Common Sense Media Review
By Monique Jones
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Loving look at beloved film composer's life and career.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 10+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Music by John Williams
What's the Story?
MUSIC BY JOHN WILLIAMS is a loving tribute to John Williams, one of the 20th century's most well-known film composers thanks to his work on some of Hollywood's biggest blockbusters, from Jaws and the Indiana Jones movies to E.T., Schindler's List, and Saving Private Ryan. In the film, Williams tells viewers, in his own words, about his life and career and about how music shapes us. Other interviewees include frequent Williams collaborator Steven Spielberg, as well as violinist Itzhak Perlman, Ke Huy Quan, Elvis Mitchell, and more.
Is It Any Good?
Going into it, you know that this film is meant to be a reverential tribute to John Williams, and it definitely lives up to those expectations. Fans of Williams' work will love learning more about Williams' early life in Music by John Williams, as well as his parents' influences on his life and how he found his place as a film composer. Interviews from directors, musicians, actors, and pop culture experts offer more insight on why Williams' work has impacted so many people.
If there's anything to complain about, it's that some might find the film a bit too reverential. While Williams definitely deserves praise, the rose-colored-glasses approach can sometimes make the movie feel a bit stagnant, with every bit of Williams' life coming across as bright and shiny. Still, Music by John Williams definitely offers movie buffs and film score superfans something to like and learn from.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about teamwork. How does Music by John Williams reinforce the value of teamwork?
How do Williams and Steven Spielberg feel about their partnership? Do you have anyone you look forward to collaborating with on a project?
How do compassion and empathy factor into Williams' scores? Why are those important character strengths?
Can you think of things that Williams' movie scores tend to have in common? Do you have favorites? How have his scores affected audiences?
Movie Details
- In theaters : November 1, 2024
- On DVD or streaming : November 1, 2024
- Cast : John Williams , Steven Spielberg , Kathleen Kennedy , Ke Huy Quan , Ron Howard
- Director : Laurent Bouzereau
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s) , Asian Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Disney+
- Genre : Documentary
- Topics : Arts ( Music and Sing-Along )
- Character Strengths : Communication , Compassion , Teamwork
- Run time : 105 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : some violence, smoking and brief language
- Award : Common Sense Selection
- Last updated : September 18, 2025
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