J.K. Simmons, a fantastic character actor in such films as Juno and the Spider-Mans, has nabbed a leading role in The Music Never Stopped. I saw it at Sundance Film Festival, and unfortunately its not very good. While Simmons does give a solid performance, the father/son tale lacks any unique spark. Despite the stand-out soundtrack (highlighted by The Grateful Dead), the dry, melodramatic tone never changes. Directed by Jim Kohlberg, the drama also stars Lou Taylor Pucci, Cara Seymour, and Julia Ormond. Check out the trailer and poster below via Apple.
Synopsis: The Music Never Stopped, based on the case study “The Last Hippie” by Dr. Oliver Sacks, M.D. (Awakenings), chronicles the journey of a father and son adjusting to cerebral trauma and a lifetime of missed opportunities. Through the music that embodied the generation gap of the 1960s, and working with music therapist Dianne Daly (Ormond), the film weaves the heartwarming progress of Henry (Simmons) and Gabriel (Pucci).
The Music Never Stopped hits theaters March 4th, 2011 via Roadside Attractions.
What do you think of the trailer?