Amazing. So much fun. Sort of a mix of The Commitments with Once (same director so no wonder) but still totally unique.
Very quick synopsis since no one here ever knows these movies i see: 14 yr-old Conor is growing up in 80's Dublin. Having a tough time at home and at school, he luckily gets lost in the eyes of one Raphina. Giving him new purpose in winning her heart, he decides to be a rock star and quickly forms a band. That's all you need to know.
I don't think I've seen a music movie that focuses this much on the writing and inspiration process. "Want to help me write a song?" just never gets old.
I have a soft spot for Irish movies but this is just as good as Brooklyn (which i loved). The ensemble cast is all terrific as a bunch of reject kids going to a Christian brothers high school, finding each other through music. Heck, I was all ready to complain about Littlefinger being in the movie but you stop seeing him as such no more than 6 seconds into his first scene. Which speaks to the quality of directing and of that particular actor who's name I can never remember.... Petyr Baelish?
The music is SO good too. A mix of plenty of styles as the band tries to find itself, going from Duran Duran to The Cure and beyond. I immediately bought some of the music. I can't get "Up" out of my head and "To Find You" is lovely. I can't seem to be able to legally obtain Adam Levine's "Go Now" but I'll keep trying.
The girl love interest in the movie is gar-jess (trying to evoke an irish accent there) too. That little ginger producer kid's scene when trying to recruit pianist Ngig is one of the funniest scenes I've seen in a while.
I can't recommend it enough.
Heart rating: 5 stars (and it's not even close)
Brain rating: 4 stars (i felt like they rushed the whole final act WAY too much)