sberner-1
I ask because, if that is the actual Pimentel giving the speech in the included extras then it's pretty clear that the director intentionally cast someone much "better looking" by Hollywood standards than the real person to play the part; which really undermines the message. As one who hates discrimination, including discrimination against those who don't look or act "normal," I find it really sad that even a film about combating discrimination could not have as the central character someone a bit overweight. As if an audience would not buy the message if it were delivered by someone not "handsome" enough. The movie has a great story line, progress towards equality and opportunity win me over every time, but that casting choice kills it for me. On the other hand, if that is not the real Pimentel in the extras, and Ron Livingston does look like him, then I do recommend this.
pc95
A good movie, "Music Within", has some truly touching moments, and a compelling story to go along. Only the overuse of cut-away music became totally gratuitous. Ron Livingston seems like a good fit as the lead in this movie and has the right mix of humor, thoughtfulness, and wit. The scenes with Livingston as Richard and Michael Sheen as Art light up the movie. Together they confront a United States and Northwest of decades ago which hadn't quite figured out acceptance and tolerance. The first several scenes with them both becoming friends are spot-on. I also liked the way Richard confronts his own major problems through helping others. Generally the director and cast really made a good movie here while tackling a difficult subject of people's disabilities and confronting the social contexts they create.
joemamaohio
"Music Within" shows us that you don't have to wear tights and fly through the air to be considered a hero.The movie tells the true story of Richard Pimentel (who was acted perfectly by the underrated Ron Livingston), a man who was unloved in life, but had a knack for public speaking. He even auditioned to a prestigious college for the speech team, but was turned down because he lacked real experience.So Richard enlists in Vietnam, and during the time there he's a victim of a bombing which took away his sense of hearing. Newly disabled, he tries to get a job only to run into continuous roadblocks because of his newfound liability.He forms an odd friendship with Art Honeyman (also wonderfully portrayed by Michael Sheen), a man with a crippling disability that renders his body mostly useless, but still maintains an above-average intelligence. Together they take on the system that has shunned them, and thanks to their persistence and effort, Richard is given the opportunity to run programs that allows the disabled to be hired in government positions.Richard Pimentel is an anti-hero. He drinks, he ignores his girlfriend, and he's volatile...which goes to show that a hero doesn't always have to be perfect...they just have to have a vision and the determination to see that vision come to fruition. A truly inspiring story.
Atul Dixit
What a masterpiece this is. I luckily got to see it and boy, the first thought that came to mind after seeing this movie is 'this ain't any less than The Shawshank Redemption'. Undoubtedly one of the most (under-rated) inspiring movies I've ever seen. The direction by Steven Sawalich is excellent and three lead characters Ron Livingston (Richard Pimentel), Melissa George (Christine) and Michael Sheen (Art Honeyman) did full justice to their roles. Special mention of Michael Sheen who played Art Honeyman in this movie is fantastic. In the very first scene of his, he catches your attention when he tries to open the Coke bottle. His characters is way too funny with perfect one line dialogs, for example when Richard gives Art the draft of the book he has written (to read and comment), Richard asks in between (while Art is reading the book in the toilet) "What page you're at?" to which Art replies "I'm at the page shut the f*** up". This also shows the kind of special bond shared by Richard and Art. I rated this movie a perfect 10/10. Do your self a favor, watch this masterpiece.
AD
