Review of Hearts Beat Loud (2018) by Lee M — 01 Jul 2018

Sweet and gentle summer confection, and nice way to pass a stifling afternoon. Too much of the movie is taken up with full length songs, we could have used more exposition and character development. All of the supporting characters are excellent, including Blythe Danner's grandmother, Ted Danson's best friend, and Toni Collette's landlady.

We see too little screen time for all three. The movie would have been a fuller and more well-rounded experience if these characters had been fleshed out. Nick Offerman's Frank is perfectly cast, and the young lady playing his daughter Sam is a revelation.

The fact that Sam is biracial, and gay, are not pointed out in any particular way, which adds to the contemporary and relaxed nature of the film. This is very much the story of a mature young woman and an immature father who is struggling to accept her imminent college departure.

For a summer movie, it doesn't have any fights, explosions, or car crashes. Instead, it's a kind movie with a decent story, great acting, and good original music. Although not the best movie ever made, it's refreshing to find story for grown-ups at the movies .