Whiplash [Blu-ray]

We weren't expecting all that much from this movie, but it delivered! Interesting setting (a well known music school), and fantastic performances, particularly by JK Simmons, who I believe won an Oscar for his role. If you are interesting in the vagaries of the pursuit of excellence, you might really enjoy this movie.

*contains a mini-spoiler*As a die-hard movie goer, this film was a rare treat that comes along once in a great while. I'm a hard core Sci-Fi fan, but I can appreciate a first rate movie from any genre. This one just happened to come from the only thing I love more than movies, music.This movie flew completely under my radar. Hadn't seen a preview, or read anything about it. I checked what was playing that day, crossed off the 5 playing I had already seen, crossed off the 7 playing I wanted no part of, I read the brief synopsis of Whiplash and saw J.K. Simmons was in it and that was enough for me.Basically as a movie goer these days, I just want to see something different and the bottom line for me is, I gotta get lost in it and be truly entertained. And Damnit, I was!At the scene of the car crash, I got up and walked the heck out. I knew there was no way I was gonna keep this much joy to myself! I walked out to my car, called my wife at work, I said "hey, this movie is INCREDIBLE". I said you have got to come see this thing! I can honestly say, thousands of movies, this has never happened to me personally.So later that night my wife and I saw this thing, went home, ordered the soundtrack, and pre-ordered the Blu-ray.Today we received the Bluray. I watched the movie twice today, one without, and once with commentary. Plus watched all the special features.It'll be a while before another movie impresses me the way this one has done. Was not that impressed with Miles in the few movies I had previously seen him in. Gotta say, he was right for this role and certainly earned my respect. J.K. Simmons, always great.Was very surprised to read some negative comments from some of the reviewers here at Amazon. Everyone is certainly entitled to their own opinion, but I was so blown away I guess I just assumed most people would feel the same.I was entertained in every sense of the word by this film and I don't regret a penny I spent on it. I wish Miles could have been part of the commentary and I wish they would have included a piece on his training as part of the special features. Aside from those minor gripes the blu-ray release is all thumbs up from me. Great picture, superb DTS-HD MA 5.1 track, a 45 minute feature that was fairly interesting with interview segments from a bunch of professional drummers, the original film short, and a couple other little tidbits. Again, was really hoping for a glimpse into Miles' training for the film, but nothing's perfect. It's a must-own for fans of great drama and music.

I first heard about Whiplash just a few months ago, and since I am a music guy and a movie fanatic, I can't help but wonder how this movie about music flew under my radar for half a decade. As other reviewers have stated, it's not easy to watch and certainly not for everyone. It's quite intense most of the way through, and is very disturbing in parts, but it is a well made, well paced movie with excellent performances from the two lead actors.Miles Teller plays a dedicated drummer in a college jazz band trying competitively to maintain his position in the band while his instructor, played by J. K. Simmons obsessively and sadistically pushes him to be "the next Charlie Parker". Simmons has all the charm of R. Lee Ermey in Full Metal Jacket as he verbally abuses his students, focusing his hostility on Teller more and more. Teller starts out as a shy, soft spoken fellow who slowly gains the confidence he needs to stand up to his bully of an instructor.The movie raises a number of questions such as, where do you draw the line when trying to achieve your fullest potential in a particular talent? Is it worth subjecting yourself to being bullied and insulted, while making major sacrifices in your personal and social life? It's a good movie to watch with people who might be open to discussing these things afterward.I can't think of any detail in Whiplash that could have been done better. It accomplishes what it set out to do, and (not giving away any spoilers) the final showdown does not disappoint. And jazz is not my main music genre, but I find the music throughout this movie to be quite enjoyable.