Movielogr
Whiplash (2014)
Directed by Damien Chazelle
Twitter Facebook Google+Most recently watched by floydrmd, CaptainBigTime, sensoria, lordofthemovies, GMOM65, danfinn, Angjonesy, themarc, seanCduregger, DaNiedabaya
Overview
Under the direction of a ruthless instructor, a talented young drummer begins to pursue perfection at any cost, even his humanity.
Rated R | Length 107 minutes
Actors
Miles Teller | J.K. Simmons | Paul Reiser | Melissa Benoist | Austin Stowell | Nate Lang | Chris Mulkey | Damon Gupton | Suanne Spoke | Max Kasch | Charlie Ian | Jayson Blair | Kofi Siriboe | Kavita Patil | C.J. Vana | Tarik Lowe | Tyler Kimball | Rogelio Douglas Jr. | Adrian Burks | Calvin C. Winbush | Joseph Bruno | Michael D. Cohen | Jocelyn Ayanna | Keenan Henson | Janet Hoskins | April Grace | Clifton 'Fou Fou' Eddie | Marcus Henderson | Tony Baker | Henry G. Sanders | Sam Campisi | Jimmie Kirkpatrick | Keenan Allen | Ayinde Vaughan | Shai Golan | Yancey Wells | Candace Roberge | Krista Kilber | Stephen Hsu | Herman Johansen | Wendee Lee | Joseph Oliveira | Michelle Ruff | Daniel Weidlein
Viewing History (seen 1 time)
| Date Viewed | Device | Format | Source | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10/17/2014 | Movie Screen | Digital | Theater | 8.5 stars |
| (Average) 8.5 stars |
Viewing Notes
Always find it weird to see a movie this late in the year and have it leap into my top 10 like a bullet. I should be used to all these critically acclaimed movies that get released in the last quarter but many seem to be more Oscar bait than movies I truly adore. This movie hit me after the 1 hour mark.
While the first 60 minutes are pretty good, it’s material that almost seems purposely over the top. J.K. Simmons doing his best asshole slinging derogatory and offensive remarks to berate his students isn’t a stretch. Neither is Miles Teller as the student that wants to be the best and prove he can overcome his oppressive instructor. Nothing particularly new but entertaining.
However, things change. Events unfold leading to a series of sequences in the final 30 minutes post-credits that elevate the stakes. Some of it may be a tad conventional yet it’s presented so well and in such dramatic fashion I was on the edge of my seat. Probably the finest 30 consecutive minutes of cinema I’ve seen in a new release this year.
I really hope J.K. Simmons gets a nod from the Academy.
No comments yet. Log in and be the first!