Keep On Keepin’ On (2014)

Amateur movie with Big budget

It's not great by any means, but it's a pretty good movie that didn't leave me filled with regret for investing time in it.

Good films always raise compelling questions, whether the format is fiction or documentary fact.

The plot isn't so bad, but the pace of storytelling is too slow which makes people bored. Certain moments are so obvious and unnecessary for the main plot. I would've fast-forwarded those moments if it was an online streaming. The ending looks like implying a sequel, not sure if this movie will get one

This is a heart-warming, even encouraging film. I saw it this afternoon at the SB Int. Film Festival on the recommendation of a friend. Not a musician, I learned a lot about jazz, about musicians and, especially, about friendship and mentoring. Others have told the story of Clark Terry and Justin Kauflin, so I won't repeat it. What it's really about is friendship and generosity and caring and love. With archival photos as well as scenes from the Montreux Jazz Festival, and made thanks to the generosity of many, including Kickstarter supporters, and especially Quincy Jones, over the course of four years, this first film by the director is a jewel of a film, deserving of wide viewing.

Christmas 2014 came early for me. It arrived Dec. 20 this year when I attended the Norfolk screening of what must be one of the top documentary films of the year. People who know more about films than I, agree, since it made the "short list" of 15 contenders for Oscar. In fact, it was the best documentary I've ever seen. Filmed on a near bare bones budget by a team of three amateur Australian videographers, the film captures the essence of friendship, mutual respect, admiration, the undaunted pursuit of excellence and pure talent. Simply, it's awesome."Keep on Keeping On" is the personal story of two men: one is an aging, world- renowned and arguably the premier trumpet player of all time--the incredible Clark Terry. The other is a budding jazz pianist, a blind but brilliant and brave young prodigy, Justin Kauflin, who lost his sight at age 11. Justin then set his mind to becoming the premier jazz pianist, learned to play and earned admission to the William Paterson School of Music. It was there where the Clark Terry Archive exists that " CT" and Justin met, befriended and established his mentor-protégé relationship with the famous, aging but ill, jazz icon. The film also seamlessly weaves Clark Terry's first student, Quincy Jones, into this story with his most recent, Justin. Keep On Keepin' On is an organic and inspiring true story of a mentorship-relationship that transcends differences...in age, race, illness, and disability. The love, respect and vision director Al Hicks and team have for Clark Terry is palpable throughout!

A truly remarkable and inspiring documentary. I knew nothing of Clark Terry's history and impact in Jazz and felt the film captured a truly remarkable individual, both as an artist and human being. Outstanding work by the producer, editor and film maker. It's a great reflection on human struggles, hard work, family, friends and individuals who make an impact on one another. It's also great as it subtly compares how people deal with adversity and the encouragement they receive from others. We lose sight of what is really important in life and KOKO makes you reflect on your own struggles, defeats and victories. I found it hard to believe that Al Hicks was new to this field. He does a fantastic job. The film should be seen by Jazz lovers as well as any person who appreciates an honest, touching and inspiring film about "good" people. My hats off to the crew, CT and Justin!

This is an extraordinary movie. It is a documentary about Clark Terry (CT) a well respected jazz musician. Who until this documentary, I hadn't heard of. I would describe this documentary as a love story of his music students about their teacher, Clark Terry (CT).I learned in this documentary that Clark Terry is about 93 years old. He's well respected in his field. He has played in many jazz bands from Count Basie, Duke Ellington, Quincy Jones, the Tonight Show Bands, etc. He's received many accolades over the years. Both Quincy Jones and Miles Davis call Clark Terry their first mentor. He's a musician's musician. But Mr. CT is also a teacher and has taught for decades thousands of students. The document shows you how he teaches one of his students Justin Kauflin a 23 year old who happens to be blind. The entire story is uplifting and inspirational.Not only is it a great story, the archive film footage is exceptional and rare. Whether you like jazz or not this is a great story for anyone to enjoy. I highly recommend watching this film.