Cinema Society

THUNDER SOUL

Average
Rating

4.2

Tuesday, September 27, 2011, Reading Cinemas Town Square 14 Theatre

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 27

On Screen: 4:30pm or 7:30pm (You Pick!)

Reading Cinemas Town Square 14 Theatre

Cinema Chat (Aud. 14) begins 30 minutes prior to screenings

Introduction begin 15 minutes prior to screenings (Aud. 14 & 8)

Discussion follows screenings (Aud. 14)

Winner of the Crystal Heart Award, Heartland Film Festival

THUNDER SOUL

THUNDER SOUL tells the true story of Conrad “Prof” Johnson and the legendary Kashmere Stage Band

It was afros and pleated shirts; James Brown and Bootsy Collins. It was the ’70s, and an inner-city Houston high school was about to make history. Charismatic band leader, Conrad “Prof” Johnson would turn the school’s mediocre jazz band into a legendary funk powerhouse.

Now, 35 years later, his students prepare to pay tribute to the man who changed their lives, the 92-year-old Prof. Some haven’t played their horns in decades, still they dust off their instruments determined to retake the stage to show Prof and the world that they’ve still got it.

Directed by Mark Landsman, THUNDER SOUL, a Roadside Attraction Release, opens commercially in San Diego on October 7th.

Running Time: 83 Minutes Rated PG for brief language and momentary historical smoking

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6-Oct-11: Mark - Rating: 2

The film has a good heart, and you cannot help but be inspired by the story it tells. But the narrative had a herky-jerky feel — it dealt only superficially with too many of the characters and failed to explore any of them in sufficient depth to give the film the heft it needed to hurdle the bar of mediocrity. Though I wanted very much to like the movie as much as I admired the story, and though I occasionally succumbed to the filmmakers' blatant appeal to emotion, I'm sorry to say that, in the end, I found the movie disappointing.

1-Oct-11: Paul - Rating: 3

I am the odd man out on this one. I thought the story and the message was great but I wasn't terribly impressed with the film making. I wanted to feel more involved with the returning students. We got snippits of their lives and feelings but I would have enjoyed it more if he focused on a few and explored how they progressed through life and the influence their high school band experience had on them. I would have preferred that over for instance the scene with the grandmother. While she was wonderful and stirred emotions it didn't have much connection with the story. I thought that Louder than a bomb was much better film making.

1-Oct-11: P Clark - Rating: 5

This is why I renew my membership! Real stuff, candid, honest, truth. I loved every alumni band member better than the next. Moving, and I could say sad, but it was too beautiful to say so. Prof lived a rewarding fulfilling life and he sure knew it at the end. Thank you.

1-Oct-11: Karolen - Rating: 5

Was it coincidence or divine intervention? The "Prof" made it to the reunion and left the finite world 2 days later. I'm sure the music was still ringing in his ears and he had a smile on his face. What a powerful ending to a remarkable story. Kudos to all of his students who made it happen and to the brilliant Director, Mark Landsman, who decided to move the filming up by several months---coincidence or divine intervention? All I know is I hope everyone tells a friend or several to go and see this when it's released in 2 weeks! Can't wait to see what Jamie Foxx does with his version.

29-Sep-11: Jan Percival - Rating: 5

If you want to buy the music, it's available through Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Texas-Thunder-1968-1974-Kashmere-Stage/dp/B000FVGLDY.

29-Sep-11: Mroe - Rating: 4

A very inspiring, hopeful yet frustrating film because you know that there are teachers out there that have this ability to teach (and more than just their subject) and they are all getting lost or exasperated in the shuffle of teachers pay/rights/issues etc….and that the Arts alone are also getting lost in cuts/issues/politics. Precious time and opportunity is lost every day that good teachers aren’t paid properly and treated with respect along with lack of funding for lessons in other subjects than math, history & science, lessons that teach kids disciple, pride and accomplishment. Yes, everyone needs to see this film…but will it change anything? There is always hope.

28-Sep-11: siouxmac - Rating: 5

I'm now in my 6th year of membership in the Cinema Society, and every year I find that the movies that really stick with me are the documentaries. I would not have expected this when I decided to join years ago. Frankly, I never had the opportunity to see many of them and certainly didn't seek them out. At any rate, I am certain that Thunder Soul will be added to my growing list of favorite documentaries. It was fantastic - moving, compelling, and memorable. As with Louder than a Bomb, it emphasizes the importance of the arts in school and their life-changing potential. I might even need to drag my friends to the theater to see it. "No really, it's a documentary, but it's great!"

28-Sep-11: ebee - Rating: 4

Loved this film! I especially loved Craig Baldwin going home to seeing his Auntie.... she was a classic. It had that " Young at Heart" meets "Mr Holland's Opus" feel to it.... 2 of my favorite movies.... What a great night.... Thanks, Andy!

28-Sep-11: pb - Rating: 4

Beautiful story. Proves that you don't need Brangelina to make a great movie. Wish every child could have just one teacher like Prof during their school years.

27-Sep-11: Margaret Downing - Rating: 4

I wish I'd had a teacher like the Prof!

27-Sep-11: Susan - Rating: 5

Andy ,this is a winner ! Thank you, and the only way that you can possibly top tonight's film is by arranging to bring The Kashmere Stage Band here to San Diego!

27-Sep-11: andrew feldman - Rating: 4

Great choice Andy.

Film covered a lot of ground.

Heartfelt for sure.

thumbs up.

27-Sep-11: Georgi - Rating: 5

What sets apart one documentary from another is the emotional connection the director and editor are able to achieve. We have seen plenty of good documentaries thanks to the Cinema Society, but few have told such a poignant story mixed with rich history, and and a topical message of importance. Arts in the school are in a sad state and the message of the value of music in the lives of Kashmere Kids was just one of the elements that make this film important. Add to that the impeccable editing, the truth and depth of love and a great sound track. Wow...an exceptional piece of film making in this music/documentary (one of my favorite genres any way). Glad we saw the "early bird special" so we could have plenty of time to absorb the evening. What a gift to "Prof" and to us too.

27-Sep-11: RichG - Rating: 4

It is rare I leave a theater with tears in my eyes. Perhaps not since "Bambi." Tonight's jewel was delightful from beginning to end. What a labor of love for the filmmaker. He allowed the story to come to him instead of staging the production. Each participant was an example of what can happen when a trusted "father figure" enters a life. The timing of Prof's death was sad but timely. It bookended his life so sweetly. Andy, this was one of your finest hours. Thank you.