Director Brett Haley is no stranger to the indie film scene, with past films such as “I’ll See You In My Dreams” and “The Hero.” And now he’s back with “Hearts Beat Loud.”
Frank Fisher (Nick Offerman), a stubborn, quietly enthusiastic record-store owner struggling to make ends meet, decides to push his dream (and history) of being in a band onto his daughter, Sam (Kiersey Clemons). Having once been in a band with Sam’s late mother, Frank wants Sam to discover the talent inside of her. But Sam is about to leave for a pre-med program and does not want to be in a band with her father, despite her obvious talent. What follows is the sweet story of a family coming together under a common interest—whether that interest will last or disappear in the cracks of responsibility is yet to be determined.
Reminiscent of “That Thing You Do” but with the heartfelt, indie vibe of “Once,” “Hearts Beat Loud” produces a feel-good version of the pull between dreams and reality. The plot doesn’t follow any groundbreaking concepts or take heady risks—and maybe that’s what makes the film so endearing. It’s just a snapshot of people living, struggling and testing out their passion.
Offerman changes his usual routine for a more earnest, adorable character, and Clemons wins hearts with both her awkward sweetness and her voice. And the supporting cast brings the world around these two protagonists to life. Toni Collette plays the landlady who unwittingly has Frank’s heart, Ted Danson is the strange, bartending best friend, and Sasha Lane tugs at Sam’s heartstrings right before she leaves for college.
While the story does get a bit contrived in parts, leaving a somewhat sugary aftertaste, Haley’s avoidance of the “man against man” setup reveals a truth about the world. Sometimes, you’re just fighting against fate and the nature of life. If you’re looking for a feel-good indie summer flick, don’t miss “Hearts Beat Loud,” starting at Midtown Cinema on June 22.
Midtown Cinema is located at 250 Reily St., Harrisburg. For more information, visit www.midtowncinema.com.
MIDTOWN CINEMA
JUNE EVENTS
Pride Collection
“The Children’s Hour” (1962)
Sunday, June 17, 2 p.m.
“The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert” (1994)
Thursday, June 21, 9:30 p.m.
“The Boys in the Band” (1979)
Sunday, June 24, 2 p.m.
“The Kids Are All Right” (2010)
Wednesday, June 27, 7:30 p.m.
3rd in the Burg $3 movie
“Hedwig and the Angry Inch” (2001)
Friday, June 15, 9:30 p.m.
Down in Front! presents
“Gigli” (2003)
Friday, June 29, 9:30 p.m.
FREE Outdoor Films
“E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial” (1982)
Friday, June 8
“The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe” (2005)
Friday, June 22
All outdoor films play at dusk. Rain date on the following day.
