Justice Charlier — Mary J. Blige in Rock of Ages (2012)

Justice Charlier — Mary J. Blige in Rock of Ages (2012)

Film: Rock of Ages | Director: Adam Shankman |  Year: 2012  |  Co-Stars: Tom Cruise, Alec Baldwin, Julianne Hough, Russell Brand

Rock of Ages is a big loud joyful mess of a movie and I mean that as a compliment. It is the adaptation of the hit Broadway musical set in 1980s Los Angeles and it is packed with classic rock anthems, big personalities, and theatrical performances. And right in the middle of all of it is Mary J. Blige playing Justice Charlier and absolutely eating every scene she is in.

About the Film

Rock of Ages is set on the Sunset Strip in 1987 at a rock club called the Bourbon Room. It follows small town girl Sherrie and her aspiring musician love interest Drew as they navigate Hollywood dreams, record industry corruption, and the threat of the club being shut down by a conservative city councilwoman. The cast includes Tom Cruise as rock god Stacee Jaxx, Alec Baldwin as the club owner, and Mary J. Blige as Justice.

Who Is Justice Charlier?

Justice Charlier runs a gentlemen's club called the Venus Club. She is bold, entrepreneurial, unapologetically herself, and she has the most incredible voice on the Sunset Strip. She performs Journey's Any Way You Want It in the film and it is one of the most joyful musical moments in the entire movie.

Playing Justice required Mary to lean into a very specific kind of theatrical confidence. This is not the quiet internal work of her later dramatic roles. This is big, loud, committed musical performance. And she delivered it with complete command.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o-h2xUZj6GA

The Hollywood Exposure

Rock of Ages was a major studio production with a massive budget and a global release. Being part of that film, alongside Tom Cruise and a cast of Hollywood veterans, introduced Mary J. Blige to audiences who might not have known her primarily as an actress. It opened doors. And Billboard noted that the role, while still close to her musical strengths, opened her up to larger audiences in her acting career.

Rock of Ages is a blast. Go watch it and then come back and tell me Mary did not steal every scene she was in.

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