Rock Of Ages Makes South Florida Look Good

MIAMI (CBS4) - You may come to see "Rock of Ages" for the rock and roll, but if you're from South Florida you'll be looking on screen for hometown scenes or friends of yours. Much of the film was shot in South Florida, and lots of locals were used as extras. But there are more reasons to watch this movie than the hometown references.

"Rock of Ages" tells the story of small town girl Sherrie and city boy Drew, who meet on the Sunset Strip while pursuing their Hollywood dreams. It's a rock and roll romance, directed by Adam Shankman (Hairspray), featuring familiar 80's glam hits  by  Def Leppard, Foreigner, Journey, Poison, REO Speedwagon and more.

Julianne Hough from Footloose stars  as Sherrie. Shankman handpicked the former "Dancing With The Stars" dancer for this role.

"If  I could draw a girl from the Midwest, a pretty girl from the Midwest,  she is it.  I was hoping for the bests  and I got better " said Shankman.

"I was so nervous," said Hough.  "I moved to LA to be a  respected actress and  singer and I  did Burlesque and Footloose  and thought that's enough musicals. Then, they asked me to do another musical  but said they said Adam was directing, it and Tom Cruise, Alec Baldwin, Catherine Zeta Jones and  I said maybe one more."

And it is Tom Cruise as burned out rock star Stacee Jaxx whose over the top performance  will leave audiences wondering what won't he do. His character is bizarre, but  it works.

"You certainly learn about perfection and commitment from Tom,"said Shankman."

"Oh my gosh, he still gets me," said Hough. "Every time 'Pour Some Sugar' comes on, I melt," she laughed.

Many South Floridians will remember the entire film was shot in Dade and Broward last summer. A street in  Overtown was literally transformed into the Sunset Strip; the Revolution in Fort Lauderdale and Hard Rock Live became the night clubs venue.

"It was the best shooting here in Miami," said Hough.  "Everyone here was so amazing. Our crew from Miami  was  unbelievable. Gloria Estefan was the mayor- hosting us."

"I have never worked in a place that's showed a team of interlopers more kindness," said Shankman.

Rock of Ages, open this weekend, is rated PG 13.