Review of Whiplash (2014) by Kriebelr — 04 Jan 2015
Positives: J.K. Simmons is terrifying, and really great. He plays a manipulative, abusive teacher that every student fears and longs to please.
Lots of times movies with music as a central theme have fake playing in them that is distracting. This movie is filmed in such a way that the fake playing isn't distracting. In fact, if you don't know better, you won't know the difference.
The story has a ton of interest and holds your attention. There are quite a few shocks along the way.
The Negative: Plot holes...plenty of them. One or two are acceptable...but they became a distraction.
I wish they would have explored the family dynamic more, especially attitudes favoring sports over music.
I think they wrote Simmon's dialogue a little over the top. Yes it had to be shocking...but it was like "Full Metal Jacket" shocking. Over the top in my opinion, and subtlety would have been better here.
The final scene was unrealistic and stupid. Made a great movie just good.
This review of Whiplash (2014) was written by Kriebelr on 04 Jan 2015.
Whiplash has generally received very positive reviews.
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