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.
179 Reviews
I needed it
gshrak2 June 2020
Just too slow
Luvya011730 May 2020
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.
Big time recording artist scene, I enjoyed it more than I though I would.
TxMike22 September 2020
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.
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.
A feel good movie
caseynalexander7 March 2021
A Cliched "Dreams Come True" Movie With A Good Twist And Dakota Johnson
varun-2507199730 May 2020
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.
It's my 28th birthday and it was still my sisters choice
UniqueParticle5 August 2020
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.
The High Note
JoBloTheMovieCritic20 August 2020
Proof great that movies drown in garbage...
bigmdeedub30 May 2020
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...
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...
Cute but outdated
crosbyp12 June 2020
Lacklustre.
ian-86431 May 2020
A Movie That Will Do Nothing But Make You Smile
kjproulx3 June 2020
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.
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.
Falls short of perfect pitch
Sir_AmirSyarif5 January 2021
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.
"HIGH NOTE" is a highly predictable 🍪 cut film, but it seems that was their intention
tkaine329 May 2020
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.
Pure unadulterated old school Hollywood vibes - pure fun! Perfection!
Swan-nyc29 June 2020
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!!
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!!
EMPIRE
alekitten131 May 2020
5.5 stars really - I wanted to like this more than I did
thejdrage16 March 2022
I really wanted to like this more than I did. But, sadly, I didn't.
The story was weak, the acting good, not great. Tracee Ellis Ross's humor was a sharp as ever.
The romance a distraction. Eddie Izzard's cameo got them an extra 1/2 star. I won't remember this movie for long, sadly.
The story was weak, the acting good, not great. Tracee Ellis Ross's humor was a sharp as ever.
The romance a distraction. Eddie Izzard's cameo got them an extra 1/2 star. I won't remember this movie for long, sadly.
spawn of a diva
ferguson-629 May 2020
Warning: Spoilers
Greetings again from the darkness. Who better to play an aging diva at the crossroads of a hugely successful singing career than the daughter of Diana Ross? Of course, nothing is ever that easy and if Tracee Ellis Ross wasn't ultra-talented herself, the film wouldn't work at all. Now, please understand, director Nisha Ganatra's follow up to last year's LATE NIGHT is excessively formulaic and predictable, but it's a pleasure to watch Tracee Ellis Ross ("Black-ish") as singer Grace Davis and to hear her sing for (I believe) the first time on screen.
The film is from the first (and previous Black List) screenplay by Flora Greeson, a former personal assistant in the music industry, and it follows Maggie (Dakota Johnson, "Fifty Shades" franchise) as Grace Davis' hard-working assistant. While spending most of her time running errands in her Chevy Nova for her celebrity boss, Maggie dreams of becoming a music producer. See, she studied music composition in college and listened to the radio growing up ... and she bobs her head when listening to music she likes. So obviously she's "qualified." Maggie is as ambitious as she is lacking in self-confidence and experience.
The aforementioned crossroads Grace is facing has to do with choosing whether to record her first new album in a decade, or taking the safe and financially secure route of accepting a long-term Las Vegas residency. Her agent, Jack Robertson, is played by Ice Cube in full tough-guy mode, as he pushes Grace to bank the cash. Although her career is stuck in recycle gear with live albums and greatest hits, Grace longs to record new music, though she also understands the realities of the music business (and explicitly states the history for anyone not following along - including Maggie).
Maggie oversteps her position with Grace by urging her to write and record new songs. Maggie re-mixes some of Grace's music and butts heads with the hotshot producer (played by Diplo) Jack brings in to turn Grace's hits into thumping dance beats. "Is that dope or is that dope? Trick question, it's dope!" (Diplo nailing the punchline). June Diane Raphael adds her comic flair as Gail, the career moocher who lives in Grace's pool house, and offers up advice to Maggie on how to milk the situation.
All it takes is a chance encounter at the local market for Maggie to have a career opportunity fall in her lap. She meets charming and smooth David Cliff (Kelvin Harrison Jr, WAVES), and after some classic music banter, she hears him sing and is convinced she can produce his music. The only problem ... she lies to him about her profession and experience. Lying and misrepresentation may have played a key role in the music profession over the years, but it creates a real mess for Maggie and David.
When things go sideways for Maggie in every aspect of her life, she retreats to the security of her dad's (Bill Pullman) humble home/studio on Catalina Island. He's a DJ and the one who taught Maggie her love for music. His home also leads to the reconciliation that allows the film to move towards the ending it was meant to have. It should also be noted that Zoe Chao and Eddie Izzard have brief roles as Maggie's roommate and a veteran pop singer, respectively ... both talented performers underutilized here.
The film has a similar structure to THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA minus the biting dialogue and insightful commentary on a high profile industry. It briefly touches on ageism, sexism, and nepotism, as well as the 'money vs art' question, but the purpose here is entertainment, not enlightenment. True artists have an incessant need to create, often risking a comfortable position to stretch themselves ... showing the iconic Capitol Records building a few times, and contrasting Maggie's Nova with Grace's Bugatti, doesn't quite make the philosophical statement that we'd expect for a deeper message. Instead, it's a feel good movie. It's comfort food, and it's delivered with a crisp bow on top. Expect a romantic fantasy, where the love partner is music, and enjoy the talents of Tracee Ellis Ross. And let's hope they got clearance from Michael B Jordan for his mention.
