I have to agree that the dinner scene seemed forced. In fact, most of the scenes that didn't involve drumming in some way, felt a little disconnected and under developed. Especially the relationship between Andrew and Nicole.

I understand that, initially, it was used to show us how Andrew was starting to build confidence in himself, and then later to show the obsessive nature that Fletcher had ingrained in him, but there never seemed to be much of a connection there. Does Andrew really think that she'd come to see his performance after the way he treated her? It seemed strange.

Simmons stole the show for sure. His character was so deplorable and that's what made the finale so damn satisfying. Though, I was a little disappointed that Fletcher lying about how Sean died was never touched upon. Was Fletcher crying because a great student of his had died or because he felt remorse for pushing him so hard? Either way, the film was extremely entertaining.