75
Slowly, the powerful message of heart and soul winning out over an impaired body and over-thinking mind develops into the core drama of this otherwise modest doc.
What are people saying?
What are critics saying?
90
The New York Times by A.O. Scott
Like other stories of musical tutelage, Keep On Keepin’ On is ultimately an examination of the pursuit of greatness. It is a grueling and demanding endeavor, for sure, but also, for Mr. Terry and anyone lucky enough to enter his orbit, a source of unending joy.
80
Village Voice by Alan Scherstuhl
It's part Live at Birdland, part Boy in the Plastic Bubble, all warmly thrilling.
75
RogerEbert.com by Brian Tallerico
Hicks avoids the traditional bio-doc route by turning Keep On Keepin’ On into more than just CT’s story, chronicling how the legendary musician continues to inspire young artists to this day.
70
Keep On Keepin’ On is packaged like a standard-issue music documentary—albeit one with an unusually palpable affection for its subject—but Alan Hicks’ debut feature resonates as a beautiful illustration of how people can find each other.
90
The Hollywood Reporter by David Rooney
Keep On Keepin' On is both tender and joyous, a moving account of the mutual nourishment of artistic mentorship and the rewards of accentuating the positive in whatever life throws at you.
75
New York Post by Farran Smith Nehme
Terry’s talent is so magical that you may wish there were longer snippets of his playing. Still, this is a wonderful portrait of two artists strengthened by friendship.
80
Wall Street Journal by Joe Morgenstern
Clark Terry the teacher sometimes talks like a trumpet, even though he's dealing with a pianist—"daddle-leedle-daddle-loodle" is how he wants Justin to play one phrase. Clark Terry the man personifies generosity, and it's lovely to behold.
60
New York Daily News by Joe Neumaier
The movie hits a beautiful, celebratory note.
70
Los Angeles Times by Sheri Linden
Hicks' unabashed love letter is, above all, a stirring picture of communion between artists.