"Drum roll, please!"

"Whiplash" has five Oscar nominations, for picture, supporting actor (J.K. Simmons as Terence Fletcher, the hard-driving music teacher), adapted screenplay, editing and sound mixing.Even for those who don't know the difference between a single paradiddle and a double-stroke roll, "Whiplash" is a must-see for the performance of Simmons alone, the presumptive supporting Oscar recipient. It's the role of a lifetime for Simmons, a noted character actor.As the music teacher, Simmons (TV's "Growing Up Fisher," 2014) combines the facial features of a Homer Simpson of "The Simpsons" TV show, the peevish intensity of a Bruce Willis and a bulked-up upper torso of a Sylvester Stallone.Simmons is thoroughly convincing as Fletcher, the instructor and jazz band conductor at the fictional Shaffer Conservatory in an unnamed city. Into his charge arrives Andrew, an eager, full-of-himself drum student (Miles Teller of Downingtown, Chester County). The God-like Fletcher seems to want to reserve a special place in hell for Andrew.Fletcher sees the potential for greatness in Andrew, who idolizes the jazz era drummer and bandleader Buddy Rich (1917-1987).Teller ("Divergent," 2014; "The Spectacular Now," 2013) is terrific as Andrew. Teller, who somewhat resembles a young Elvis Presley, has a very expressive face, sensitive body language and drums up a storm. Teller was a drummer since age 15.Fine in supporting roles are Paul Reiser (TV's "Mad About You") as Andrew's dad, and Melissa Benoist (TV's "Glee") as Andrew's girlfriend."Whiplash" is the anti-entitlement film. Screenwriter-director Damien Chazelle (director, "Guy and Madeline on a Park Bench," 2009; screenwriter, "The Last Exorcism Part II," 2013; "Grand Piano," 2013) seems to be telling us that greatness, whether in music or any endeavor, is not achieved without overcoming great obstacles, dedication to one's craft, and a single-minded, obsessive fixation on the task, training and goal.Don't go to see "Whiplash" expecting the musical joy of "Fame" (1980), the inspirational Robin Williams of "Dead Poets Society" (1989) or the kindly Richard Dreyfuss in "Mr. Holland's Opus" (1995).Rather, think Jack Nicholson in "A Few Good Men" (1992).While Fletcher's teaching practices, which include verbal abuse, vindictiveness and physical abuse, would not be tolerated at educational institutions, it sets up the premise for the film and is necessary for the dramatics of "Whiplash."The film's title is derived from the music composition, "Whiplash," by Hank Levy (1927-2001), whose pieces were performed by Stan Kenton, among others, and who founded the jazz program at Towson University.The film features renditions of this tune, as well as the more familiar jazz standard, "Caravan," written by Juan Tizol that was first performed in 1936 by Duke Ellington, who is credited as a co-writer.There's a lot of music in "Whiplash." There's also, as might be expected, a lot of drumming, including a nine-minute drum solo. The film captures the dynamic of the classroom, the rehearsal and performance, perhaps not in a conventional way, but nevertheless in a very compelling way.Even if you've never been subjected to a hard-driving music teacher, gym instructor, swimming teacher or coach, you will especially identify with "Whiplash," a must-see, especially for musicians, jazz fans, teachers and students."Whiplash," MPAA rated R (Restricted. Children Under 17 Require Accompanying Parent or Adult Guardian.) for strong language including some sexual references; Genre: Drama, Music; Run time: 1 hrs., 47 mins.; Distributed by Sony Pictures Classics.Credit Readers Anonymous: "Whiplash" is an adapted screenplay Oscar nominee because the feature is based on a short film Damien Chazelle wrote and directed, which received the Short Film Jury Award at the Sundance Film Festival in 2013. Chazelle is said to have based the film on his playing in the Princeton High School Studio Band.Box Office, Feb. 13: "Fifty Shades Of Grey" exceeded expectations, opening at No. 1, with $81.6 million, shackling "Kingsman: The Secret Service," opening way back at No. 2, with $35.6 million, and submerging "The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge Out Of Water," sinking from No. 1 to No. 3, while soaking up a solid $30.5 million, $93.6 million, two weeks:4. "American Sniper," $16.4 million, $304.1 million, eight weeks; 5. "Jupiter Ascending," $9.4 million, $32.5 million, two weeks; 6. "Seventh Son," $4.1 million, $13.4 million, two weeks; 7. "Paddington," $4.1 million, $62.3 million, five weeks; 8. "The Imitation Game," $3.5 million, $79.6 million, 12 weeks; 9. "The Wedding Ringer," $3.4 million, $59.7 million, five weeks; 10. "Project Almanac," $2.7 million, $19.5 million, three weeks;Unreel, Feb. 20:"Hot Tub Time Machine 2," R: Lou, the "father of the Internet," is shot. Jacob and Nick try to save their friend. Back to the hot tub. Gillian Jacobs, Adam Scott, Thomas Lennon and Collette Wolfe star in the comedy."The Duff," PG-13: Acronyms Anonymous Alert: Designated Ugly Fat Friend (DUFF) is a derogatory high school term. A high school senior instigates her own social pecking order. Bella Thorne, Mae Whitman, Robbie Arnell and Allison Janney star in the comedy."McFarland, USA," PG: A cross-country team coach has championship contenders. Kevin Costner, Maria Bello, Morgan Saylor and Elsie Fisher star in the drama.Read Paul Willistein's movie reviews at the Lehigh Valley Press website, thelehighvalley-press.com; the Times News website, tnonline.com; and hear them on "Lehigh Valley Art Salon," 6 6:30 p.m. Mondays, WDIY 88.1 FM, and wdiy.org, where they're archived. Email Paul Willistein:

pwillistein@tnonline.com. You can follow Paul Willistein on Twitter and friend Paul Willistein on Facebook.Three Popcorn Boxes out of Five Popcorn Boxes