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critics consensus

Music Within is a well-intentioned but pedestrian production of a story that deserves better treatment. Read critic reviews

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Movie Info

After a confrontation with one of his idols dashes his dreams of studying public speaking in college, Richard Pimentel (Ron Livingston) 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.

Cast & Crew

Ron Livingston
Richard Pimentel
Melissa George
Christine
Michael Sheen
Art Honeyman
Yul Vazquez
Mike Stoltz
Rebecca De Mornay
Richard's Mom
Héctor Elizondo
Dr. Padrow
Marion Ross
Grandma
Clint Jung
Richard's Dad
Steven Sawalich
Director
Mark Andrew Olsen
Screenwriter
Bret McKinney
Screenwriter
Kelly Kennemer
Screenwriter
Steven Sawalich
Producer
Brett Donowho
Producer
James T. Sale
Original Music
Irek Hartowicz
Cinematographer
Tim Alverson
Film Editor
Craig Stearns
Production Design
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News & Interviews for Music Within

Critical Consensus: Life Has Its Ups And Downs, Darjeeling Is Transporting
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Critic Reviews for Music Within

All Critics (42) | Top Critics (21) | Fresh (14) | Rotten (28)

  • Quote not available.

    November 18, 2011 | Rating: 3/5 | Full Review…

    Hank Sartin

    Time Out

  • Quote not available.

    November 17, 2011 | Rating: 3/5 | Full Review…

    Stephen Garrett

    Time Out

  • The real world needs more dogged folks willing to tilt at windmills. But movies often don't do their stories justice, and that has happened again here.

    November 9, 2007 | Rating: 2.5/4 | Full Review…

    Claudia Puig

    USA Today

  • Pimentel's persistence and eventual triumph over prejudice and discrimination is a story worth telling, if only on a shoestring.

    November 9, 2007 | Rating: 2.5/4 | Full Review…

    Susan Walker

    Toronto Star

  • Salawich's film is entertaining and leaves you with warm feelings from learning about this man who turned adversity into good for so many others.

    November 9, 2007 | Rating: 2.5/4

    Marta Barber

    Miami Herald

  • This offbeat biopic is driven by Ron Livingston's engaging performance as Richard Pimentel, a gifted public speaker who lost his hearing in the Vietnam war and then spearheaded the disability rights movement in the U.S.

    November 2, 2007 | Full Review…

    Andrea Gronvall

    Chicago Reader
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Audience Reviews for Music Within

  • Dec 01, 2012
    Could this story have been told better? Yes! But, fantastic performances by Ron Livingston and Michael Sheen. Makes the movie worth your time. This story deserved to be told and I am so glad it finally was.
    Jason R Super Reviewer
  • Jun 27, 2011
    The story of a guy that is remarkable and accomplished great things. Although at times I feel the story is too much about his personal life than his professional life which brings his accomplishments. Some great people's lives do not make great movies.
    Thomas J Super Reviewer
  • Apr 30, 2008
    An interesting story that wasn't executed to it's potential. Characters are introduced all the time, but fail to be developed properly or make the story flow. Still, Michael Sheen delivers a performance that must be seen.
    Quinto W Super Reviewer
  • Apr 22, 2008
    After school special made watchable by the cerebral paulsy guy.
    Curtis L Super Reviewer
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