About the film (courtesy of Focus Features):
Set in the dazzling world of the LA music scene comes the story of Grace Davis (Tracee Ellis Ross), a superstar whose talent, and ego, have reached unbelievable heights, and Maggie (Dakota Johnson), her overworked personal assistant. While stuck running errands, Maggie still aspires to her childhood dream of becoming a music producer. When Grace’s manager (Ice Cube) presents her with a choice that could alter the course of her career, Maggie and Grace come up with a plan that could change their lives forever.
In a bleak time where the world we live in is completely different than the one we woke up in a mere six months ago, we have been constantly adjusting while trying to find our footing in unprecedented times. Narrowing down our focus to what this site has always been focused on, movie entertainment as taken its share of punches too. With cinema doors are shuttered all around the world, the business side of this stalled industry has definitely seen better days.
Release date delays, the passing of actors, movies that have already been completed but now may find themselves shelved due to content was acceptable prior this pandemic but now is seen as taboo, these are just some of the many hurdles that will be experienced over the next few years. With that said, the show must go on to some extent and we should be grateful to have a few escapes that we can look forward to. Thankfully several studios have allowed their properties to find their way into our homes much sooner than originally anticipated.
The High Note was previously scheduled to be theatrically released on May 8 but due to the change in our lives, Focus Features has opted to release the dramatic romance surrounding the world of music for home viewing on May 29. And to my delight, I am happy to report that this should help you forget about the new challenges of the outside world for at least a couple of hours. Director Nisha Ganatra brings an experience that is all-encompassing in terms of what makes for a good time in watching a movie. The story is like a leisurely stroll through an unfamiliar park that is filled with interesting sights and sounds all around. By the time all is said and done, all you can do is smile.
Tracee Ellis Ross channels the essence, style and voice of her famous mother, Diana Ross, and she seems very comfortable doing so. Already having some of this lifestyle in her blood, due in part to her mom’s singing career, Tracee Ellis Ross pulls off her performance flawlessly. Dakota Johnson is actually the main star in The High Note and this is one of her best roles to date. I would very much like to see her in more roles like this one which she really excels in. She’s brings a little humor, some sass and a variety of other small intangibles that assist in showcasing her skills as an actor that can carry a film. Things are trending upward for rising star Kelvin Harrison Jr., and he does nothing but help his cause here. Also featured are Ice Cube, June Diane Raphael, Eddie Izzard (barely recognizable) and Bill Pullman.
The High Note contains some good tunes, Tracee Ellis Ross must get it from her mama and Kelvin Harrison Jr. can definitely hold his own, laughs (off course Ice Cube has his hand in some of that) and as I’ve said already, a really solid story. It’s actually the plot that is the solid piece that everyone can stand upon as they reach for the stars. In a new world of home cinema, this has been the most enjoyable yet.
The best part of The High Note is that it is all-inclusive regardless of your gender, age, ethnicity or even your love or hate of music. There is honestly a little of something for anyone and everyone to smile about. You can get this one tomorrow from your favorite video on demand suppliers.
