Entertainment : In Depth - Rock of Ages and Magic Mike

Did you miss me? I took the week off last week, so no column for “The Amazing Spider-Man.” Honestly, how many Spider-Mans do we need? I plead writer’s block. Fortunately, you do not depend solely on my words of wisdom – the theatre has been packed!

And we look for that trend to continue this week with ”Rock of Ages” and “Magic Mike.”

ROCK OF AGES

Our main feature, rated a strong PG-13, features an all-star cast, including Tom Cruise, Alec Bladwin, Julianne Hough, Russell Brand, Catherine Zeta-Jones, and Paul Giamatti. The young male lead is portrayed by Diego Boneta, unknown to me.

I have not yet seen this movie, but I highly recommend it to anyone who loved music in the 1980s. Yes, it’s a musical.

Funny story – my sister and her husband went to see it on their anniversary. Neither knew it was a musical. As the show started my brother-in-law whispered to my sister, “Is this a (naughty word) musical?” She slapped his leg and hissed back, “Sorry! I didn’t know!”

They LOVED IT! If you rocked in the 80s you will cry tears of joy when you hear this soundtrack. Gerald and I braved the one blizzard Eastern Iowa experienced last winter to see this stage show at the Gallagher Bluedorn. I cannot wait to see the movie!

“Rock of Ages” plays the Palace Friday, August 3 through Thursday, August 9 at 7 pm, and Monday, August 6 at 2 pm.

Having seen the live production, I’m 99% sure this film is ideally cast. Not a huge Tom Cruise fan, but he is perfect for this part, as is Alec Baldwin! And Julianne Hough!

There are no chase scenes, but plenty of sex, drugs and rock and roll. I promise you will love this movie. But don’t bring your little kids. Youngsters in the crowd take all the fun out of the overtly sexual jokes.

MAGIC MIKE – THREE DAYS ONLY

And, please, don’t spoil our good time by bringing your underage kids to “Magic Mike,” rated R.

Calling all ladies! And the bravest of men! (A Vinton couple I know saw THIS movie on their anniversary. Really. I promised not to use his name. He said it wasn’t his favorite movie.)

I’m embarrassed (for you, not me) to report that “Magic Mike” may be the most requested movie title in my six plus years as Palace Theatre manager. Apparently girls do just wanna have fun!

Yes, we got the male stripper movie. Playing Friday and Saturday, August 3 and 4 at 9:15 pm, and Sunday, August 5 at 2 pm, are Channing Tatum and Matthew McConaughey in all their muscle-bound glory. Call your best friends and reserve your tickets early. Kids, bring your IDs, we’ll be carding at the window.

One last note – check the website, www.vintonpalace.org, or call the InfoLine, 319/472-9958, next week. Frank let me know that FOX hasn’t dropped the $5 per capita, so chances are we won’t get “Ice Age.”