Story

Kevin Flack (Sebastian Gregory) is an aspiring rock musician who’s always fighting with his father, Edwin (William Zappa). Edwin is the director of a marching band. His band spectacularly lost an ‘at home’ competition 20 years earlier, when a downpour caused the band to collapse into the mud. Edwin has never got over this public humiliation and has turned into a bitter and angry old man. He’s determined to win the next competition, but his plans are seriously upset when he’s hit by a truck and ends up in hospital.

On top of this, developers are planning to take over the club’s meeting rooms. If the band fails, it’s the end of the band and the club. So Kevin is somehow persuaded to take over from Edwin and organise the band for the coming event.

Themes

Family disharmony

Violence

This movie contains some violence. For example:

• Edwin is always saying rude and mean things to both Kevin and the band members.
• Edwin throws things at the nursing staff.
• The band members fight among themselves.
• Kevin’s band member Tripod beats Kevin up.
• Tripod also has a fight with another band member.

Sexual references

This movie has some sexual references. For example:

• Tripod uses crude language to talk about Kevin’s girlfriend, Mandy (Isabel Lucas). Another member asks Tripod if this is because she wouldn’t sleep with him.
• Characters use sexual language to talk about playing the guitar.

Alcohol, drugs and other substances

This movie shows characters using alcohol. For example, they drink in pubs, at home, at work and on the beach.

Nudity and sexual activity

This movie has some nudity and sexual activity. For example, Mandy and Kevin kiss.

Product placement

None of concern

Coarse language

This movie has some coarse language.

Ideas to discuss with your children

A Heartbeat Away is a comedy with an unlikely but predictable plot. It might appeal to younger teenagers and some adults.

The main message from this movie is to accept people for who they are, even if their tastes are different from yours. The movie also suggests it’s important not to give up when times are hard.

Values in this movie that you could reinforce with your children include forgiveness, diversity, acceptance and tolerance.

This movie could also give you the chance to talk with your children about real-life issues such as how negative family relationships can lead to a lack of trust and self-esteem.