Música, glamour y fama

From time to time we need a push forward our deams, this movie will remind you that your hard work will not go with the wind.

The nominal first billing goes to Dakota Johnson who is 20-something Maggie Sherwoode, growing up in the music scene she now has what seemed like her dream job, as personal assistant to one of her favorite singers in the Los Angeles area. But her musical bones want more, she has a knack for producing and wants to move in that direction. But the establishment is a difficult wall.

The performer is 40-something Tracee Ellis Ross as popular singer 40-something Grace Davis. She is usually nice to Maggie but as a prima donna can go off on her here and there. Grace is getting pressure from her long-time manager to take a resident gig in Las Vegas, singing all her old popular songs every day, but she still enjoys touring. Plus she is writing again and wants to record new stuff. Will she ever agree to hire Maggie as her producer?

Of note the actress is the real-life daughter of the great Diana Ross of the Supremes. This is a good movie devoted to relationships and with some good music thrown in. My wife and I watched it on DVD from our public library.

This film was so vastly underrated that it boggles the mind. I don't know what film those other people were watching, who are cynical and don't seem to have a clue about the value of good entertainment. The performances were great. Dakota Johnson was great as usual. Bill Pullman was wonderful. The gal, Ms. Ross, who played the star was excellent, and Calvin Harrison was amazing. This is really just a good tight production, a good story and very realistic from my point of view. I don't know the music industry. I'm not an insider, but it seemed like a well thought out script and I highly recommend the film. A bit cheesy at times, but overall very good.

This film is the perfect example of great art, sabotage by 'critic' reviews. The entire truth of The High Note is summed up in its central message; the music is what matters. Not gimmicky remixes or auto tuned production, but REAL music that moves you. The weak attempts to tarnish this gem of a story, will be effortlessly cast aside by those not caught up in what the industry spoon feeds the masses. At one point a particular review attacks this film with 'it handles conflict in the nicest possible way' as if we as humans can't evolve to a place of civility.

As a father I am grateful for the creative forces behind this project. Ms. Ross' performance is authentic. Dakota's character breathes real air. Ice Cube causes the audience to contract empathy for the human condition. The only change that would've been even more icing on this tasty cake, would be the song 'I don't really care' being a larger part of the movie.

Nice work Rotten Tomatoes. Way to back up your name with your rotten review of one of the truly good features of 2020...

This move suffered a little from too many ideas squeezed into a movie length production. Sometimes it feels a bit like Coyote Ugly, when it's not trying to be Devil Wears Pravda. The overall arc would've felt better placed as a tv series with much more room to add the character development and little touches this moving story deserves. That being said I completely enjoyed my time in this world with some very strong performances and touches of humour. Tracee Ellis Ross is simply brilliant and Dakota Johnson does a great job at keeping you routing for her character, even when she gets it wrong.