Strings

The slow start with a story of any kind, then it got worse. It is not worth your time.

There are many good, original themes in this movie. They aren't deeply processed. On one side some of the details aren't necessary to the plot, on the other way don't explain them makes us feel like to watch half a movie. It's a fiction (many details are obviously unreal). Good as entertainment that make you think about. I don't like dance scenes anyway it's only my taste. Good, must to watch.

Cute unique story. Could have been more powerful if they connected the music more with overcoming grief.

I managed to find this movie on Amazon Prime streaming.

I really enjoyed the last 10 minutes or so, it pulled together many different themes touched on in the movie. The only deficiency is that everything develops very slowly with frequent unhappiness and angst making it hard to stay attended to it. But overall worthwhile.

Lucas Till, 24ish during filming, is high school teenager Josh Harvest. He is living with his mom but continues to get in trouble so as a last resort of sorts is sent away to live with his dad. Josh isn't very kind to his parents, in fact he isn't very kind to anyone.

Part of his conditions are to seek regular therapy, and that role is played by Josh Duhamel as Alex who also has some pains from an incident when he was in the military and a friend died.

Then music enters the equation, plus high school dancers who need to step up to be competitive, and Josh helps them fill that role. The themes aren't new, the story is interesting to see how characters grow from their unhappiness and get on with life.

I went into this film feeling fairly neutral about it. Given my expectations, I was surprised at how much I enjoyed it. Lucas Till gave a wonderful performance as the lead. He was vulnerable, yet open enough to let someone else in. His struggle to make this happen becomes the heart and soul of the movie. Some reviewers said the script was unoriginal. I disagree. It explored love, trust, and betrayal in an intimate way. These are timeless themes. The dance routines were quite good. Josh Duhamel likewise gave a brilliantly understated performance as the therapist helping the lead.

The movie definitely honors the veterans, especially their families. Yes, the soldiers are brave and make sacrifices, but so do their families. The film explores the heavy toll service and sacrifice has on the family. It also ties in neatly with the pain felt by the lead actor.

I recommend this indie movie. It's a lot better than some of the stinkers I've seen these days.