Sing Street: An Address Not To be Missed
Sing Street is a 2016 film directed by John Carney and was distributed through the Weinstein Company and Lionsgate. Set in 1985 Dublin in the dawn of new age music, and it tells the story of Conor Lawlor (Ferdia Walsh-Peelo), a teenager who's forced to transfer to a Christian Brothers school. As he struggles to settle in he meets Raphina (Kelly Thornton), a girl he develops a crush on, and winds up creating a band to impress her, while making friends along the way. On paper, the movie might not sound like nothing special and maybe even a little cliche, but it's in the film's execution where it really shines. For instance, the movie categorizes itself in not just a single genre, but three: a musical, coming-of-age, and comedy-drama.
From an objective standpoint, I'd say this film more than succeeds on technical level due it's ability to have an engrossing story with charming characters and provide interesting environments and shots. The movie's greatest strength lies in its characters and how all of the main characters and some side characters are likable and much more than your typical cardboard cutout or stereotype. An example of this is in the character Raphina because she is not only and engaging character, but also the film's best. We are first introduced to her when Conor sees her on his way home from school and becomes enamored by her, but her presence remains consistent throughout the movie as she influences the other characters in a positive way. Originally, she appears to be your average hot (slightly) older woman that's flirty and upbeat all the time, but the film quickly disregards this notion. While she comes from a troubled past, with the help and support of Conor and his friends, she undergoes a character arc that leaves her better off than she ever was before. Aside from the characters, the movie is backed by an amazing soundtrack with original songs that incorporate a variety of genres. Each song is filled with meaningful lyrics that reflect the time period and whatever group the band is inspired by at the time. The songs also tie into to the characters and the plot, often moving both forward and being a literal link between them.
Personally, I love this film and have seen it numerous times because I think the songs are really well made and the characters are likable. I thought it was really cool to have the songs be inspired by popular bands and singers at the time, while also putting their own spin on it. Another thing I liked about them was how the movie framed each one differently to fit the tone of the song and how the characters were feeling. I also thought the movie did well was the romance because it was a healthy relationship that developed over time and was very sweet. Unlike a lot if other movies that feel the need to shoehorn in a half-baked romance, this one involved characters from different backgrounds that learned to better themselves and others because of their connection. My favorite part of the film though, would be how it was perfectly able to balance being an energetic feelgood movie, while having compelling drama. I loved how realistic the movie felt and how it captured the struggles between family, without seeming too hammy or over dramatic. My favorite character in the film was Brendan, Conor's brother, because I really sympathized with him and loved how the movie portrayed him as a caring older brother who was stuck in life. I really enjoyed how the latter half of the movie was kind of dedicated to his interactions with Conor and how the whole film was split between music, Conor finding his way, his friendship with his brother, and his romance with Raphina. To top it off, I felt that the film's conclusion was the best part in the movie because I thought you could really feel the emotion of all the characters and how uplifting it was for the two main characters and Brendan. I would gladly rate this film as GOOD GOOD because it entertains the audience and manages to accomplish everything it set out to be. I suggest giving it a watch while its still on Netflix.
From an objective standpoint, I'd say this film more than succeeds on technical level due it's ability to have an engrossing story with charming characters and provide interesting environments and shots. The movie's greatest strength lies in its characters and how all of the main characters and some side characters are likable and much more than your typical cardboard cutout or stereotype. An example of this is in the character Raphina because she is not only and engaging character, but also the film's best. We are first introduced to her when Conor sees her on his way home from school and becomes enamored by her, but her presence remains consistent throughout the movie as she influences the other characters in a positive way. Originally, she appears to be your average hot (slightly) older woman that's flirty and upbeat all the time, but the film quickly disregards this notion. While she comes from a troubled past, with the help and support of Conor and his friends, she undergoes a character arc that leaves her better off than she ever was before. Aside from the characters, the movie is backed by an amazing soundtrack with original songs that incorporate a variety of genres. Each song is filled with meaningful lyrics that reflect the time period and whatever group the band is inspired by at the time. The songs also tie into to the characters and the plot, often moving both forward and being a literal link between them.
Personally, I love this film and have seen it numerous times because I think the songs are really well made and the characters are likable. I thought it was really cool to have the songs be inspired by popular bands and singers at the time, while also putting their own spin on it. Another thing I liked about them was how the movie framed each one differently to fit the tone of the song and how the characters were feeling. I also thought the movie did well was the romance because it was a healthy relationship that developed over time and was very sweet. Unlike a lot if other movies that feel the need to shoehorn in a half-baked romance, this one involved characters from different backgrounds that learned to better themselves and others because of their connection. My favorite part of the film though, would be how it was perfectly able to balance being an energetic feelgood movie, while having compelling drama. I loved how realistic the movie felt and how it captured the struggles between family, without seeming too hammy or over dramatic. My favorite character in the film was Brendan, Conor's brother, because I really sympathized with him and loved how the movie portrayed him as a caring older brother who was stuck in life. I really enjoyed how the latter half of the movie was kind of dedicated to his interactions with Conor and how the whole film was split between music, Conor finding his way, his friendship with his brother, and his romance with Raphina. To top it off, I felt that the film's conclusion was the best part in the movie because I thought you could really feel the emotion of all the characters and how uplifting it was for the two main characters and Brendan. I would gladly rate this film as GOOD GOOD because it entertains the audience and manages to accomplish everything it set out to be. I suggest giving it a watch while its still on Netflix.
Recommendations For Other Unexpected Musicals:
- Help! (1965)- stars The Beatles and is about them getting mixed up in a crazy adventure while being chased by a strange religious group. [Rating 4/5]
- Little Shop of Horrors- Seymour, a meek flower shop assistant finds a strange plat that brings in new customers, but the price of human blood [Rating 4/5]
- The Rocky Horror Picture Show- A young couple stumble upon a creepy mansion and meet its zany and strange inhabitants [Rating 3.7/5]
- Cannibal! The Musical- A man accused of cannibalism recounting his experiences to a reporter. [Rating: 3/5]
Sing Street Trailer
Sing Street Clip
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