Weekend Picks: ‘Rock of Ages’ & ‘That’s My Boy’

By Meriah Doty | Movie Talk – 19 hours ago

(Photo: Warner Bros. Pictures/Columbia Pictures)

This weekend ushers in the first movie musical of the year -- since last year's "The Muppets" and "Footloose." And "Rock of Ages," based on the Broadway show of the same name, seems to have all the ingredients to get you chair-dancers out there into full swing: '80s hits, big hair and even bigger stars.

The Tom Cruise-led flick is said to be in contention with "Madagascar 3" to top the weekend box office, pitting karaoke fare against kid fare. But R-rated comedy "That's My Boy" could come from behind for a surprise win if it follows the path of surprise R-rated hit from earlier this year, "21 Jump Street." (Incidentally, we recently spoke with Vanilla Ice, who plays himself in "My Boy," along with the rest of the cast.)

Fun fact: Jennifer Aniston's main squeeze Justin Theroux co-wrote the adapted screenplay.

Here is more on what you can expect from this weekend's wide releases:

Warner Bros.Rock of Ages

Rated PG-13 for sexual content, suggestive dancing, some heavy drinking, and language.

What's the story?

Jam packed with decades-old chart-topping songs, "Rock" is told through the eyes of two young aspiring stars (played by Julianne Hough and Diego Boneta). During their quest for fame, they confront of a slew of characters involved in the late '80s Sunset Strip, Hollywood scene: The aging rock star (Tom Cruise), the mayor's rock-hating wife (Catherine Zeta-Jones), the money grubbing club owner (Alec Baldwin), and many more.

Who will dig it?

If you sing along with your car stereo or find yourself frequently chair dancing, this one is for you -- along with shower vocalists and hairbrush microphone users (preferably in front of a mirror). Musical movie buffs and former '80s teens looking to reminisce should also find fun in this one.

Columbia PicturesThat's My Boy

Rated R for crude sexual content throughout, nudity, pervasive language and some drug use.

What's the story?

It's about boy who had a boy: Young Donny acted on base instinct, fathering a son -- with his teacher -- when he was just a young teen. His son Todd is now grown up, getting married and Donny wants desperately to form a closer bond.

Who will dig it?

Fans of any or all of the following movies should find this one enjoyable: "Happy Gilmore" (starring Adam Sandler), "Hot Rod" (starring Andy Samberg), or television movie "All-American Girl: The Mary Kay Letourneau Story." There, I said it.