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)]

 

SPARKLE (2012) – My rating: 8/10

A Good Modern Musical!                                                                                            Sparkle was a pretty decent movie/musical. I was saddened watching Whitney Houston perform for the last time. Her voice sounded pretty good, not nearly as bad as the press reported it. Had she lived, I believe Whitney’s talent for acting was good enough to sustain her while she worked to bring her voice up to speed or not.

I have been a fan of Jordan Sparks and have followed her career since she won American Idol. I must say, she is a pretty good actress. I waited with baited breath for her to belt out a couple of songs, as it turns out, it was a long wait but well worth it when she finally did. The performance was not “Dream Girls” status, but was excellent given the script, songs and story Jordan had to work with.

The movie was about 3 sisters, veering for stardom, trying to follow in the footsteps of the Supremes, only bigger. Sister played by Carmen Ejogo was the lead singer and Dee played by Tika Sumpter was studying to be a doctor. Both actresses brought good singing and acting to the movie. Some of their costumes were eye opening. I was a little disappointed however, when stories of 2 character’s (levi, played by Omari Hardwick and Black, played by Celo Green) fell a little short. I definitely wanted more.

I was impressed with the performance of Mike Epps as he played a bully and comedian looking for acceptance from his audience. Sparkle is full of talent and tells a pretty good story. The Choir was fantastic as was the performance of Derek Luke who played Stix, a love interest for Sparkle. I recommend this movie — you won’t be bored. If you are a Whitney fan, you’ll be pleased with her performance as well — REST IN PEACE WHITNEY HOUSTON!!!!!