour after we got home from the movie!
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