Great World of Sound

I really enjoyed this film. I saw it with my brother the other night on netflix. The African-American actor was amazing. that guy should be and could be in a lot more films... His performance was captivating. I read about the film and heard the scenes with the talent was done with hidden cameras and mirrors. It is clear because the people who come in are all so real and distinct. The film is unique and original and that goes a long way. The film uses humor and an original story to deal with the American dream, and our obsession with recognition and the current wave of talent shows and reality shows, of fame, fortune and morality. Great first film from a new American director-- someone to follow for sure.

I don't normally review a film before I finish it - and this one runs almost two hours - but I feel compelled to do so here. Why?

I don't know, exactly, and you probably won't either. "Great World of Sound" is one of those films that captures the imagination without really explaining itself. That, in my humble opinion, is the absolute ESSENCE of art.

It's not a guy film but it's not a chick flick, either. Still, I don't know exactly what it is, except interesting. Very interesting.

The music and performers seem genuine - so, if they're not actually amateur talent, then they are topnotch actors and actresses. So believable!

I think, though, the best and most attractive thing about this hidden gem of a film is the chemistry between the main players -Pat Healy as Martin and Kene Holiday as Clarence - they really engage one another and the audience such that you wish you were on their roadtrip, too! I love characters that can do that!

Of course, John Baker (as Shank) and Robert Longstreet (as Layton) set the mood for them. Both are unknown to me, but I think this cast could do great things - I know Mr. Holiday already has done.

When you watch this film, pay attention. Then write to let me know what you think it is that makes this movie so engrossing!

This flick was an all around great film. It was a moving story that definitely gets you thinking and implants morals. The actors in this film really make you feel along with them. I watched this movie 3 days ago and I am still thinking about it. That's the test of a great movie, it gets you thinking and keeps you thinking.

I plan to recommend this to my family and friends, as well as obviously anyone looking to rent it. I was very impressed with everything about this film, I would love to see more like it!! The thirst for a dream comes at a price, but where do you draw the line? Do you fulfill you dream while crushing others?

Although this is a very good movie, it's hard to say I "enjoyed" it because it's so painfully accurate. The world is full of dreamers and predators. This movie uses the music industry (perfect setting!) to illustrate the sad state of this "food chain".

How, you ask, could this be a comedy? It doesn't have many big zingers, no silly hijinks, it's not a satire. The best description is to say it's like a documentary or reality show, exposing the two-facedness of good intentions. not exactly "haha funny" but funny in a sinister way that's hard to describe.

The comedy comes mostly from the colorful characters and sheer bizarreness of the situations. In that respect it's kind of like "Pulp Fiction", the hyper-violent, disturbing Tarantino film which manages to be a comedy due to the colorful characters in the story. Like in "Pulp Fiction", here we get a lot of corny banter between the main characters Martin & Clarence, and all the while they're doing horrible things to innocent people's dreams.

Unlike Pulp, this movie carries a strong moral statement which is what makes it even more serious. There are some powerful dramatic scenes where Martin & Clarence come to grips with what they're doing, each in his own interesting way. There is a stunningly powerful speech delivered by Clarence near the end which basically sums up everything that's wrong with the music industry and the human race. Don't miss it.

There aren't many movies like this, so if you're in the mood for something original, do not hesitate to watch it. Also if you're in the music biz (particularly a fledgling artist wondering how to break in to the big time) SEE THIS MOVIE. You most definitely will encounter these types of con artists in the business, and this movie serves as a great warning. Or you can thank your lucky stars that you never met anyone like them.

Movies I'd compare this to include: "Pumpkin" a pseudo satire of sorority life (and human society) starring Christina Ricci, "Believe!" a funny film about self-help salesmen, and maybe the Matt Damon flick "The Informant!" which isn't much like this movie, but it carries the same subtle humor where there are no big laughs but instead the bizarreness of it all makes you smirk throughout.

Oh a final word about the music. Not talking about the satirically mediocre performances in the on-screen auditions, but the actual soundtrack itself is quite nice. Simple yet powerful brooding songs that really add to the atmosphere. Again, if you're a musician or a fan of music, definitely check this one out.

This, I thought, was a satire. It's not...What it is a story about con men who dupe some down on their luck types to steal from those who dare to dream. As such it quite depressing, but somehow it becomes entertainment as well. This fact is due to two actor's excellent performances which bring characters Martin and Clarence to life. Pat Healy and Kene Holiday make this movie and I will, from now on, always know who these guys are. Check them out here and you'll likely be instant fans too. This movie isn't fast paced or wonderfully enjoyable, but is seems real with the right amount of entertainment value to keep you interested. I give it a 7 and a recommendation as such.