Whiplash Movie Review

Miles Teller and J.K. Simmons (r) star in Whiplash

Et Tu, Brute?

Rotten Tomatoes Plot: Andrew Neyman (Miles Teller) is an ambitious young jazz drummer, single-minded in his pursuit to rise to the top of his elite east coast music conservatory. Plagued by the failed writing career of his father, Andrew hungers day and night to become one of the greats. Terence Fletcher, an instructor equally known for his teaching talents as for his terrifying methods, leads the top jazz ensemble in the school. Fletcher (J.K. Simmons) discovers Andrew and transfers the aspiring drummer into his band, forever changing the young man's life. Andrew's passion to achieve perfection quickly spirals into obsession, as his ruthless teacher continues to push him to the brink of both his ability-and his sanity.

Who knew a simple movie about drumming could crack our year-end top-three? Whiplash is sensational, spearheaded by brilliant direction (Damien Chazelle) and magnificent, Oscar-worthy performances by Simmons & Teller. Fletcher drives Andrew to the edge (and over it) pushing shoving him at every opportunity. It's half-terrifying, half-hilarious with such tender nothings as "That's not your boyfriend's dick: Do not come early," and "I will fuck you like a pig." And you thought Algebra was tough. Features one of the greatest drum solos ever on film, and enough golden moments to capture Best Picture. Passionate to a fault, Whiplash is awesome.

Grade: A