Settled into the local theater at 10:40 am! Good luck once again as I am the only patron for the $4.98 pre noon showing of the Irish film, “Sing Street”.
Having only seen a few short trailers, I was anxious to see this little film with zero bankable stars, and I am certain a tiny budget.
The story is set in mid 1980’s Ireland where droves of Irish are fleeing the devastated economy for work in England and elsewhere. The plot centers around five teenage boys at a rough and tumble Christian Brothers school who collaborate to form a rock band. With minimal guidance from his college dropout, stoner brother , Connor/Cosmo, sets out to make music. Lots of fun moments hit the screen as these misfits try to find their identity as a band amidst the hard nosed working class throng.
Cosmo’s motivation to start a band is born after a chance meeting with the gorgeous “older girl”, Raphina. In trying to impress her he blurts out that he is in a band and is planning a video that he would like her to be in. Now he has to deliver, so he sets out to find “musicians”.
The beauty of this movie is its utter simplicity. Ordinary young boys in less than ideal circumstances pull together to realize a dream, however small it may be. The music is surprisingly good and fresh. Director John Carney is quite adept at musical endeavors having directed the wonderful “Once” which went on to Broadway. I can see “Sing Street” possibly following that path.
The young cast is wonderful. Cosmo is played by Ferdia Walsh-Peelo (how’s that for a name!). He is so new and unknown that IMDb does not even have his headshot! He is terrific in the lead role, struggling with his parents’ financial and relationship struggles, while trying to fit into the new violent school environment after transferring from the more elite and too expensive Jesuit school. His scenes with Lucy Boynton (Raphina) are sweet and memorable. She is one to watch down the road. She loves the camera and judging from this film the camera loves her.
The only familiar actor in the movie is Aidan Gillen who “Game of Thrones ” fans (I am one) will recognize as Petyr “Littlefinger” Baelish.
As with all Irish films, if you are like me, you will find it a bit difficult to follow everyone’s dialect. Some are tougher than others, but it is fun trying.
Several musical scenes are wonderful, particularly the fantasy scene of an American Senior Prom. I can envision it on a Broadway stage.
Appropriately “Sing Street” was released on St. Patrick’s Day. It’s gross is barely over a million dollars so hurry out and support this feel good, fun movie so that John Carney can garner the funds to make more and to find some more stars of the future.
