User reviews

A feel good movie with romance, good actors/ actresses and good music

From time to time we need a push forward our deams, this movie will remind you that your hard work will not go with the wind.

The nominal first billing goes to Dakota Johnson who is 20-something Maggie Sherwoode, growing up in the music scene she now has what seemed like her dream job, as personal assistant to one of her favorite singers in the Los Angeles area. But her musical bones want more, she has a knack for producing and wants to move in that direction. But the establishment is a difficult wall.

The performer is 40-something Tracee Ellis Ross as popular singer 40-something Grace Davis. She is usually nice to Maggie but as a prima donna can go off on her here and there. Grace is getting pressure from her long-time manager to take a resident gig in Las Vegas, singing all her old popular songs every day, but she still enjoys touring. Plus she is writing again and wants to record new stuff. Will she ever agree to hire Maggie as her producer?

Of note the actress is the real-life daughter of the great Diana Ross of the Supremes. This is a good movie devoted to relationships and with some good music thrown in. My wife and I watched it on DVD from our public library.

First half was entertaining, loved the chemistry between Ice Cube and Tracee, but the rest fell apart. The central focus was not on Tracee's character but instead on Dakota's which made for a boring story. Also the ending, if we can call it that, was underwhelming and left one asking what was the point of the movie. I love Tracee and her acting skills, and feel all actors did their part, but the story was just not there.

The High Note is a decent musical-rom-com which gives the viewer what he expects and doesn't give us something extraordinary like Inside Llewyn Davis or La La Land. Dakota Johnson is brilliant as usual and lights up the screen with her screen presence every time she appears. Kevin Harrison Jr. continues his fine form and looks a little bit more matured when compared to his look in Luce, one would find it difficult to believe he is 26 years old.

Pretty enjoyable ish I was hoping for more but entertaining for what it is! Dakota Johnson is magnificent throughout not so sure about everyone else. More unfortunate things happen than I was expecting; I think the best things were the scenery and great colors throughout! I'm nice with my ratings fairly enjoyable but really not my type.

This could have been on Netflix, wasn't worth $19 rental.

There are almost too many movies that follow a character who works for someone famous, has dreams of becoming as famous as them, but the person they work for doesn't have that same belief in them. For that reason alone, I think it's sort of impressive when one works really well. Supposed to hit theatres, but now streaming on-demand to rent, The High Note is the prime example of a story that feels tired but works really well anyways. I enjoy underdog films, but I'm always worried I'll be able to predict everything. Well, this movie was an absolute catch-22 and here's why.

Maggie (Dakota Johnson), being overlooked by her superstar boss Grace Davis (Tracee Ellis Ross), works on the side, trying to make a name for herself after finding a very talented singer in David Cliff (Kelvin Harrison Jr.). The two of them find passion in their music together and eventually form a romance as well. Not only does this shine a light on the fact that her attention is being taken away from Davis, but it also may lead to a promising future for everyone involved. Through the many trials and tribulations that these films offer the audience, it can feel very formulaic, but I feel that it works very well, and that's due to the characters all being well-rounded.

It does help when your character is written well for you, but Dakota Johnson has been on a roll lately in terms of roles and performances. Before her work on Fifty Shades of Grey made her a household name as an actress, her small roles in The Social Network and Need for Speed always stood out to me more. Once she started broadening her career by appearing in smaller films like The Peanut Butter Falcon, The Friend, and now The High Note, I need to keep an eye out for all of her films. I believe she is becoming a great actress if she's not there already. On top of that, Kelvin Harrison Jr. through film like Monsters and Men and Waves has been on my radar as well. Their chemistry here was really enjoyable and it made the movie worthwhile in the end.

Now, here's where some viewers may take issue. Like many horror films, romantic comedies, and thrillers about kidnapping people these days, stories like this will always feel a little been-there-done-that now. Yes, The High Note plays out exactly as you think it would, but there's a nice emotional backbone to the story and it came to fruition by the end of the run time. I rolled my eyes at a few instances while watching, but this was ultimately a really satisfying and fun movie to watch. Especially right now, I think movies like this need to be watched.

In the end, The High Note is the type of film that's absolutely harmless in nature. A feel-good story about a likeable character trying to find their way. In times like the ones we are living in right now, you can't ask for a nicer story to watch. Is it perfect? Definitely not, but I honestly think most viewers can find enjoyment in this one. The subject matter of music may not entice everyone, but there's more to the story than that. I recommend giving this one a rent if you're looking to smile and have a good time.

6/10 - I'm a sucker for a Hollywood/LA-focused industry film, but this one didn't quite sell it like I wanted it to

I stuck with it for an hour before picking up my phone. The movie was ok, but I was disappointed by the slow pace and the irony of a film about "real" music having some pretty obvious auto tuning.

This film is the perfect example of great art, sabotage by 'critic' reviews. The entire truth of The High Note is summed up in its central message; the music is what matters. Not gimmicky remixes or auto tuned production, but REAL music that moves you. The weak attempts to tarnish this gem of a story, will be effortlessly cast aside by those not caught up in what the industry spoon feeds the masses. At one point a particular review attacks this film with 'it handles conflict in the nicest possible way' as if we as humans can't evolve to a place of civility.

As a father I am grateful for the creative forces behind this project. Ms. Ross' performance is authentic. Dakota's character breathes real air. Ice Cube causes the audience to contract empathy for the human condition. The only change that would've been even more icing on this tasty cake, would be the song 'I don't really care' being a larger part of the movie.

