Song One (2014)

You won't be disappointed!

In truth, there is barely enough story here to make a film.

True to its essence, the characters remain on the same line and manage to entertain the viewer, each highlighting their own distinctive qualities or touches.

Not sure how, but this is easily one of the best movies all summer. Multiple levels of funny, never takes itself seriously, super colorful, and creative.

I will keep this short and sweet, like the film. Im sad this movie has such low review, this movie wasn't exactly as I expected it to be but after watching it I realized it was exactly what it should be and that's what makes this movie special. This is a movie I will remember and gladly watch a second time. If you aren't sure about this film, I think it is worth a watch if not for any other reason than to kill time. It just might surprise you and leave you with the warm feeling it left with me. Although the reason why I gave it only nine stars is because the movie ended with a little more mystery than i would have liked, I like a film to ease me into the fact that such a beautiful story is ending. At the same time I'm torn, I like an ending that makes me wonder and keeps me on my toes as well.

Not a directorial masterpiece but the storyline was lovely and sound mixing and soundtrack were excellent. The film has a very mellow tone throughout and should be a hit with any genuine admirer of the acoustic music scene. I've rated 7/10 for Anne Hathaway's beautiful portrayal of a humble and shy character, and the feast for the ears that is this film's sound; both in songs and the sound of the cityscape it celebrates so well.Although i don't relate to the characters, the quiet progression of the film does not reflect on the ability of the actors so i disagree with some of the comments above. This is more of a situation film and the ending does not evoke the feeling of too much sugar in your mouth like other films of the same genre.

It is most certainly not the best movie I have ever seen, but I still do not understand why so many low votes and disappointed comments. Maybe it has something to do with the ending of the movie, because it's an open one, and it leaves the conclusion(s) to the viewers. We don't know what happens next, we don't know if they end up together, I guess everyone will decide on their own and choose an ending they prefer. I loved the movie precisely because of the ending. It is more real that way, and therefore it is not just another happy end romantic movie. The music is amazing, and the movie itself has a soul, which is, for me, the most important requirement for a good movie. It is the story about a human drama, about life and family, about all the perks of having one. It is about meeting someone accidentally, when you least expect it, and all of the sudden you find yourself in the story of your life, without even being aware. Once it is all over, you learn how to cherish those moments, and you keep them as the precious ones. Because it has been worth it. Those who have been through stories like this will know what I'm talking about, and what this movie talks about. And they will catch a glimpse of themselves in this movie and its characters, and smile or cry in the name of old days and old loves.

"Song One" is the musical equivalent of dead air. I've had problems with movies like "Once" and "Begin Again" in the past, so interested in creating ach-y musicals about wounded characters, all to the tune of whiney songs, that they never rise above predictable and dull. And yet I'm tempted to praise those after watching "Song One", a film that seems to have even less conflict, even more sullen-faced characters, and almost no energy to its straight-forward story telling. It's the kind of romance that would make a Kathryn Heigl film look like it was made by Stanley Kubrick. Anne Hathaway produced this first feature from Kate Barker-Froyland and also stars in it as Franny, a humanitarian called back to New York when her subway-musician brother's accident leaves him in a coma. During her time back, she meets her brother's hero- James Forrester (Johnny Flynn), a musician who hasn't recorded in the five years since his girlfriend left him. He needs inspiration, she needs to forgive her brother for dropping out of college to become a musician. There ya go in a nut shell. It's a plot so simplistic that Hathaway couldn't even promote the thing on "The Daily Show" last week without giggling. Notice she didn't do that with Les Miserable's Fantine (although "hahaha she loses her job, sings a song with a bunch of tears and snot on her face, then dies hahahaha" would have been hilarious). Anyway, we know where this is all going, James and Franny are nothing more than lost, wandering bores whenever they're not together, a scene where James serenades her unconscious brother is meant to be beautiful but just looks clumsy, and there are no insights, from the creative process to the grieving process, other than both work better with a sex buddy. Franny is a role that gives Hathaway nothing to do other than practice crying and giving looks of concern. Johnny Flynn is a talented musical performer but that doesn't change the fact that you forget the music, which comes courtesy of Jenny Lewis (from the indie band Rilo Kiley) and her boyfriend Johnathan Rice, almost immediately after it ends. Otherwise he's kinda glum too, unless they're together, in which case sometimes they smile. It's a romance built on almost nothing other than needing whoever is in close proximity. Showcasing some really talented performers around the city, it's too bad "Song" has to keep its proximity closest to these two.