The Beat Beneath My Feet (2015)

This was one of those films I was expecting to have on in the background but not really find myself being interested in. However, I was pleasantly surprised and found myself really paying attention to the film and the music.All the main characters play their parts very well and come out with credit for their performances. Especially the young male lead, Nicholas Galitzine, who performs the music as well as coming across as the shy, awkward teen.There is also a quite difficult scene involving self harm, that would have been difficult to put across without being condescending.The plot line in a bit predictable to some extent, as you can guess how things work out but overall, this is a feel good film with good music and I came away feeling that I had enjoyed the previous 90 minutes.

I gave the movie a very kind and generous 7 out of 10. Don't get me wrong. There are some fine performances to be enjoyed. Acting, directing etc are all on par. Luke Perry is surprisingly believable as the former great and Nicholas Galitzine puts in a fine performance as the up and coming talent. But the plot did remind me an awful lot of 'about a boy'...just with less jokes, in fact no jokes at all. This is a movie that wants to take itself serious, when in truth, it was just in serious need of more apples. We are thrust into the world of a young and talented musician unsure of his own ability and a former music great, with a shady past who is wasting his life away. The young student blackmails the legend into teaching him to play like a rock-star. Hence, both grow through each other and reach a climax not unlike the afore mentioned movie. This time unfortunately though, there is no apple flung from the crowd to balance the scene. There is no humour, no contrast, just a movie that says, 'this is about hard core rock and roll and being bad ass'. I can't help but feel that it falls flat of such high goals. This movie tries to reach to provoke emotion and bring us on a journey of discovery through hardship. But I doesn't really think it manages to accomplish that. Just like the over- played, self-proclaimed amazing hit that would make 'anyone a star'...it simply fails. The song is bland and although slightly catchy it is kind of churned out and clichéd. Which is very apt as it parallels the movie nicely. If it comes on TV give it a chance. I wouldn't go out of my way to see it though. More apples please.

The rock comedy The Beat Beneath My Feet follows Tom (Nick Galtizine) as he tries to overcome the obstacles of his youth. Tom has dreams of competing in the local battle of the bands and becoming a famous rock star, but with his mother's objections from a failed relationship with Tom's rocker father, he must keep those dreams to himself. Tom and his mom get to meet his unruly downstairs neighbor, Steve (Luke Perry), after enduring multiple nights of blasting recorded guitar music. After this not so warm meeting, Tom is able to identify Steve as a former rock guitarist that was believed to be dead. Once he uncovers this information about his neighbor, Tom tries to use it as blackmail for guitar lessons. Though at first getting off to a rocky start, the two slowly form a close bond giving Tom the opportunity to find his voice both on and off the stage. The director (John Williams) is able to portray Tom's newfound voice in a unique way that instantly drew me in, and was one of my favorite aspects of the film. From the use of cartoon-like animation Williams creates music videos throughout the film that draw inspiration from Radiohead. I also read that Nick Galtizine sang all the songs performed in the movie himself, which was really impressive and made his performances in the film more genuine. From a great soundtrack to beautiful cinematography The Beat Beneath My Feet is a heartfelt coming of age drama that I highly recommend you give a watch.

I watched "The Beat Beneath My Feet" last night at the Berlin Film Festival and it was great. It's a beautiful story, executed with style, and the three leads deliver strong performances. In particular, Luke Perry of "Beverly Hills 90210" fame excels as a down-on-his luck musician with a dark secret who hides on a council estate to avoid being jailed for tax evasion. He's extremely moving and memorable as a damaged soul seeking redemption who finds healing through a dorky young neighbor, played by convincing newcomer - Nicholas Galitzine - who is hell bent on being a rock star despite his crippling shyness. The cool soundtrack, in the vein of Coldplay, underscores the story beautifully as well as the animated sequences that highlight the central character's fears and fantasies. "The Beat Beneath My Feet" is a heartfelt, entertaining, feel-good comedy from the UK that I'd highly recommend. Thumbs up to the team behind the film.