"Futurist Band Forming"

Rating: 9/10 (8 May 2016)

"Sing Street" (2016 release from Ireland; 105 min.) brings the story of Conor, a 15 yr. old boy. As the movie opens, we are reminded that this is "Dublin 1985", and we see Conor strumming the guitar in his bedroom. At dinner time, Conor's parents inform him and his older brother and younger sister that Conor is being transferred to a Catholic school to save money. Conor has a hard time adjusting to the new school environment and is picked on by another boy. Then one day, Conor notices a girl across the street. He gathers all his courage and asks her to be in a video for his band. When she says "okay", Conor realizes that he needs to out together a band, on the double! At this point we're not eve 15 minutes into the movie, but to tell you more might spoil your viewing experience, you'll just have to see for yourself how it all plays out.
Couple of comments: this is the latest music-related film from writer-producer-director John Carney (Once; Begin Again). In fact, one can make the argument that "Sing Street" is the spiritual prequel to Once, as "Sing Street" looks at the life of 15 and 16 yr olds as they are starting to make decisions for themselves and trying to make something of their lives. And what better motivation to start a band than to impress a girl! Carney nails the musical landscape of the mid-80s in Ireland perfectly. "Thursday, 7 pm, It's Top of the Pops!" screams a voice on TV, and we witness Duran Duran's "Rio" video. When Conor struggles to recruit like-minded kids for his band (called Sing Street), he posts fliers in various locations, "Futurist Band Forming". And how might such a futurist band sound? It sounds remarkably like Duran Duran-meets-Franz Ferdinand (check out first song "The Riddle of the Model"). While much of the movie is light-hearted, Carney does not forget to shed light on some darker aspects of Irish society (mass-migration to England; stoner older brother is college drop-out, and of course the role of religion (Catholic, specifically) in society. But in the end, it's all about the music. Carney co-wrote and co-plays on all the new songs with Gary Clark, and Once star Glen Hansard is listed in the credits as one of the studio musicians. Last but certainly not least, props to the performances given by the two leads: Ferdia Walsh-Peelo as Conor, and Lucy Boynton as 16 yr. old Raphina. Ah, to be young and having your whole life ahead of you... Bottom line: this movie is sheer exuberance.
"Sing Street" opened this weekend at my local art-house theater here in Cincinnati, and I couldn't wait to see it. The Sunday matinée screening where I saw this at was PACKED, I am happy to report (perhaps the lousy weather had something to do with it). I had a smile on my face for much of the movie. If you are looking for a feel-good movie that happens to showcase a lot of great music, you cannot go wrong with this. "Sing Street" is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!