Boychoir (2014) (aka: The Choir) Dustin Hoffman, Kathy Bates, Eddie Izzard, Kevin McHale, Josh Lucas, Debra Winger, Garrett Wareing, Joe West Movie Review

Boychoir (2014)   3/53/53/53/53/5


Dustin Hoffman in Boychoir (2014) (aka: The Choir)

Singing to the Choir

At school 11-year old Stet (Garrett Wareing) is unruly and quick fly off in a range and at home he has to deal with his alcoholic single mom. When his mum suddenly dies Stet finds himself being sent to a school back East, National Boychoir, which specialises in those who are musically gifted. But Stet has never experience a school like this one or anyone like Carvelle (Dustin Hoffman), a demanding man who can see that Stet is talented but won't take any of his nonsense, pushing him harder than ever to tap into his talent for music. But not everyone is so happy to have Stet there with another boy, Devon (Joe West), trying to sabotage him.

I didn't mention everything in that synopsis for "Boychoir", there is a bit about Stet's father who had nothing to do with him but who finds himself drawn back in to his life. There is also the fact that whilst Carvelle knows Stet is talented but doesn't like his undisciplined nature. I could go on but this is a movie which is pretty much text book as Stet control's his rebellious side, wins people over and of course comes good by the time the credits start to appear. There is nothing wrong with that at all but what that means is that this is a movie which if the other side of it doesn't interest you then this movie despite having some famous names will be a struggle.

Of course there is that other side which is the whole boys choir aspect with lots of scenes featuring these young boys singing classical choral pieces. Now I have to be honest this side of the movie was not for me as I am not a huge fan of this sort of music but there is no denying at times the sheer power of some of the singing does grab you. In fact there is a beauty about the entire movie even if as a whole it wasn't anything out of the ordinary.

What this all boils down to is that "Boychoir" is a text book movie which is likely to appeal to those who really enjoy the sound of an all boys choir. But if you don't do choral music then there is just one side to the movie which is a predictable one.


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