Indie Gems: Sing Street

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Girl problems? Start a band.

When Conor's (Ferdia Walsh-Peelo) family runs into money troubles in 1980's Ireland, they send him to a new school. He's bullied the first day by another student, and by a priest who gets after him for the color of his shoes. Then as he's leaving he sees a girl, Raphina (Lucy Boynton) standing outside the school. She says she's a model, so to impress her, Conor offers her a part in his band's music video. Then he goes off to start said band.

I kind of boycotted this movie when it first came out. I loved director John Carney's other films, Once and Begin Again. Then he went on this tirade about how Keira Knightley wasn't a good actress or singer in Begin Again and he was completely wrong about it so I decided not to give that dick some theatrical money. He apologized, I got over it, and now Sing Street is on Netflix Instant.

It really is a wonderful little gem with catchy songs that I hope get some attention in the Best Original Song category at the Oscars. Walsh-Peelo has a wonderful voice and carries the film well. Jack Reynor also gives an excellent performance as Conor's older brother whom he looks up to. Beyond those two and Boynton, the film doesn't really try to develop any of the other characters, which does end up being its weakness.

Carney's ending are usually split in two. Some love them, others hate them because he tends to not put his couples together. This one is different, and it makes you wonder what's going to happen next.

Grade: B

Memorable Quote: "You're the youngest, and you get to follow the path that I macheted through the jungle that is our mad family." Brendan (Jack Reynor) 


Comments

  1. MyerlaDecember 16, 2016 at 8:26 AM

    Agreed. There's not much focus outside Conor's relationships with his older brother and Raphina, but I did really like the film despite that.

    Not sure what set Carney off about Keira ...it seemed very undeserved but it's good he apologised.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Brittani BurnhamDecember 16, 2016 at 12:36 PM

      I was so mad when he did that. Like, fuck you dude. People went to see your movie BECAUSE of her.

      Delete
  2. AnonymousDecember 16, 2016 at 3:36 PM

    I really liked the brother relationship. I loved Once but Begin Again not so much. It didn't feel as real to me. This one got back to honesty.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Brittani BurnhamDecember 17, 2016 at 8:17 AM

      I loved Begin Again, I think I might even like it a hair more than Once. Both great films.

      Delete
  3. m.brownDecember 16, 2016 at 11:41 PM

    I'm all over this motherf--ker as soon as I get the chance. Even if Carney is a dickbag, I liked Begin Again enough I will forgive he's ridiculous transgressions. Well, most of 'em anyway.

    Great review!!

    ReplyDelete
  4. DellDecember 17, 2016 at 7:52 AM

    Had no idea about Carney v. Knightley. Now, I kinda have to see this. At least it sounds pretty good.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Brittani BurnhamDecember 17, 2016 at 8:17 AM

      It was so gross. I don't even think Keira responded because she's classy like that.

      Delete
  5. DanielDecember 27, 2016 at 11:13 PM

    I love this movie SO MUCH. One of my favorites of the year. I've had the soundtrack on repeat ever since seeing it - all the songs are so damn good, but my favorite is easily Drive It Like You Stole It.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Brittani BurnhamDecember 28, 2016 at 5:56 AM

      That's my favorite too, if that song doesn't get an Oscar nomination I'll be so angry.

      Delete

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