Jan Wahl Movie Review: 'The Music Never Stopped' And 'The Lincoln Lawyer'
(KCBS) - KCBS Entertainment Editor Jan Wahl reviews the film about rock and roll starring J.K. Simmons and Lou Taylor Pucci. Plus, 'The Lincoln Lawyer' with Matthew McConaughey and Ryan Phillippe.
THE MUSIC NEVER STOPPED (PG)
Based on the story "The Last Hippie" by Oliver Sacks (Awakenings) this is a true look at the power of music, in this case rock and roll, to heal and communicate. Get ready for rockin' Grateful Dead songs and great acting as J.K. Simmons (he played the father in Juno, one of our best character actors) and Lou Taylor Pucci try to heal an estranged father-son relationship. Julia Ormond finds a musical pathway to the brain damaged son's memory, and that journey changes everyone around him. It takes a bit to get going, but once it does, this ride is well worth taking.
THE LINCOLN LAWYER (R)
Since nobody else will be saying it in between the raves, this is a mainstream movie that gives megaplex millions the idea that some women fake their own beatings to get money out of wealthy men. There is also a superfluous bit of gay bashing. But all most of the moviegoers will care about is the smarmy tale of Matthew McConaughey as a sexy lawyer defending rich boy Ryan Phillippe. There's a swagger to McConaughey that makes him very movie star watchable as he discovers the real victims and murderer. It could be an episode of Law and Order, but will be in huge release all over the country and make a fortune for those looking for escape and thrills.
SEE RIGHT NOW: I AM, THE KING'S SPEECH, THE ADJUSTMENT BUREAU, CEDAR RAPIDS, PHIL OCHS: THERE BUT FOR FORTUNE
DVD/HOME VIDEO: INSIDE JOB, JANE EYRE (1944), THE FIGHTER, HEREAFTER, THE WILDEST DREAM: CONQUEST OF EVEREST
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