Nice work Rotten Tomatoes. Way to back up your name with your rotten review of one of the truly good features of 2020...

Don't get me wrong. I think Tracee Ellis Ross, Dakota Johnson and Ice Cube did a good job but this movie played out like an episode of Empire.

5/10 🌠🌠🌠🌠🌠 Don't get me wrong this film does have a few moments and a few chuckles spread out between 2 hours of viewing but that's about it. The plot sorta feels like this is the role Tracee has been itching to play her whole life, A chance to imitate her mom Diana. But I don't feel this role contributed to her acting career one bit. She's known for being hilarious but this role didn't cater to that strength or atleast the writing was dull.. There isn't any difficult choreography or performance scenes that would require any training. The drama is almost non-existent nothing that draws any real reflection or a teary eye and this is a Rom-Com where the romance is really kept to the bare minimum, Unless your counting the love (💘) for music which kinda was the only mainstay throughout it's entirety. Dakota Johnson does her best and of course Cube was a good addition but after decades of the same peel and paste romantic comedies one after another it feels like if your forced to eat the same meal for a whole year the sight of it makes you cringe no matter how good. The film however throws a hailmary and provides a small twist at the end which is totally non-believable but I guess when writing the script it was projected to be a winner but in my opinion they run out of time and it's the tale of 2 little 2 late. The film is OK 👌 but I wouldn't put it on my list for recommendations. If you miss this one your not missing much.

This movie is pure fun!!!

The Music is great, the plot has some unique original elements, yet the movie gives pure unadulterated older Hollywood vibes. What I mean by "pure unadulterated old school Hollywood vibes" is the movie is fun, filled with actual talent, not pushing a political agenda down our throats, and lets us just escape in the pure joy of a good film... something we haven't seen in a long, long time from Hollywood.

Bill Pullman was a wonderful surprise on the film! Those who were 90's rom com fans will remember him with genuine fondness. He's classic, and contributes to "the High Note" as only Bill Pullman can; He was a "high note" in "the high note" for me and my friends! Perfection!

Dakota Johnson was perfectly cast. She's subtle but not dull. Very well suited the roll well. She needs more rolls like this!

Tracee and Kelvin - wow. Just wow! Their performance was outstanding. Keep singing! Make more music... please!!!

Hollywood - make more movies like this! This is the fun we need! This is the escape we need! My friends and I greatly appreciate this film And the soundtrack!!

Cannot understand some of the terrible reviews. Yes, it's not the movie of the year, but is nice, moves along at a sedate pace and if you love blues and soul music, there are some great tunes. I enjoyed it, give it a try, you might too.

Just like her previous directorial venture, 'Late Night,' Nisha Ganatra's 'The High Note' tackles societal and gender norms in a male dominated industry. In this instance, the struggles that women, especially middle-aged black women, face in the music industry. Unfortunately, the movie can't quite reach its full potential due to to a script that seemingly can't decide whether it's aiming to tell a behind-the-music-industry drama, a go-for-your-dream fairy tale, and/or a more straightforward rom-com. Still, Tracee Ellis Ross is fantastic and Dakota Johnson is just pure magic.

Storyline not that interesting Undeniable great songs in the film The guys voice indeed beautiful 👍

Standard story with some headscratch-worthy plot lines, told competently. Good acting, however, saves the movie into something.

The High Note is a cute, fairly predictable, watch you can find on Netflix.

Dakota Johnson portrays Maggie, the personal assistant to superstar singer Grace Davis played by the gem of an actress Tracee Ellis Ross.

If you've watched the trailer you'll probably be able to predict most of the movie, but it's a cute, easy, fun watch. Nisha Ganatra has had some great films under her belt and I can't wait to see what else she puts out in the future!

Tracee Ellis Ross, I love her and will watch her in anything!

Johnson, straying from the whole Fifty Shades fiasco of a franchise, is putting in some interesting roles in what I can only relate to a Kristen Stewart level rebranding. It's intriguing to watch.

I like the acting but the storyline was bland, if you see this movie good if you don't you're not missing anything great. It's not the untold story.

Thoroughly enjoyable. The High Note is really great old fashioned movie watching - wonderful cast, excellent chemistry, great music. They haven't reinvented the wheel here but it's mightily entertaining, a wonderful feel-good movie.

Didn't expect too much from this movie (especially after reading some other reviews), but I actually enjoyed it.

Not a fan of Dakota Johnson at all, but she was watchable in this! Tracee Ellis Ross was a superstar. I also really enjoyed Kelvin Harrison Jr. They made it worth watching. The music was also a saving grace for the movie.

The chemistry between the characters worked well. I'm a fan of June Diane Raphael (who played Gail the former assistant), but hers was the only character I found really annoying. She was a bit of a useless addition in the movie.

All in all it really was better than I anticipated and I liked it.

There are numerous things that I hate about this movie: the embarrassingly generic plot, the bland characters, the unrealistic portrayal of the music industry, the terribly slow pace, but what makes me turn off the tv is every time Maggie opens her mouth. Dakota's delivery is so boring and one-noted. She's totally unbelievable as some talented wannabe producer, her acting skill is equal to someone trying to appear natural in a real time tv show. I genuinely cannot watch her. Aside from that the plot is also awful, this movie insulted my intelligence.