I wasn't expecting that!

Rating: 8/10 (25 April 2017)

Despite the many glowing reviews on IMDb and elsewhere, I honestly wasn't expecting much from this film. I thought it would be similar to 'School of Rock', not only in terms of plot but also quality. Instead, 'Whiplash' offers something totally different to the music genre. It plays out more like a thriller - a brutal, tense and compelling thriller.
This film scores top marks in all areas. The acting is first class and the script is sharp and intelligent, with a story that has you hooked from the very first scene. That said, it does push its luck in parts. Some scenes are far-fetched, such as when Andrew almost gets killed in a car crash before calmly jogging to his concert, soaked in blood. There's dedication, and then there's stupidity.
Overall though, there is no doubt that this is one of 2014's best films, and perhaps the best music film I have ever seen. For sheer entertainment value, I would highly recommend 'Whiplash'.