Of Mind and Music 2014

     Una Vida is a New Orleans street singer with the first stages of Alzheimer’s disease.  She meets neuroscientist Dr. Alvaro Cruz.  He has grown dissatisfied with his work because he was unable to help his mother and he lost her to Alzheimer’s.  He is hoping the music of New Orleans can bring life back to him after his loss.  He meets Una singing on the street, he has compassion for Una and he wants to help her.  Stompleg has been trying to help Una but he is going to leave New Orleans.  The only other person in Una’s life is Jessica but she is a drug addict.  Dr. Cruz believes Una’s son needs to be found and brought back into her life.

     There is a slow pace to this film and the ravages of Alzheimer’s are far more extreme than depicted here.  The life span and prognosis for this disease are a harsh reality.  Someone without income would usually go to a state run facility and not assisted living.  2 ½* (This movie is so-so)

98 min, Drama directed by Richie Adams with Joaquim de Almeida, Aunjanue Ellis, Bill Cobbs, Ruth Negga, Sharon Lawrence Andre Royo.

Note:  Imdb 7.1 out of 10, 71% critic 85% audience on Rotten Tomatoes, Amazon 4.4* out of 5* with 138 reviews.

Special Note:  Filmed in New Orleans, Louisiana.