Synopsis
After a confrontation with one of his idols dashes his dreams of studying public speaking in college, Richard Pimentel joins the Army and ships off to Vietnam. During his service, Richard loses nearly all of his hearing. Joining a new circle of friends, including a man with cerebral palsy and an alcoholic war veteran, Richard discovers his gift for motivational speaking and becomes an advocate for people with disabilities.
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Cast
- Ron Livingston
- Melissa GeorgeChristine
- Michael SheenArt
- Marion RossGrandma
- Clint JungRichard's Dad
- Ridge CanipeYoung Richard
- Rebecca De MornayRichard's Mom
- Janssen Van De YachtToddler Richard
- Leslie NielsenBill Austin
- 70
Variety
Helmed by Steve Sawalich, this real-life dramedy is anchored by Michael Sheen’s captivating performance as the severely handicapped, profoundly acerbic Art Honeyman. - 70
Chicago Reader
Steven Sawalich directed with invention and heart. - 63
Chicago Tribune
Starts strong but eventually collapses under its weighty sense of responsibility. - 63
Chicago Sun-Times
Just remember that its hero stands for countless others. - 63
New York Daily News
The performances are all solid, but Sheen, last seen as Tony Blair in "The Queen," is so good in his incredibly demanding role that he makes the natural discomfort people feel at seeing someone so debilitated disappear completely. - 60
Village Voice
Sheen, like the movie itself, is trying too hard to inspire when the story doesn't need the help. - 50
Washington Post
If it does nothing else, Music Within shows us how deeply Ron Livingston's amiable face can take us into a movie. But even likable mugs like his -- remember him in "Office Space"? -- need help from the movies around them. - 50
The New York Times
A bad movie with a good heart.
