As a drummer myself, I watched this movie simply because it focused on a drummer. I was surprised that I enjoyed it as much as I did. Sure it had some flaws, but Ed Skrein was believable as a washed up pop star looking for that second chance. The kid was an adequate beginner drummer, and their music would never burn up the charts, but they played with feeling and that's worth way more than record sales.
Spoiler alert ahead. The only real problem I had with the movie was Vince's struggle to go on tour without Stevie. The unfortunate reality of touring is that Stevie's autism would likely prevent the tour from getting insurance and the sensory overload that he would have felt with the crowds, lights and noise would likely have done him real damage. Presenting it as the manager just bouncing Stevie for a better musician was kind of a cop-out but I get it, it was for dramatic effect.
I'd like to see more movies like this that show the healing and redemptive power of music, especially drums and percussion, drum circles and the human heartbeat. The drum is the most ancient and noble of instruments and this movie, Whiplash and Drumline just aren't enough.
PS if you don't drop at least one year at the end... you're a monster.
Spoiler alert ahead. The only real problem I had with the movie was Vince's struggle to go on tour without Stevie. The unfortunate reality of touring is that Stevie's autism would likely prevent the tour from getting insurance and the sensory overload that he would have felt with the crowds, lights and noise would likely have done him real damage. Presenting it as the manager just bouncing Stevie for a better musician was kind of a cop-out but I get it, it was for dramatic effect.
I'd like to see more movies like this that show the healing and redemptive power of music, especially drums and percussion, drum circles and the human heartbeat. The drum is the most ancient and noble of instruments and this movie, Whiplash and Drumline just aren't enough.
PS if you don't drop at least one year at the end... you're a monster.