FilmSnobReviews

Title: The High Note
MPAA Rating: PG-13
Director: Nisha Ganatra
Starring: Dakota Johnson, Tracee Ellis Ross, Kelvin Harrison Jr.
Runtime: 1 hr 53 mins

What It Is: Grace Davis (Ellis Ross) is a superstar singer. Has been for quite some time. Her assistant Maggie (Johnson) adores music, grew up around it, and has aspirations beyond just being Grace Davis’ assistant. You see she has a particular ear for music. The production of it and how she’d like it to sound. When she stumbles on an unsigned talent in David (Harrison Jr.) she knows that she can make his talent shine and possibly create a star in both herself and the gifted artist she’s producing.

What We Think: I’ve never been a real fan of Dakota Johnson’s work. She often comes off a bit too stiff for me. There are notes of personality here and that’s appreciated. Tracee Ellis Ross is a straight-up force. Bringing regality and a Queen’s energy to her part (possibly channeling her mother?). Kelvin Harrison Jr. continues a streak of good performance. Sadly this film doesn’t see past its genre tropes. You can pretty much tell where this thing is going the whole time. That’s not to take away from the fun of the ride but when the destination is so clearly unoriginal it makes it hard to truly enjoy.

Our Grade: C+, Listen to the soundtrack, or watch the video above for a stellar track from it. That’s best I can recommend. If you want something that doesn’t require thought and is simple easy viewing this has you covered. If you want something with a bit more predictability search elsewhere. Gimme more Tracee Ellis Ross though because I love her. Dakota Johnson though remains unimpressive even here. As I said, check this out if it sounds good even if it’s a disappointment.