Just not realistic

Rating: 6/10 (12 November 2018)

So much potential here. Great acting, great music, terrible script. The behavior of JK Simmon's character is just so unbelievable that it nearly ruins the rest of the movie, however the acting and some good music saves it so at least it's entertaining, at least if you like jazz.
This isn't Full Metal Jacket, and Simmon's isn't a platoon sergeant ready to lead his troops into battle. He's a freakin' music director.
What's really sad is that they really could have made a GREAT movie here. A mentor pushing his students, a family dynamic that fawns over the quarterback of the family rather than the musician who at his age is nearly top of his game, yet unnoticed.
But no, we have a psychotic music director who everyone seems to put up with, nary with a complaint. Just the way it is, I guess. lol.
Then we get to the final competition, and the kid forgets his drum sticks... as if there isn't any other drum sticks in the hall, then he gets into a car wreck, sideswiped by a mack truck, and he stumbles away to still try to play. Just ridiculous.