In February 2014, it was announced that Carney would be directing a film about a boy starting a band in order to impress a girl. In a July 2014 interview, Carney announced he would be casting unknown actors in the film. By September, Ferdia Walsh-Peelo, Lucy Boynton, Jack Reynor, Aidan Gillen, and Maria Doyle Kennedy were cast. At the same time, principal photography commenced, and wrapped in late October. Filming took place around Dublin, Ireland.
The film stars Walsh-Peelo, Boynton, Reynor, Gillen, and Doyle Kennedy. The cast, especially Walsh-Peelo and Boyton, delivered subtle magic and together with Carney created surreal, enchanting loveliness without being overly sentimental. The film has wonderfully natural performances from the two leads. Although musicians first and actors second, they acquit themselves well in both areas. Boyton, a largely unknown quantity alongside the well-known and either loved or loathed Walsh-Peelo, is luminous. Carney and the cast makes the point - without ever labouring it - that his protagonists are living in a changing city where the economic boom has passed them by. His keen eye for authentic locations is evident
Carney's return to musical drama isn't quite as potent as it was with Once, but thanks to charming work from its well-matched leads, Sing Street is difficult to resist. Though there are a few faultless moments, the film's flaw lies in the fact that there's not nearly enough narrative for the runtime; it's more musical montage than movie. It ultimately passes the authenticity test with flying colors, however, due to strong, heartfelt performances and well-written tunes that dovetail perfectly into and out of Carney's script. It's a friendly little indie displaying some fine performances and a clever storytelling style, even if its musical tastes are far more conventional than they should be for the characters. Everyone in this movie seems to be a little bit in love, and never more so than when they're recording on a rooftop in the city, going gorgeously against the grain of how things are supposedly supposed to be done. Decidedly different from super-budget, superhero fare, this one is sometimes sappy but mostly engaging and definitely driven by music. I suppose my biggest road block was the fact that I didn't like the music as much as I did with the music of Once. The film isn't perfect and it certainly isn't wrapped up in a tight little bow, but all in all, it's a captivating film. It hits the sweet spot of love's tortures and love's ability to heal with overly cutesy situations and its fair share of laughs.
Carney's return to musical drama isn't quite as potent as it was with Once, but thanks to charming work from its well-matched leads, Sing Street is difficult to resist. Though there are a few faultless moments, the film's flaw lies in the fact that there's not nearly enough narrative for the runtime; it's more musical montage than movie. It ultimately passes the authenticity test with flying colors, however, due to strong, heartfelt performances and well-written tunes that dovetail perfectly into and out of Carney's script. It's a friendly little indie displaying some fine performances and a clever storytelling style, even if its musical tastes are far more conventional than they should be for the characters. Everyone in this movie seems to be a little bit in love, and never more so than when they're recording on a rooftop in the city, going gorgeously against the grain of how things are supposedly supposed to be done. Decidedly different from super-budget, superhero fare, this one is sometimes sappy but mostly engaging and definitely driven by music. I suppose my biggest road block was the fact that I didn't like the music as much as I did with the music of Once. The film isn't perfect and it certainly isn't wrapped up in a tight little bow, but all in all, it's a captivating film. It hits the sweet spot of love's tortures and love's ability to heal with overly cutesy situations and its fair share of laughs.
Simon says Sing Street receives:
No comments:
Post a Comment