Music of the Heart . Tucson Weekly . 11-01-99

Music of the Heart

DIRECTED BY: Wes Craven

REVIEWED: 11-01-99

If you don't like feel-good movies, Music of the Heart will be your worst nightmare (a new twist for horror king Wes Craven, who channels his unrestrained directorial style into the realm of family entertainment). Meryl Streep plays Roberta Guaspari, a grown-up small-town girl whose life as a music teacher gets a rude awakening when her husband leaves her with two young boys to support. Her résumé is so spotty, even the East Harlem public schools won't take her. But she perseveres against unruly inner-city kids, burned-out teachers, drive-by shootings and unbelieving parents (including her own mother, played by Cloris Leachman) to prove that life, and music, will take you as far as your imagination allows. There is nothing subtle about Music of the Heart, but there is much to move, inspire and entertain the willing participant. (Based on the documentary Small Wonders, about the real Roberta Guaspari, who still teaches violin in East Harlem.) Supporting roles include Aidan Quinn, Angela Bassett, Gloria Estefan and Frasier's Jane Leeves.

--Mari Wadsworth

Full Length Reviews
Music of the Heart
Music of the Heart
Music of the Heart

Capsule Reviews
Music of the Heart

Other Films by Wes Craven
Scream
Scream 2

Film Vault Suggested Links
Hilary and Jackie
A Day in Black and White
Nell

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