Movie Review: "Sing Street" (2016)

"Drive it Like You Stole It"

It's March and March is known for St. Patrick's Day, so in honor of Ireland's greatest snake wrangler we're going to look at some retro pop-culture things with an Irish slant that managed to become timeless touchstones. While this is a relatively recent film, its setting is smack dab in the Uphill Both Ways era of nostalgia.  It is - Sing Street!

Sing Street is a 2016 musical comedy-drama film directed by John Carney, who previously directed the popular musical film Once. Set in Dublin, Ireland in the 1980s, Sing Street tells the story of a teenage boy named Conor who starts a band in order to impress a girl named Raphina, who he has a crush on.

Overall, Sing Street is an entertaining and heartfelt film with a lot of charm. The film's focus on music and the power it has to bring people together is its greatest strength. The original songs in the film are catchy and memorable, and the performances by the young actors who make up the band are impressive.

The film also explores themes such as adolescence, family dynamics, and the importance of following your dreams, which gives the story depth and resonance. The relationship between Conor and his older brother Brendan is a particular highlight, as the two navigate their own struggles and come to a better understanding of each other.

Sing Street's portrayal of the 1980s is also well-done, with attention paid to the fashion, music, and cultural references of the time. The film's use of music videos and other visual cues from the era adds to the film's overall authenticity. However, the film does have some flaws. The character of Raphina is not very well-developed, and her relationship with Conor feels somewhat rushed. Additionally, some of the plot points feel a bit contrived, and the film's ending is a bit predictable. 

Despite these flaws, Sing Street is a highly enjoyable film with a lot of heart and a great soundtrack. It's a film that will leave you feeling uplifted and inspired, and is well worth a watch for fans of musicals, coming-of-age stories, and '80s nostalgia.

Sing Street

Directed by: John Carney

Written by: Simon Carmody and John Carney

Starring: Ferdia Walsh-Peelo, Jack Reynor, Lucy Boynton.

Produced by: Anthony Bregman, Martina Niland, John Carney

Genre: Comedy, Drama, Music

Runtime: 1 hour 46 minutes

Rated: PG-13

Release Date: 2016