The Ending: After Andrew (Miles Teller) is forced to struggle through a piece of music he deliberately wasn't given the sheets for, and as Fletcher (J.K. Simmons) turns to the audience, Andrew returns and begins playing the piece Caravan, with the rest of the group promptly joining in. Andrew nails an insane drum solo at the end, and Fletcher can't help but be impressed, smiling at Andrew, who smiles back. Fletcher wraps the song up to ecstatic applause from the audience. Why It's Awesome: Because it's one of the most intense, sweaty-palmed, nerve-shredding climaxes to a film in recent memory, and it doesn't feature a single bullet, superhero or CGI bad guy. Seeing Andrew quite literally put himself through the wringer to prove he has what it takes is at once inspiring and disturbing, asking the ultimate question about where the line between tutelage and bullying can truly be drawn. The movie's message is naturally up for debate and has proven divisive with some viewers, but that's the whole point. Either way, it's a jaw-dropping drum solo and one that commands attention from its first beat.
Stay at home dad who spends as much time teaching his kids the merits of Martin Scorsese as possible (against the missus' wishes).
General video game, TV and film nut. Occasional sports fan. Full time loon.
