WHIPLASH (2014) – My rating: 8.5/10

Whiplash gives a whole new flavor to riveting entertainment.  Without telling all, Whiplash is brilliant.  A 19 year old, first year drummer enrolls in a famous, prestigious Conservatory music school, (Shaffer) with an over the top abusive instructor teaching the class of musicians.  Andrew Neyman  played by Miles Teller is a promising drummer who is willing to forsake everything to get the training, recognition and respect for his talent that he so rightly deserves.  The abusive teacher, Fletcher, played by J. K. Simmons, will do whatever it takes to squeeze every drop of talent out of his students.  His agenda may be honorable but his methodology is brutal and so mentally obstructive, if found out by the powers that be, could cost him everything, including his job.  In the end, fed up Andrew shows everyone who he is and turns Fletcher’s thinking up side down.  A small cast and a big story with lots of emotions flying high will take you on a thrill ride worth every minute of this movie.  I haven’t heard a drummer like Andrew since Buddy Rich who was deemed the world’s best drummer.  Miles Teller is an actor but should seriously think about making his drumming skills his calling.  See Whiplash, it will bring something out in you!

[WHIPLASH is nominated for Best picture, Best Supporting Actor, Film Editing, Sound Mixing, Adapted Screenplay (Writing)]