The High Note

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...

There are almost too many movies that follow a character who works for someone famous, has dreams of becoming as famous as them, but the person they work for doesn't have that same belief in them. For that reason alone, I think it's sort of impressive when one works really well. Supposed to hit theatres, but now streaming on-demand to rent, The High Note is the prime example of a story that feels tired but works really well anyways. I enjoy underdog films, but I'm always worried I'll be able to predict everything. Well, this movie was an absolute catch-22 and here's why.

Maggie (Dakota Johnson), being overlooked by her superstar boss Grace Davis (Tracee Ellis Ross), works on the side, trying to make a name for herself after finding a very talented singer in David Cliff (Kelvin Harrison Jr.). The two of them find passion in their music together and eventually form a romance as well. Not only does this shine a light on the fact that her attention is being taken away from Davis, but it also may lead to a promising future for everyone involved. Through the many trials and tribulations that these films offer the audience, it can feel very formulaic, but I feel that it works very well, and that's due to the characters all being well-rounded.

It does help when your character is written well for you, but Dakota Johnson has been on a roll lately in terms of roles and performances. Before her work on Fifty Shades of Grey made her a household name as an actress, her small roles in The Social Network and Need for Speed always stood out to me more. Once she started broadening her career by appearing in smaller films like The Peanut Butter Falcon, The Friend, and now The High Note, I need to keep an eye out for all of her films. I believe she is becoming a great actress if she's not there already. On top of that, Kelvin Harrison Jr. through film like Monsters and Men and Waves has been on my radar as well. Their chemistry here was really enjoyable and it made the movie worthwhile in the end.

Now, here's where some viewers may take issue. Like many horror films, romantic comedies, and thrillers about kidnapping people these days, stories like this will always feel a little been-there-done-that now. Yes, The High Note plays out exactly as you think it would, but there's a nice emotional backbone to the story and it came to fruition by the end of the run time. I rolled my eyes at a few instances while watching, but this was ultimately a really satisfying and fun movie to watch. Especially right now, I think movies like this need to be watched.

In the end, The High Note is the type of film that's absolutely harmless in nature. A feel-good story about a likeable character trying to find their way. In times like the ones we are living in right now, you can't ask for a nicer story to watch. Is it perfect? Definitely not, but I honestly think most viewers can find enjoyment in this one. The subject matter of music may not entice everyone, but there's more to the story than that. I recommend giving this one a rent if you're looking to smile and have a good time.

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.

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.

I don't understand the low ratings here. Have people seen it? It's full of magic and music. Tracee Ellis Ross is fantastic and Dakota Johnson is just magic.

I would recommend this to everyone!