Playing with Beethoven

Virtuoso of jazz piano and the eye roll, Charlotte ("Charly") has been raised by her musically talented grandmother, They have a deep connection and her grandmother wants nothing more than to know Charly will be financially secure when she is gone. A huge music competition is on the horizon, and if Charly wins, it will open the door to a lucrative career as a pianist.

Classical pianist Josh Irving is Charly's biggest rival for the upcoming competition. Josh's dad left the family to pursue his own endeavors; whereas his mom works herself to the bone to afford his education/piano training. He wants to win the competition because it's what he's worked for his whole life, and also so his mom won't have to work so hard. He practices nonstop, in contrast to Charly, who rides on her natural talent.

The day before the competition, Charly injects herself into Josh's hyper-stressed life and brings him on a musical odyssey throughout the city. Each stop has a musical element, from a kazoo parade to a gospel choir led by his hero. Charly has an eclectic band of friends and though she's free-spirited to the point of having let people down, it's clear she's loved and has a good heart ...

Or does she? Is she merely trying to distract her rival so she can win the music competition?

I do think Charly's intentions could have been hit harder so the fallout and payoff at the end achieve a greater impact. But all in all, a very sweet and charming film, and I'm glad I watched it.

Saw Playing with Beethoven today and can't wait to share it with my friends! I was so impressed with the talent these young actors brought to the story! I would definitely recommend it to all types of audiences.

What a great movie! Acting was superb and a great story. Should become a classic! It is heartwarming to reveal all the pressure that is put on everyone, and especially youth, to be successful. We all need to analyze what is the true definition of success? This movie explores that in a very entertaining way.

I love Beethoven and especially his piano sonatas so this movie did not have to work too hard to charm me.

It is somewhat lame - the actors are kinda stiff and wooden and the writing/plot is execrable.

That being said - it is an OK way to pass an hour and a half.

Just ignore all those 10/10 ratings.

Please ignore the reviewer claiming the 10/10 reviews are "fake".

We both loved this movie.

It has some great musical performances, but the real story here is about life and its lessons, love, the choices we make etc.

Great film, good cast and good acting. The leads have good chemistry.

Found Aric's acting to be very good, despite his young age / not having all that much acting experience.

Naomi is a highly acclaimed musician. I found her character to be well written to go opposite Aric's character and she played the role well.

Very entertaining (humor, romance, great music), yet also a good story.

One of those hidden gems - we had not heard about this and just stumbled onto it.

Highly recommend this movie!