Whiplash (2014)

Never, ever, have I felt so short of breath during a drama the way I did during Damien Chazelle's "Whiplash". The pacing reminded me more of a taught political thriller than any teacher drama. J.K. Simmons plays a jazz ensemble conductor at a prestigious music conservatory, who has some questionable methods of trying to get the best of his student: screaming horrific insults and hurling chairs to name a few. He is frightening in this roll, and you laugh uncomfortably at many of his racial and homophobic slurs, because you so engrossed by him, that looking away is never an option.

Miles Teller is the new student that he picks apart for being a tad off-beat on the drums. This is Teller's breakout role. His character is socially inept, and relies on his passion for drumming, and his quest for greatness, to be his closest companion. The editing, by Tom Cross, is quick and vibrant, especially during the scenes directly involving the music performances. Sharone Meir's cinematography captures the mood in every way; adding a constant unease, and never letting you flinch when it gets a little too shocking. Writer/director Chazelle has achieved something spectacular with this film. Hopefully, this isn't the last time we hear his name.

Grade: A
3D: N/A
Easter Egg: No

Starring: Miles Teller, J.K. Simmons, Paul Reiser
Director: Damien Chazelle
Writer(s): Damien Chazelle
RT: 107 min
Rating: R for strong language including some sexual references

Two Sentences:

Dracula Untold (2014): Why does Hollywood continue to think that audiences want to see whiny, misguided retellings of the origins of long beloved literary characters? If the story wasn't bad enough, the dialogue, ham-fisted acting, and poor cinematography certainly didn't help.

Grade: D-

Bad Turn Worse (2013): This isn't necessarily the finest crime drama of the year, but it was well written, finely shot, and stocked with a few wonderful performances. Watching these three long-time friends try to navigate the criminal underworld is both frightening and exhilarating enough to keep interest throughout its brisk run time.

Grade: B+