Review of Music Within (2007) by Ben A — 24 Mar 2009

I have to say in many ways this movie is unremarkable. It is an interesting story, of course, and probably one that not many realize. However, it is told from such a viewpoint as to imply that the ADA was one man's goal in life.

Richard Pimentel's contribution cannot be denied, but it devotes all of its attention to a guy who is- in many regards- pretty normal. Yes he became deaf in Vietnam. But he overcomes his disability apparently with ease. Now, Art, his friend with cerebral palsy is far more interesting and Michael Sheen's performance is great- but we never really find out about Art. In fact in a movie about the ADA, we actually see very few disabled people.

Livingston is a decent actor, but Pimentel's story is rather well-worn ground for a story to travel. In a way Music Within feels a little self-congratulatory. The story of the ADA should have had more representation and less predictable story elements.