Let's get this out of the way: Tune Out is an ultra-low budget indie movie that's like a beloved car held together with duct tape and hope. But oh, what a charming vehicle it is.
The story delightfully meanders through the lives of several different groups of characters, but eventually centers on Leonard, a man suffering dementia who happens to be a musical savant, and a trio of young musicians who become his new family. Through the power of music, they help Leonard remember who he was. Perhaps unsurprisingly, there's a number of wonderful tearjerker moments -- some of which should make even the most jaded of filmgoers happy-cry.
There's also a lot of strange, hilarious, and occasionally baffling creative choices sprinkled throughout that won't be to everyone's taste, but give the film so much of its charm and unique identity. Tune Out eats convention for breakfast and gleefully oscillates between grounded drama to silly farce, all with an earnest conviction that's so key to making it all work. Considering that the lead is a lovable, kooky character suffering mental decline, this actually feels quite fitting, as though the story we're seeing may be filtered through his offbeat point of view.
Despite the lack of resources, the film looks great and is made with genuine artistry. The score is filled with many lovely melodies, the autumnal-golden color palette is a treat for the eyes, and the story's anchored by enjoyably heartfelt performances (even if not everyone is at the same level of professional training).
It's wonderful to see a microbudget film beat the odds and pull off a plot that's as moving as it sets out to be. Patient viewers who are willing to overlook a couple rough edges (and give it the 15 or 20 minutes needed before it really sets into its groove) will get a lot of this. I give it an enthusiastic recommendation, especially since it's freely available on YouTube. So give it a watch! Unless you're some kind of mean ol' crank who never has any fun, I highly doubt you're going to regret it.
