I have a long history with Rock of Ages. I saw the musical Off Broadway, twice on Broadway and now the film. The show currently running on Broadway is a very funny farce about big hair and great loud rock music of the 80's. The film version is " Rock of Ages" meets " Hairspray" with many scenes of the stars roaming Tower Records singing and walking. 

Tom Cruise is the most talented of the cast. He played the role straight and not over the top. He played the role like an 80's rock star. He was a drugged up, sexed up, older rock star with long 80's rocker hair, leather chaps ( showing one of Tom's greatest assets his bare chaps ass) ( It was a pretty view for women and gay men, I could take another look) He also played the role with such finesse this role could get him an Oscar nomination. He also had the idea to add a monkey for comic relief and I have to admit that was a great idea. The monkey was very over the top and added comic timing and a ton of laughs.  There are also numerous articles about the monkey getting out on the set and causing havoc. Luckily none of the cast was hurt. The monkey was hysterical and also deserved praise for one of the best acting I have seen by an animal in a film. 

Alec Baldwin was also excellent in his role playing a gay man who didn't realize he was gay until a musical number. 

See Rock of Ages for Tom Cruise and his Monkey. It is not a great film but it is very entertaining and Tom Cruise and Alec Baldwin are worth the price of admission. 

It is not for young children as there are many sexual scenes and some brief nudity including Tom Cruise in chaps.  

Grade: B- Tom's view A+