Face the Music (2001) User Reviews

Tootsie rock-n-roll style.

[triple8 · 6/10 · 24 December 2006]

SPOILERS:

When a rock band's record label drops the band and it seems they aren't realizing their dream of becoming famous, a plan is hatched where The singer fakes his own death in hopes it will propel the band to super stardom. However, he....and some of the other characters....get more then they bargained for.

Nice little premise, very "Tootsie" like in the unfolding of the plot. I can't say I loved this movie but it had it's moments. Tyler Christopher put in a great performance as Dan/Danielle and the rest of the cast was good too.

What I did also like was that at times it seemed almost a satirical spoof on the music industry. The movie had some very funny moments, as well as some very sweet ones and I could easily See the "We Just became a Cheap Trick Song" being used in a TV commercial to Promote the movie. I'm not sure what was used, frankly, because I've never heard of this movie before I watched it but the premise sounded good so I figured what the heck. I wasn't expecting a masterpiece and didn't get one.(The movie dragged at times) and there were major major plot holes and a large amount of disbelief in the overall plot but after awhile the movie picked up momentum. I enjoyed this way more toward the late middle and end then in the beginning because it really seems somewhat mundane at first but one does gradually get involved in the plot and the comedy is there to an extent so certain things work.

I also LOVED how accurately the movie was able to show the frustrations of a struggling band trying to make it. The scene where the band is asked to leave the bar they've played at for years was poignant. I've known musicians just like the ones in the movie, who Have A Dream and just won't give up no matter how many upsets happen along the way. The movie picked this up so well and the characters did seem so real. Likewise, the scenes of the bands and bars were a bit nostalgic and I'm sure anyone who has lived that kind of life may feel that. In closing-this isn't a great movie and may not be enjoyed by all, but it's cute and sweet and slightly above average. Also hope to see this cast, particularly Christopher, in other movies. My vote's 6.5 of 10.

Face it, this film is a mild rip-off of Tootsie with a rock star plot, but it will entertain most

[inkblot11 · 6/10 · 14 July 2014]

Dan (Tyler Christopher) is a talented musician with his own rock band. His girlfriend also sings with the group. But, even though the young music makers have a record label, they are bound to the whims of the company, via their contract. When styles change, the music company drops the group, even though they were the ones that dictated what kind of music would be played. Then, Dan finds out that his girlfriend has been unfaithful. Its a lot to handle. But, he hatches a plan. Faking his own death, Dan becomes Danielle, the former star's cousin, who is Dan in drag, of course. He/she slowly works his/her way back up in the biz. Complications arise when a lady who works for an interested recording company, Claire, thinks of Dan only as Danielle. She has a bad crush on her older boss after all. What a complicated mess when Dan becomes so attached to Claire that he wants to unveil the secret! This film is a pretty obvious rip-off of Tootsie, even going so far as to having the main character tear off his wig in the middle of a concert and being too much in love with a woman to pretend any longer. Yet, it doesn't really matter. This film will find an audience among young fans who may not have seen the Hoffman flick and won't know that it has been done before. The young actors are attractive and talented and the costumes, sets, and plot have enough charm to carry the movie to its completion. No, one doesn't need to rush out today and find it but anyone who ends up choosing the film somewhere, somehow won't find it a waste of time.

A quick test to see if you'll like this movie...

[rooprect · 22 January 2011]

A quick test to see if you'll like this movie...

1. When watching movies, do you find yourself yelling, "Oh come ON!" or "This is SOOOOO stupid!" or "That would NEVER happen!"?

2. Do you frequently hurl popcorn, small objects and your baby brother at the screen?

3. Do you think "suspension of disbelief" is some sort of automotive terminology?

If you answered yes to all 3 of the above, then I guarantee you will hate this movie and possibly commit murder before it's over. If, on the other hand, you don't mind watching a movie that is incalculably, preposterously, ridiculously unbelievable, then you will friggin LOVE this film.

I love this movie because it doesn't try to convince you of anything. It doesn't attempt to rationalize or explain or justify any of the absurdities, and so it doesn't waste any time before getting right to the core of things. We're just supposed to accept that a 180-lb stud can squash himself into a dress, grab a quick shave & throw some gloves over his hulking man-hands, and that'll fool the world into thinking he's a glamour gal. HOW CAN YOU NOT LOVE IT???! The film goes from one preposterous situation to another, and it never lets up. Unlike "Tootsie" or "Mrs. Doubtfire" or "Victor Victoria" or "Some Like It Hot" where the cross-dresser at least remotely resembles a person of the opposite sex, Tyler Christopher is the damned ugliest woman you've ever seen, and they don't even try to make him/her look believable. That's the joke, folks! Other preposterous things happen, like albums being recorded & going gold in a matter of days, and in the same spirit we're just supposed to laugh at how ridiculous these things are and that no one seems to notice.

Before seeing this, I was expecting a run-of-the-mill, formulaic comedy. But "Face the Music"'s bold approach to stupidity made immediately me sit up & take notice. This is a farce without making it obvious that it's a farce. Though in a different genre entirely, it reminds me of "Shadow of the Vampire" which is a subtle horror comedy though many people don't realize it. Movies like this are a real treat.

This Movie cracks me up!

