If you haven't watched Tracee Ellis Ross and Dakota Johnson's new movie, The High Note, consider this a sign that you should! This film is full to the brim with girl power, incredible music, gorgeous fashion and important messages that the world needs to hear now more than ever.
The film explores the life of an iconic fictitious singer, Grace Davis (Tracee Ellis Ross) who is at a crossroads in her career. Due to her age, her label is encouraging her to take a residency in Vegas as a sort of musical "retirement". However, the singer's ambitious and outspoken assistant, Maggie (Dakota Johnson), believes that the icon has more time and talent to offer. The audience follows Grace as she discovers that she is not ready to stop writing music despite society's skewed ideas about women performers her age. We also see Maggie take chances to follow her ultimate dream of being a music producer despite many obstacles and a shocking twist. This movie is a must-watch and it is available to watch on Youtube and Amazon Prime for $19.99!
After watching this movie, one thing is for sure: Tracee Ellis Ross can sing! She is a triple threat and then some. Is there nothing she can't do? If these quotes inspire you, connect with you, or maybe just make you laugh out loud, go watch The High Note and be entertained and inspired by these larger-than-life characters in dreamy Los Angeles.
"If you could point to any time in my life, good or bad, I could tell you who I was listening to and how I got through it."
This movie touches on the power of music and the way it can heal, empower and provide hope for a brighter future.
"[if I can] create something that could make somebody or anybody feel a little bit less alone, then I want to be a part of that."
Once again, Dakota Johnson's character, who has no problem speaking her mind, explains the connections that can be created and the empathy that can come from music and shared experiences. Though the music in this film is undeniably catchy, the singers have powerhouse voices and overall, it just makes you want to get up and dance, it's the messages being discussed throughout the movie that are so much bigger than notes on a staff.
"When there are no surprises, then who am I doing it for?"
Tracee Ellis Ross' character is struggling with a very specific situation in this film- being a female singer/songwriter who is getting older than her performing counterparts, while trying to remain relevant and give her fans music they will continue to love. This particular situation isn't necessarily relatable for the average viewer, but everyone, no matter what age, has been in a rut before. Do something that surprises, scares or excites you today! Grace Davis chooses to take a risk that certainly pays off.
"I'm gonna see how much cheese I can fit into my bag. And then I'm gonna look up his house on Zillow."
Just admit it. We all have a friend like Katie and if you don't, you probably are the Katie of your own friend group. Her character will definitely keep you laughing with her quick wit and brutal honesty. Hey, we'd probably be doing the same thing at a fancy Hollywood party!
"That's a good idea. And what I mean by 'good idea'- screw you and your s***** ideas."
Ice Cube's character, Jack Robertson, is one of Grace's oldest friends as well as her manager. He alway has Grace's back and wants the best for her, but very rarely gets along with Maggie and her new ideas. They have quite a few disagreements throughout the film, but this quote in particular had us laughing. Consider adding this brutally honest statement to your repertoire when speaking to someone you don't like very much.
"I don't want to sit with a bunch of label guys that have to be reminded that I'm alive."
This quote just makes you want to snap along in poetic agreement. Tracee Ellis Ross plays a character who is kind, elegant, sophisticated and caring, but she demands respect and commands attention. She's a girl boss character that is so fun to watch on screen.
"Grace, those pretentious sparkling water blowhards just spoke to you like they forgot that you basically built this entire label for them."
Dakota Johnson's character, Maggie, doesn't shy away from reminding her boss who she is and how she deserves to be treated! Throughout the film, Maggie and Grace learn a lot from one another and form quite an interesting bond. One thing is for sure, Maggie is absolutely right with this quote!
"I want to go through my closet and donate things that aren't sparking joy or whatever."
Marie Kondo has inspired us all, whether on-screen or IRL, everyone wants to reorganize their life, only keeping the things that spark joy! Of course, Grace Davis' closet cleaning looks a little bit different than the average person's experience as her categories of clothes include "evening wear" and "early evening wear". The fashion in this film will make you envious beyond belief, as the two leading ladies model the styles stunningly.
"You know what? I'm happy with me. I am happy with me."
This movie was Tracee Ellis Ross' singing debut and she certainly did not disappoint. Her gorgeous voice was truly awe-inspiring and we weren't ready for the movie to be over when it came to a close. This movie, while portraying the story of a woman who knows what she wants and chases after it with everything she's got, speaks poignantly about real-life experiences that any audience member can relate to like singleness, love for oneself and love for others.
"In the history of music, only five women over 40 have ever had a #1 hit. And only one of them was black. Do you understand that? No. You do not understand that. And none of the guys in there understand what I've been through. So, I don't know. We could just pretend- we could pretend that we live in some sort of magical world where, I don't know- let's see- age and race are not a thing."
In an interview with The Los Angeles Times, Tracee Ellis Ross talked about her disappointment that the film wouldn't be seen in theaters and what she hoped the film would provide audiences with: “I really wanted to be on the big screen for a film like this, because Grace is so larger-than-life, but I think this film is perfectly positioned to be [experienced] at home because it’s such a feel-good movie. I hope it offers people a little bit of joy and respite from the heaviness that’s happening right now.”
If these quotes and the movie's star-studded cast isn't enough to make you want to watch the movie right now, I don't know what will convince you! The High Note is available to rent/buy now!
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