The film is from the first (and previous Black List) screenplay by Flora Greeson, a former personal assistant in the music industry, and it follows Maggie (Dakota Johnson, "Fifty Shades" franchise) as Grace Davis' hard-working assistant. While spending most of her time running errands in her Chevy Nova for her celebrity boss, Maggie dreams of becoming a music producer. See, she studied music composition in college and listened to the radio growing up ... and she bobs her head when listening to music she likes. So obviously she's "qualified." Maggie is as ambitious as she is lacking in self-confidence and experience.
The aforementioned crossroads Grace is facing has to do with choosing whether to record her first new album in a decade, or taking the safe and financially secure route of accepting a long-term Las Vegas residency. Her agent, Jack Robertson, is played by Ice Cube in full tough-guy mode, as he pushes Grace to bank the cash. Although her career is stuck in recycle gear with live albums and greatest hits, Grace longs to record new music, though she also understands the realities of the music business (and explicitly states the history for anyone not following along - including Maggie).
Maggie oversteps her position with Grace by urging her to write and record new songs. Maggie re-mixes some of Grace's music and butts heads with the hotshot producer (played by Diplo) Jack brings in to turn Grace's hits into thumping dance beats. "Is that dope or is that dope? Trick question, it's dope!" (Diplo nailing the punchline). June Diane Raphael adds her comic flair as Gail, the career moocher who lives in Grace's pool house, and offers up advice to Maggie on how to milk the situation.
All it takes is a chance encounter at the local market for Maggie to have a career opportunity fall in her lap. She meets charming and smooth David Cliff (Kelvin Harrison Jr, WAVES), and after some classic music banter, she hears him sing and is convinced she can produce his music. The only problem ... she lies to him about her profession and experience. Lying and misrepresentation may have played a key role in the music profession over the years, but it creates a real mess for Maggie and David.
When things go sideways for Maggie in every aspect of her life, she retreats to the security of her dad's (Bill Pullman) humble home/studio on Catalina Island. He's a DJ and the one who taught Maggie her love for music. His home also leads to the reconciliation that allows the film to move towards the ending it was meant to have. It should also be noted that Zoe Chao and Eddie Izzard have brief roles as Maggie's roommate and a veteran pop singer, respectively ... both talented performers underutilized here.
The film has a similar structure to THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA minus the biting dialogue and insightful commentary on a high profile industry. It briefly touches on ageism, sexism, and nepotism, as well as the 'money vs art' question, but the purpose here is entertainment, not enlightenment. True artists have an incessant need to create, often risking a comfortable position to stretch themselves ... showing the iconic Capitol Records building a few times, and contrasting Maggie's Nova with Grace's Bugatti, doesn't quite make the philosophical statement that we'd expect for a deeper message. Instead, it's a feel good movie. It's comfort food, and it's delivered with a crisp bow on top. Expect a romantic fantasy, where the love partner is music, and enjoy the talents of Tracee Ellis Ross. And let's hope they got clearance from Michael B Jordan for his mention.
Not what I expected.
jhan18311-822-82716429 May 2020
Warning: Spoilers
I thought this film would be about a powerhouse making a comeback via a new connection with her assistant. I think the film deserved more scenes that focused purely on music for Grace Davis. I expected to see her working late night with Maggie, churning out new material. I would have even been okay with her going through with the Vegas Residency but you never see any of that. The few minutes where she is working on new material is the last 10 minutes.
I would have even been okay with Cliff going through with the opening act scene. What I didn't need to see was Grace Davis outside of a food truck; or the 2nd scene of her driving trough LA. I didn't need to see the 3rd and 4th scene of Gail her house attendant. The film deserved a lot more focus on music and def more of Grace on stage and less Diva. The movie did not shift into the pivotal scenes until 45 minutes towards the end. I spent 20 dollars for this on opening day while staying at home. It could have had a different cut in my opinion.
I would have even been okay with Cliff going through with the opening act scene. What I didn't need to see was Grace Davis outside of a food truck; or the 2nd scene of her driving trough LA. I didn't need to see the 3rd and 4th scene of Gail her house attendant. The film deserved a lot more focus on music and def more of Grace on stage and less Diva. The movie did not shift into the pivotal scenes until 45 minutes towards the end. I spent 20 dollars for this on opening day while staying at home. It could have had a different cut in my opinion.
Thoroughly Enjoyable
pinklarp30 May 2020
Warning: Spoilers
Great cast, great story, Tracee Ellis Ross has a powerful voice especially in a duet with Kelvin Harrison Jr. He and Dakota Johnson have nice chemistry and give insight into the world of music producers and talent. Dakota and Ross characters both dealing with breaking away from other people's plans for them. Nice fashion, cars, ponytails. Light hearted, no violence, not preachy. Film industry needs to make more of these feel good films. Especially now.
Dakota is DAMN CHARMING
sarahilayda14 January 2021
Dakota Johnson plays a personal assistant to a big star and she also wants to pursue a producing career. And she loves music.
Her acting was genuine and from the heart and she carries this movie alongside with great talents.
Great nice chill watch for a Sunday night.
Her acting was genuine and from the heart and she carries this movie alongside with great talents.
Great nice chill watch for a Sunday night.
Not bad but not great either
lovediva3 June 2020
Don't Believe the Haters
juliawgriffin5 June 2020
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.
Saved by the actors
AnonYmuz27 January 2021
Underwhelming
rsmith-9683130 June 2020
I'm thinking the movie is about Tracie's character but it's not. It's about her assistant. During the promotion and the hype for the movie it led you to believe that it was about Tracie when it's not. I was very disappointed in the movie as I had high hopes for it. Ice Cube was good in his role but the movie overall was a big, big disappointment.
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