[ddandrea30 · 8/10 · 13 June 2006]

I think this one is a must own! You can watch it again and again! I do! Tyler Christopher brings this character to life. He gives her/him a heart, a voice, a passion. He makes you cheer him/her on. We need to see more of Tyler on the big screen. They are gonna do a Face the Music 2, RIGHT! All General Hospital fans, Nik fans will enjoy, it's a treat. I love the music. I love the Grandma in it she really is a hoot. So buy it today and add a new great DVD to your home collection. It has something for all to enjoy.I am so happy they finally released it here! It was only available in Canada. It was a long time coming but really worth the wait. Did I say pick it up today!!!!!!!

A wonderful and well acted comedy

[sevener226 · 13 August 2001]

This movie is a well-acted (by all cast members) comedy about a rock band that fakes the lead singer's death (after the band was dropped by the record company) to sell records.

Tyler Christopher (Dan) was amazing as the lead singer who becomes "Danielle" and becomes a star. He doesn't overplay the transition from male rock star to female rock star.

It's a great indie film that I think would do well in the theaters or as a telefilm. Great supporting cast.

It was a well-paced movie and the soundtrack is awesome. I would have like the romance between the leads to have been given more screentime and development. There was only one unrealistic scene that I felt the movie could have done without.

Overall though a wonderful film.

Good Flick

[thebubblewrapguy · 9/10 · 18 June 2006]

So.. my girlfriend is a huge 'General Hospital' fan and just had to pick up this DVD. We decided to stay home Friday night and for reasons that I don't want to get into she got to pick the entertainment and she chose the DVD with her little GH heart-throb Tyler.

Clearly, I'm player hating pretty boy a little at the start. But the reason I'm writing this positive review is because this is probably the first romantic comedy that I've been forced to sit through that I enjoyed. In fact, besides the fact that are very, very hot women for me to check out, this movie is in no way a chick flick. I laughed, I really liked the relationships between the guys in the band, and when my girlfriend got to say, "I just wish that I could kiss Tyler once" I got to reply with, "I wish that I could kiss that brown haired girl." Fun movie. I recommend it.

It's Tootsie meets the Player set in the music industry and is really charming!

[scptdoc007 · 10 November 2004]

This witty and charming romantic comedy centers around a rock band, who, after losing their steady gig and being dumped by their record label, decide to fake the death of the lead singer "Dan" (Tyler Christopher), in hopes that record sales will catapult through the roof. After all, artists are worth more dead than alive, or are they?

When no body show's up at the funeral, Dan reinvents himself al la "Tootsie" and heads out in the world where he becomes a huge female pop sensation.

Tyler does an amazing job carrying the contemporary Dustin Hoffman role and deserves credit for pulling off Dan's female alter ego "Danielle". He also plays guitar and sings showing real talent and the rest of the cast, including Sharol Leal, Ted McGinley, and Gloria LeRoy bring the characters to life in a well produced indie pic.

In addition, the music in the film is a character of itself. The original score stands out above most independent films, especially the original songs Dan/Daniell performs.

The filmmakers should be proud of a job well done!

Nicely Done Romantic Comedy

[heffay111 · 10/10 · 1 June 2006]

I saw this movie at a film festival several years ago. It was a very well made romantic comedy. I don't quite understand ripping this movie for its acting, directing, and writing (unless there was a personal vendetta involved.)

The actors did a great job. I liked Tyler Christopher in the lead, and the guy who played his buddy, Patrick Malone, was hilarious. Add to that the beautiful women and a super-cool dude like Ted McGinley doing a great job as a snarky adulterer, and you've got yourself a great cast.

The story was fun, well-paced, and featured some very good laughs. The plot did remind me of Tootsie, but I think Tootsie is one of the funniest movies ever. I'd rather see an independent movie that places Tootsie in the music business than watch another generic high-school cross-dressing story.

And for an independent film, it was very well made as far as production values and direction. In fact, a friend I watched this movie with said, "This movie's almost too good for an independent. It should've been made by a mini-major." (He's a film-buyer, they say things like that.

Great Comedy

[texasmba96 · 10/10 · 5 July 2006]

I ordered Face the Music as soon as it came out and have shown it to several people, including my wife's parents. They all really enjoyed it. Even though I have seen it several times now, I always find it funny. The cast is very talented, especially Tyler Christopher. The soundtrack has some really catchy music; several tunes you may even find yourself humming later.

This movie shows the lengths someone will go through to achieve success to ultimately find out what is really important to them. If I were to compare it to other movies, I would say it is Tootsie meets Rock Star. I strongly recommend this movie.

cute romantic comedy

[brentwoodbarbie · 10/10 · 19 June 2006]

Face the Music is a great romantic comedy and is perfect for any age to watch. My four year old daughter loved it! It's good-old fashioned fun. The acting is wonderful and the writing is clever. It also has a great soundtrack with original music. If you love the movie "Some Like it Hot",or "Tootsie" you'll love this movie. It was great to see Ted McGinley acting again. He is still as handsome as ever. It was also nice to see a cast with such racial diversity. It really added to the film. I highly recommend this movie. It's a nice feel-good movie without violence or swearing or gratuitous sex scenes, which is hard to find these days.