Film ReviewsSing Street
Oct 21, 2016 Anchorage Press
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It seems that the nostalgia felt by Generation X is driving film and television these days, from the sequels and prequels of Star Wars, the classic soundtrack of Guardians of the Galaxy, to the creepy E.T.-like tension in Stranger Things. Now Director John Carney gives Generation X another genre to long for, the mid-1980s Rom Com as explored in Sing Street.
The film takes place in 1985 Dublin, where Conor (Ferdia Walsh-Peelo) is a teenager trying to adapt to a new school, and along with his siblings, weather the storm of their parents' fast-approaching separation or divorce (if that had been an option in Ireland at that time).
The plot of Sing Street follows closely the formulas set by John Hughes in Sixteen Candles, Rob Reiner's The Sure Thing, or Cameron Crowe's Say Anything ... ; boy loves girl, girl is totally out his league, boy does something extraordinary to win girl. Sing Street is a feel-good movie and there's nothing wrong with that, especially when it is a well-done homage.
In addition to Sing Street living up to the romantic comedies of the mid-'80s, it also provides a unique look at what it was like to grow up in Ireland when the Church was losing its grasp and financial hardships were driving the Irish out to seek opportunity yet again. Conor is transferred to a new school as the family's resources dry up. He's a fish out of water and a little lost until he sees Raphina (Lucy Boynton) across the street. He's instantly smitten and then does what any teenager would do, goes up to her and asks her to be in his band's video. She agrees and he moves earth and sky to form a band worthy of Raphina's modeling skills.
Conor's search for bandmates takes viewers inside the homes and situations of a generation of Dubliners who are smart, talented dreamers for whom despair is far more abundant than opportunities. Sing Street also weaves the generation's power struggle with the Church and touches on taboos as it hints at the pernicious tendencies of some clergy. Still, Sing Street is delightful. Generation Xers will see themselves reflected in the awkwardness of the kids who rely on Duran Duran, the Cure and Hall & Oates to carve a path toward independence. The band is particularly charming as it tries on new looks for size and also venerates new media in the form of VHS and MTV.
There is a bitter-sweetness to Sing Street encapsulated by the relationship of Conor to his big brother, Brendan, played by Jack Reynor. There is no doubt of their brotherly love, and as Brendan mentors Conor into adulthood, it forces Brendan to own up to his choice to stay in a depressed and poverty-stricken Ireland. At the same time, Brendan guides Conor though his musical education and this is how Conor learns that a man who listens to Phil Collins doesn't stand a chance.
Sing Street shows at Bear Tooth on Monday, October 24 at 7:45 p.m.
The film takes place in 1985 Dublin, where Conor (Ferdia Walsh-Peelo) is a teenager trying to adapt to a new school, and along with his siblings, weather the storm of their parents' fast-approaching separation or divorce (if that had been an option in Ireland at that time).
The plot of Sing Street follows closely the formulas set by John Hughes in Sixteen Candles, Rob Reiner's The Sure Thing, or Cameron Crowe's Say Anything ... ; boy loves girl, girl is totally out his league, boy does something extraordinary to win girl. Sing Street is a feel-good movie and there's nothing wrong with that, especially when it is a well-done homage.
In addition to Sing Street living up to the romantic comedies of the mid-'80s, it also provides a unique look at what it was like to grow up in Ireland when the Church was losing its grasp and financial hardships were driving the Irish out to seek opportunity yet again. Conor is transferred to a new school as the family's resources dry up. He's a fish out of water and a little lost until he sees Raphina (Lucy Boynton) across the street. He's instantly smitten and then does what any teenager would do, goes up to her and asks her to be in his band's video. She agrees and he moves earth and sky to form a band worthy of Raphina's modeling skills.
Conor's search for bandmates takes viewers inside the homes and situations of a generation of Dubliners who are smart, talented dreamers for whom despair is far more abundant than opportunities. Sing Street also weaves the generation's power struggle with the Church and touches on taboos as it hints at the pernicious tendencies of some clergy. Still, Sing Street is delightful. Generation Xers will see themselves reflected in the awkwardness of the kids who rely on Duran Duran, the Cure and Hall & Oates to carve a path toward independence. The band is particularly charming as it tries on new looks for size and also venerates new media in the form of VHS and MTV.
There is a bitter-sweetness to Sing Street encapsulated by the relationship of Conor to his big brother, Brendan, played by Jack Reynor. There is no doubt of their brotherly love, and as Brendan mentors Conor into adulthood, it forces Brendan to own up to his choice to stay in a depressed and poverty-stricken Ireland. At the same time, Brendan guides Conor though his musical education and this is how Conor learns that a man who listens to Phil Collins doesn't stand a chance.
Sing Street shows at Bear Tooth on Monday, October 24 at 7:45 p.m.