Wednesday, May 3, 2017

Movie review: The Commitments

 
Deciding he wants to start a band, Jimmy scours Dublin looking for musicians with soul. While he finds a group of people with plenty of raw talent, their lack of experience proves more of a challenge than Jimmy imagined.

Robert Arkins (Jimmy), Andrew Strong (Deco), Michael Aherne (Steven), Angeline Ball (Imelda), Maria Kennedy (Natalie), Dave Finnegan (Mickah), Bronagh Gallagher (Bernie), Felim Gormley (Dean), Glen Hansard (Outspan), Johnny Murphy (Joey Fagan).

The Commitments is an interesting story that is much more entertaining than it sounds. Focused on building a band, Jimmy brings together an unlikely group of folks with a ridiculous amount of talent. As the band works toward cohesion, the typical dramatic elements come to light such as ego, dating, direction, and leadership. Along the way there is a nice buildup of tension and some good tunes. The story finally finishes about as expected for a floundering band.

Acting was solid with Arkins delivering well. Strong did very well in his role and apparently is a decent singer, as is Kennedy and Gallagher. Murphy, Aherne, and the remainder of the supporting cast was solid and did well.

Camera work, sets, and backgrounds felt a bit rough but fit the film. Dialogue was enjoyable with nice depth and detail. Sound was good, and the soundtrack is quite enjoyable.

Overall The Commitments is an enjoyable film that anyone who has ever wanted to start a band should enjoy. Likewise, those with an affection for live music and band drama should enjoy this one as well.

With sexual references, a bit of violence and blood, and plenty of foul language, save this one for older teens and above.

Released: 1991
Reviewed: 4.12.17
Star rating: 4 out of 5
Genre: Music, Drama, Comedy

copyright ©2017 Dave Riedel

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