Review of The Music Never Stopped (2011) by Thomas W — 24 Jan 2012
Although not the most polished film one is going to see, The Music Never Stopped is a rather moving drama about a grown-man who reverts back 20-or-so-odd years after a massive tumor is removed from his brain.
In years past, the young-man became estranged with his family after a confrontation between himself and his father after a Vietnam War protest. Leaving his family behind, the son (Gabriel), leaves for "the Village" to persue a career in music -- we never know what becomes of him as the beginning of the film is of a phone call informing the parents their aged son has been found and is incompetent (from that said tumor).
The story is one of father and son reconnecting -- and it is those moments of the film that resonant the most as some of the flashbacks are clumsy and clunky. They find that the son/patient connects to his past through past musical memories providing the audience with a wonderful soundtrack of 50's to early 70's tunes (Beatles, the Dead etc), the music could have easily been the best part of this picture .
.. but there is some substance that is here that is rather nice. The film is flawed (and put together rather simply); but it is nice none-the-less and it is wonderful seeing J.K. Simmons (Juno, Spider-Man) getting a lead role for a change (the man anchors the film nicely).
Tammy Blanchard (Moneyball, The Good Shepherd, Rabbit Hole) has a very nice near-cameo in a rather touching scene between friends twenty-years removed this is rather memorable. I think the film will be oddly memorable which is ironic as the film is about not being able to create new memories.
It is a fine rather-slow movie that should please those in the mood for some moving drama set to a great soundtrack.
This review of The Music Never Stopped (2011) was written by Thomas W on 24 Jan 2012.
The Music Never Stopped has generally received positive reviews.
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