Whiplash

Whiplash

Rated R and Released 11/14/14

Reviewed 11/17/14 at Celebration North Theatre

with Gary

3 1/2 out of 5 Js in QUIET Rating System

I never heard of Whiplash until perusing the movie list trying to decide what to see. We saw everything but this one and we almost didn't go (not because of the unknown movie, but the looming blizzard that no one should've been out in). I'm glad the weather didn't hold us back, or we could have missed this gem. Gary and I were both genially surprised. Who would believe a story about a young guy aspiring to be a drummer could be riveting? It's off-beat and low budget, though it didn't come across cheesy as these types of films often do. The acting led by Miles Teller and J.K. Simmons (from the infamous Farmers Insurance commercials) is superb!

Awkward Andrew (Teller) is a first-year music student at a fiercely competitive NYC music school. He has his sights on being chosen for the most prestigious jazz band at school led by the fearsome maestro Terrence Fletcher (Simmons). There are a few descriptives that come to mind when describing Terrence and they are not pleasant.

Meanwhile Andrew's strength pushes him to practice all night and sacrifice relationships, enough to get him into the right spot. Or does it? How far will a teacher push his students? How far will one student in particular LET a teacher push him? This resonates with me and probably many others on different levels on what is right, and the crossroad decisions made to get the desired end result. There are some aggressive editing jumps through a few scenes, but this can easily be overlooked. Go see this quality film and don't be caught off guard by the edgy suspense these two characters put you through.

QUIET Rating system: 3 1/2 Js

Quality: JJJ

Understood story:  JJJ

Interest: JJJJ

Entertainment:  JJJj

Time:  JJJJ