Simply A Masterpiece

Sadly Over-hyped

Plenty to Like, Plenty to Dislike

The film may be flawed, but its message is not.

The synopsis for this got me interested. The music helped as well."Was it interesting?" The characters were well thought out. My biggest problem is with the "twist" or "reveal" at the 2/3 mark. Pretty much ruined the rest of the movie for me. I just didn't buy it at all.1.5 out of 3."Was it memorable?" The music was rather good. The cinematography, especially in the montages, was amazing. The ending felt a little flat.2 out of 3."Was it enjoyable?" Until the reveal, it was a good sit. Afterward, I was just waiting for it to end.1.5 out of 3.Starting with 1 (because it's a secret to everyone), 1 + 1.5 + 2 + 1.5 = 6 I can't say it was a waste of time, but probably will never watch again. Was Lawrence Fishburne really necessary? I understand William H Macy.

While at times it threatens to become a little too lathered in cheese and schmaltz, William H. Macy's debut directional effort Rudderless gets by on a fairly unique idea and enough heart and humour to carry this tale of loss, grief, redemption and music through to a satisfactory and untraditional conclusion.Imbuing his film with the persona and comedic timing that has made him one of the industry's most well respected and most recognisable character actors, Macy shows himself to be quite the story telling craftsman here especially concerning Rudderless's narrative arc that at a mid-way point takes an unexpected and loaded turn that makes a somewhat fuzzy first half become a lot more tolerable in hindsight.Front and centre in this study of a man grieving the loss of his son in a college shooting is Billy Crudup and actor well known for sadly never reaching the potential he so clearly has within and it's safe to his turn as one time high roller now painter for hire Sam is one of his best, not only of recent times but in his career. Alongside both Watchmen and Big Fish, Rudderless will be an extra enjoyable experience for Crudup fans and he both convinces in his musical moments, his emotionally loaded moments and his comedic timing and it's great to see the actor take a role on and nail it.It's arguable the Crudup is the main reason to sink your teeth into Rudderless and it's a wise move that Macy chose to plant him in almost all of the films scenes as when he takes a back seat Rudderless's flaws are more glaring right down from some questionable leaps of story progressions through to unbelievable side players like Laurence Fishburne's kindly music story owner Del.Rudderless will be enjoyed more with the least amount of pre-knowledge possible and while it never hits a perfect note between drama and comedy, this is a Hallmark like movie that transcends its weaknesses and becomes a likable if forgettable music filled drama.3 ruined regatta's out of 5

Played few times in my cable TV but miss the opportunity to watch the full movie. The song is wonderful, very nice, like the old coldplay maybe. When I watch the whole movie, it's above all of my expectation. Not just as cliché as lost family member and find some escape. It's build the strong story better with fact that reveal at later part of the movie. I like Billy Crudup's performance, and same as the other band's member. The background of Anton Yelchin is a bit limited but still good to deliver the connection. A very emotional movie to the point that I want believe that this is a true story. William H. Macy did a very good job. Will wait for his directing any other movie.

I just watched the movie and brimming with emotions, gave the movie an 8. Maybe as I re watch it, I might bring the rating to 7; as I said, this is a movie that could have been great but falls short of it. The title not only signifies the band but the position in which the lead character finds himself in. And if a movie is about reviving one's life with music and revolves around music, the makers need to deliver on that front. And they did !Rudderless has some soulful lyrics with music that doesn't overpower the vocals thus making it a good entertainer. Coupled with Billy Crudup's acting and a strong character based story, the movie delivers. Selena Gomez looked completely out of place thus proving how one can weaken a movie a tad even if they have a 2min role. Somewhere I believe they could have worked on Crudup's character a little more and bind the entire story more tightly..