Expected more

It's easily one of the freshest, sharpest and most enjoyable films of this year.

There are moments that feel comical, some horrific, and some downright inspiring but the tonal shifts hardly matter as the end results come to a film that's perfect for this time.

Great story, amazing characters, superb action, enthralling cinematography. Yes, this is something I am glad I spent money on.

I saw myself in the character of Henry Sawyer - which was superbly acted. The pinnacle of J.K. Simmons career. But don't watch it for that reason. Watch it if you've ever struggled to understand your son or let your child make their own mistakes. Or if you've ever had a child with a life- changing accident or disease. Or if you were that child. Or a child who struggled with their parents. OR if you've stood by while your husband improperly lashed out as his children. Or if you were that husband and you wish you weren't. I was. The movie made me cry. When I think about it, I'm still moved to tears by several scenes. No movie ever had that kind of an impact on me - the next two are probably Fireproof and Forest Gump. I pray this movie will help me change. Don't push them away. Don't push away this move. Push play!

This starts out in reality...which will draw you in, but then quickly takes a hard turn into a feelings based fantasy, all the while pretending to be a believable occurrence.If this were reality why didn't anyone think to give him a transistor radio with an earpiece streaming music, if that's all he needed to become coherent?Of course,(spoiler alert)the father's feelings and values don't count...it's all about the kids, even if the kids aren't alright.The music was pretty good, although in snippets only. Ultimately, it's the narrative that "never stops". Do yourself a favor...hit stop and give peace a chance.

This is a good film about neuroscience and music, father and son relationships, and commitment, based on Oliver Sachs' book.The plot is based on the true story of Gabriel Sawyer, who has a tumor that destroys his hippocampus meaning that new memories are impossible. However, when music plays he remembers his life 20 years before.This is evocative, nostalgic, and has a warmth and charm to it that you would be hard-pressed not to like. It is a simple, small, film that carries its message well - and for those who love 60s music you do get a chance to sing along to some great song, even Desolation Row...The relationships are at the core of this and JK Simmonds is great as the father who is struggling to understand, and Lou Taylor Pucci seems to enjoy the challenge and conviction his part demands.All in all, this is an interesting film, and the soundtrack is awesome....

I was a child of the 60s, grew up in the 70s, made most of my life's mistakes in the 80s, but also learned an awful lot about life those three decades. That time period made me who I am today. I don't take much for granted. I played a LOT outside as a child, my mind was not desensitized by video games. My growing years were filled with music about the reason for war and the wrongs of war. Popular songs about love were poetic, meanings often hidden, and not in your face expletives.Having said all that, this movie reached me deep inside. Music was always a part of my life... from day one. My father liked Glenn Miller and my mother loved Elvis. To this day I love that music too, as well as my own preferences with which I grew up. Despite my father never liking the Beatles, they are my favorite band of all time to this day. I think he objected to their hair. My father had a 30 year career in the U.S. Army. He served at the end of WWII, the Korean conflict and Vietnam. My love of the anti-war songs were not in rebellion to what he was doing, but instead reassured everyone that we found our American soldiers more valuable than whatever it was we were fighting for in Vietnam. Now my stepson is at the end of his tour of Afghanistan. I love him dearly, and support what he does and support our troops mission, but they need to come home now. What songs today speak of our missions in Afghanistan, Iraq and the Libyan conflict? It's just not the same.In the 70s, besides never setting the Beatles aside, I loved CSN, CCR, Joni Mitchell and most of the artists who took part in Woodstock back in 1969, as well as all the great bands and singer/songwriters that followed. Songs of peace, love and understanding.I became a DJ at age 16 and after disco unfortunately changed everything and college was over, I worked a couple of years as a roadie and eventually became a musician as well.I put my guitar down around 1990 and didn't pick it up again in seriousness until 2007. That period includes probably the darkest period in my life. I will never set music aside again.Should I, God forbid, suffer the plight of the main character in this movie, my wife knows what music to play.I didn't feel the need to review this film as a critic, because my experience with this film was more emotional than intellectual. If you don't have instant recollection of a moment in your past whenever you hear a certain song, this movie is not for you. However, if you do have a solid connection between music and a memory, don't miss this film.Julia Ormond was good in this film as the doctor that finds the connection. However, the real stars are the lesser known J.K. Simmons and Lou Taylor Pucci who did an incredible job of showing the differences in generations and how the tables can turn when your ears and your heart open up to something new or something you hated because of lack of understanding. I think in all of life's steps on the road through life, denial is the most destructive.Don't view this movie technically, you'll miss the point. Open your heart and your soul, and you'll get it. Enjoy.