Full Movie Reviews
Rating of
3/4
"Whiplash" by Yojimbo
Yojimbo - wrote on 01/07/2017
A gifted but socially awkward student in a respected music conservatory is chosen to play in their lauded jazz band, but suffers indignity and abuse at the hands of his perfectionist of a teacher.
The premise of Whiplash sounds like on of those cliched boot camp style movies in which grudging recruits come to admire their gruff sergeant despite his harsh methods as they learn that he is merely attempting the bring out the best in them. There is a certain element of this, although the character dynamic of Neimann and Fletcher is rather more complex than that; it's essentially about the fine line between a mentor being inspirational to encourage his charge and emotional abuse. Miles Teller puts in a fine performance as the isolated, obsessive student desperately trying to achieve the …
Rating of
4/4
Stakes claim as an indie frontrunner
Evan Wheatley - wrote on 10/21/2016
Independent films have grown increasingly popular as of late. 2014 was filled with these types of movies that seemingly came out of nowhere, and “Whiplash” was one of the frontrunners.
Miles Teller plays Andrew Neiman, an aspiring jazz drummer attending Shaffer Conservatory in New York City. Terence Fletcher, played by J.K. Simmons, is a well-respected instructor at the university who takes notice of Neiman and recruits him for his studio band. Neiman's excitement to join the band is short-lived however; as Fletcher's brutal methods of teaching prove to be immensely taxing, physically and emotionally.
Brutal is an understatement of how cruel some of Fletcher’s methods are. Throughout the film it is difficult to tell if he is one of the protagonists or antagonists, if he is …
Rating of
3.5/4
ATTENTION ALL JAZZERS
Pat - wrote on 08/19/2016
Whiplash is a narrative, not a documentary. Yes there are many unrealistic parts about music, especially jazz, in this film. I admit that these musical inaccuracies may be laughable, but I truly believe that absolutely everything inadequate about the jazz pedagogy or what have you can be easily overlooked. Therefore, those attributes DO NOT count as any type of flaw of the movie by any stretch of the imagination. Whiplash is simply a work of fiction.
The character relationships are simple enough to grab anyones attention, as we are introduced to the main character Andrew Neyman (Miles Teller) and Terence Fletcher (J.K. Simmons). In a fantastically crafted way, seeing the development of the main characters’ connection turn into a heap of tension was outstanding. Even so, the …
Rating of
N/A
Wirbel
cinegeek.de - wrote on 03/12/2016
Whiplash ist filmisches Adrenalin! In einer Zeit, da Filme von Marktforschern auf bestimmte Zielgruppen hin konzipiert werden, ist das hier ein tief persönliches und lebendiges Drama! Wie weit würdest du für den Erfolg gehen? Wie sehr würdest du jemanden anderen quälen, um ihn auf den richtigen Weg zu trimmen? Whiplash ist genauso intensiv wie ein Trommelwirbel, wächst und fällt - genau wie die Hoffnungen des jungen Schülers. Die Kamera führt in einen engen Korridor an dessen Ende eine Tür geöffnet ist. Die Kamera fängt auch den Lehrer ein, der mit wenigen Fragen seine Position klar macht. Andrew, dem Schüler, bleibt nur übrig, stumm zu nicken. Es ist der Tonfall eines grausamen Katz- und Maus-Spiels. Regisseur Damien Chazelle hat ähnliche Erfahrungen wie Trommel-Schüler …
Rating of
4/4
Good Enough is Never Great, This Movie Is Great!
Taz - wrote on 03/23/2015
Wow I was blown away by this movie! It was incredible in every way a movie should be. The acting was amazing, the pace was perfect, the music was a delight, the story well told and the message was interesting. The whole idea that good enough will never make us great is an incredible message in this movie. It is perfectly conveyed from beginning to end. Be it from the constant practice that Andrew goes through filled with blood and sweat. The humiliation and degradation Andrew is put through. To bringing in sub-par rivals and praising them in front of Andrew even though they did not do as well. The story is always building to the idea that good enough is never going to be great. It is an idea that might be sometimes lost in today's politically correct world. Is this type of treatment …
Rating of
3/4
A musical thriller
ikkegoemikke - wrote on 03/06/2015
“The truth is, Andrew
I never really had a Charlie Parker.
But I tried.
I actually fucking tried.”
"Whiplash". You could think that this film tells the story of a drummer (the movie poster is a bit of a spoiler when it comes to this) who has suffered this injury by violently playing his instrument. Or he lost control of his car while drumming rhythmically on the steering wheel and crashed into the car driving in front of him. You could link the movie title to these assumptions, because the arrangements that Andrew (Miles Teller) has to play in this masterful and highly rhythmic film may result in a neck injury. And when it comes to losing that control ... well ... then you should go and watch the movie to find out yourself. Anyway, the film title refers to a song written by the …
Rating of
4/4
Hold on to Your Seat, Literally!
Unknown - wrote on 01/20/2015
'Whiplash' is most definitely the best film of 2014! I've never been more certain on that fact after watching ANY film. The decision was an immediate "YES!" for me the second the credits started rolling. This movie just knocked me flat with it's sheer energy and off-the-charts entertainment! I had a constant swell of excitement and joy throughout. The story is uplifting and inspiring in the most unconventional way for a music film. Pulsating tension grows naturally between the conflict of the two main characters. J.K. Simmons is the perfect adversary/mentor to Miles Teller's equally perfect rising talent. Their battling relationship is so involving that it bleeds into every facet of the film. Smaller moments explore the importance of the arts, total immersion into your craft, …
Rating of
4/4
Gripping and also inspiring then most films
Matthew Brady - wrote on 01/06/2015
Terence Fletcher: "There are no two words in the English language more harmful than good job".
Whiplash follows are main character Andrew Neyman who is a young jazz drummer, single-minded in his pursuit to rise to the top of his elite east coast music conservatory. Plagued by the failed writing career of his father, Andrew hungers day and night to become one of the greats. Terence Fletcher, an instructor equally known for his teaching talents as for his terrifying methods, leads the top jazz ensemble in the school. Fletcher discovers Andrew and transfers the aspiring drummer into his band, forever changing the young man's life.
OK let me just start off with this. You had no idea how much I was really looking forward to Whiplash. This was on my movies to check out list, because I …
Rating of
4/4
Gripping jazz film is one of the year's best!
Jonathan - wrote on 11/16/2014
In a very strong year for movies, Whiplash may wind up being my favorite. There is so much good to say about this film, that it is ironically difficult to write a good review without gushing.
The most exceptional aspect of this film may very well be the acting, lead by J.K. Simmon's career best, and easily oscar-quality performance as a conductor/music teacher to the character played by Miles Teller, who establishes himself in this role as an A-list acting talent that is here to stay, and just might end one becoming one of the greats.
The directing is confident and urgent, delivering a completely engaging story that captivates and exhilarates.
The only reservation to be given about this film is that it is not a topic that will appeal to all. A story about a jazz drummer and an …
