With a Song in Its Heart

Rating: 8/10 (15 December 2016)

(RATING: ☆☆☆☆)
THIS FILM IS RECOMMENDED.
JIM'S REVIEW: The sounds of Duran Duran, aha, The Cure, and Hall and Oates bring the 80's back in full swing in John Carney's ode to youth, Sing Street. The film delivers a coming of age story about the makings of a boy band and the pangs of first love front and center.
In Dublin, teenage Conor Lawlor (a winning Ferdia Walsh-Peelo) must deal with his parents divorcing, a new school, a sadistic schoolmaster who wants conformity, a bully, and the perfect model of a girlfriend (Lucy Boynton). His life is a shamble until he is guided into the world of music by his slacker brother, Brendan (Jack Raynor). It is there that he begins to find purpose and literally, a voice.
The film is charming, even if its plot is thin and in need of more character development. Mr. Walsh-Peelo, in his film debut, shares a nice chemistry with his band-mates, Ms. Boynton, and Mr. Raynor. But it is the original music score by the director and Gary Clark that carries the story. Its direct homage to the 80's pop bands of that era and their original song contributions to the film, like Drive It Like You Stole It and The Riddle of the Model, are post new wave gems. Even though there is a lack of credibility with these young musicians sounding too polished for their age, the overall effect is a rollicking good time. So tease that hair, put on those tight stone-washed jeans, and want your MTV. Sing Street will play on. GRADE: B
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