'Whiplash' will restore your faith that this can be a great year for film

I've always regretted the fact that I didn't keep up with playing an instrument. I had aborted dalliances with the clarinet, saxophone and the trumpet. I probably could have been good but I hated practicing. My regret came washing back over me as I watched the dynamite new character study Whiplash.

If you can get past some of the utter ludicrousness of the movie -- it presents a college jazz competition as extremely high stakes, even violent combat -- you'll be wildly entertained. Even though the movie is not stacked with special effects, it's a real thrill ride, thanks largely in part to the naturalistic performance of Miles Teller in the lead role and the go-for-broke, surefire Oscar-worthy performance of J.K. Simmons.

Teller plays an earnest would-be drummer prodigy who is socially awkward and prone to make mistakes. Still, he has natural talent and drive, he just needs to harness it. Simmons, as his would-be teacher and mentor, shows up to help him do just that, albeit in a foul-mouthed, abusive and downright manipulative manner.

Their relationship takes turns that aren't exactly realistic, but are nevertheless utterly compelling. I've never seen Teller in a film before, but he has the makings of a major star. He is attractive in a totally unassuming way and he never seems to be acting. There is a moment where he begins to cry that feels very authentic, not a "movie star cry".  He also has a romantic subplot that doesn't play out as you suspect it to. He makes a great, sympathetic lead.

Still, make no mistake about it. It's Simmons' movie. He has been great for years in small supporting roles and here he finally has a part where he can bring his unique set of skills to the table. He's a phenomenal physical presence, his hangdog face stands in stark contrast to his imposing physique. He is capable of vicious, sadistic cruelty one minute and tender geniality the next. Simmons' work here elevates the movie to another level, and in a latter scene when his character describes his contempt for mediocrity I was right on board with him.

Miles Teller and J.K. Simmons in Whiplash

A good friend of mine recently told me she felt this year hasn't been a great one for movies, and I think she's right. I've seen two transcendent masterpieces: Boyhood and Birdman. A couple very good films: Foxcatcher and Gone Girl. And another bizarre movie whose genius has yet to be appreciated: Under the Skin. Whiplash probably falls somewhere in the middle of the pack for me but that's in no way a putdown. It's a fully-realized, smart film that is never predictable and thrilling to the very last shot.

It deserves to be seen on the big screen where it's jazzy and relentless score can best be felt, heard and appreciated. It's a testament to this movie's greatness that it actually made me want to go home and research Buddy Rich albums after it was over.

Whiplash is one of those rare movies that really captures the joy and excitement (and yes, pain) of putting on a live performance. I have no idea if Teller is a musician himself in real life but he sells the hell out of drumming in this film. And Simmons takes what could have been a caricature and creates a real, tangible person who you can both fear and respect.

It may not be the best year for films, but it has been a solid year for acting. Michael Keaton, Steve Carrell, Patricia Arquette, Mark Ruffalo, Scarlett Johansson and now J.K. Simmons have all turned in what could arguably be consider career-best performances. And that's something worth celebrating.