The Independents

This movie was a delight to watch from start to finish. It was funny yet relatable in a deep way. Talented acting and most of all, wonderful music!

Much like any modern movie about music they make it seem like song writing or being a musician is all about ambition. The fact is, there's very little money and HUGE amounts of work to be a musician. Nobody can just sit down and harmonize / write songs like in this movie. That said, I enjoyed the story and it was neat to find out that they are actually a real band. I just hate the message that it's ok to abandon a life you've worked really hard for, spent lots of money preparing for, just to go play a show in California.

A delightful, unpretentious gem of a movie. Refreshes your soul and the soundtrack is great to boot.

If you are up for a great story with foot tapping music, strong lyrics, guitar and keyboard play, refreshing genuine acting, plenty of laughs and a few tugs on your heartstrings, then this is for you! We loved it and will soon be watching it again!

Great music and a finely tuned story of friendship, in equal parts funny and moving and so real it pops off the screen. Good acting, too, by these great musicians.

When I think about films about music groups, I think OK, concert film. If I like the band, I'll probably like the movie. The Independents is definitely not a concert movie. Think more about a coming of age film, from three different perspectives: each protagonist is struggling to come to terms with what they perceive to be "normal" life in direct opposition to what they each want to do, need to do. More even than need or want, each of them is compelled to make art through music. They are strangers, each struggling individually, and they way they meet is, I really almost hate to say it, cosmic. There is literally no other way to describe it. Once they do meet, the struggles continue, in funny ways, sad ways, horrible ways - but they manage to muddle through. The music they make is extraordinary, very reminiscent of CSN from another time. The harmonies are beautiful, the musicianship incredible, and together they make music that is at least as good if not better than what they produce individually (though individually ain't bad neither!) Their acting is superb. The supporting cast has some high-powered Hollywood types. The production values are excellent. I recommend this film most fervently.

Come for the story, stay for the music. These three guys have delightful personalities and performances. Their humor, passion, and authenticity are a breath of fresh air in an over-hyped music industry. This is the fun story of real dudes making real good music. The bonus is their brotherly love shines through their harmonies and relationships.

A Charming musical film in the vain of Once, following three musical Peter Pan who cling to their musical dreams despite age, money and, as the story presents, even reality. We like all three but we sense they are not good enough by themselves. But when they sing together, Bam! Everything changes. Watch it hooked up to your sound system because the songs are great! It's also fun to see so many great Broadway, television and film actors pop up in scene stealing roles. Well directed and delivering a hopeful testament to the power of music.

What fun. A sort of That Think You Do! for 2018. Now Rich, Greg, and Brian will have to do the COVID edition.

The 3 different characters have believable background stories. Great to hear the improv harmonies as they rehearse their songs.