Music Within

Starring: Ray Livingston, Michael Sheen, Rebecca de Mornay, Hector Elizondo
Directed by: Steven Sawalich
Rating: R
Genre: Drama, Comedy, Biography
2007

Times Seen:
Tim: 1

Summary: After losing his hearing in Vietnam, Richard Pimentel begins fighting for the rights of the disabled. This fight leads him to champion the Americans with Disabilities Act, which would change the lives of millions.

Review:

Tim: I am surprised that a movie about the man who worked to get the Americans with Disabilities Act passed could be this enjoyable. That premise just sounds like one of those little guys verses big government dramas. However, this film is a heartfelt, warm movie about overcoming prejudice with justice. This movie is actually less about the ADA and more about Richard Pimentel and his interesting life.

Richard Pimentel is playing excellently by Ron Livingston. I’ve always liked Livingston, and he further proves that point here. He is such a perfect everyman, it is impossible not to be on his side. He has such a likeable personality, and that is on display here. While he’s great, the best performance of the film goes to Michael Sheen. I was blown away by Sheen’s performance as Tony Blair in The Queen,, and here, he demonstrates again his sheer acting talent. He plays a man with cerebral palsy, and he is incredible. He rivals Daniel Day-Lewis’ performance in My Left Foot. Sheen is just brilliant on screen, and I loved seeing him. He and Livingston have loads of chemistry together. The film’s best scenes are all about these two men and the unlikely friendship they strike up. The rest of the cast is good as well, especially Rebecca De Mornay in a bit of a thankless role, Hector Elizondo, and Melissa George.

I was pleasantly surprised at how much humor is in this movie. To be frank, a movie about a group of disabled people doesn’t exactly fuel a burning desire for me to see it—I can see how it could easily become depressing. That isn’t this type of movie, however. It seems even more focused on telling a funny, entertaining story than trying to emotionally impact you with this man’s struggle (that is important, too, but I like that the focus on the movie is first on entertainment).

Music Within is a very enjoyable movie. I suppose it could have been a little funnier, a little more powerful, but as is, it is a thoroughly engrossing film that also has a pretty great message, as well.




Rating 1-10
Tim's Rating- 7.5



If You Enjoyed This Movie, We Recommend: Office Space, A Civil Action