80s Music Nostalgia Mixed With Original Music Equals An Amazing Film

Rating: 10/10 (21 September 2016)

Minor/Vague Spoilers
Originally, I was turned off watching this film because I had heard it was a musical and they don't really peak my interest. As time went on I kept hearing about Sing Street and how amazing it was so I decided to take the plunge and boy was I wrong!
First off, I didn't see it as a musical in the traditional sense where everyone just randomly burst out into a choreographed song and dance (even though it happens once but it still isn't done totally in that way). It was more just watching the band aptly named "Sing Street" perform their songs. It was closer to just being a coming of age movie with a great story filled with great performances.
This movie, in a nutshell, set in Ireland about one kid starting out in a new school and everyone there is picking on him. He meets this girl and convinces her he is a part of a band (that doesn't exist yet) and they want her to be in their music video. Once she says yes he groups some other kids together and they start their band.
Jack Reynor, plays the older brother and he is a standout. The film shows how brotherhood can impact ones life. This is even referenced in the films closing credits where it says, "For brothers everywhere." The film really pulls on the heartstrings through these two brothers and it is in the final sequence where we get a powerful moment from Reynor that really brings this sense of brotherhood together and brings a close to both the character's development.
Aidan Gillen, plays the father mostly known for portraying Littlefinger on Game of Thrones. Even though for most audiences he would be the one cast member that they would know prior to this film he doesn't take up any unnecessary screen time that would take away from the overall film.
The original music that was written for this film was fantastic, "Riddle of the Model" and "Drive it Like You Stole it" most likely being the big hits that would come from the film. 80s composer Gary Clark composed most of the music that is heard which I'm sure has already been released in a complete soundtrack. Adam Levine even has a song, "Go On" that he co-wrote and performs during the final sequence. We hear hit songs that were actually released during the 80s (so it's a well of nostalgia) and it influences the kids, especially the main character Conor (played by Ferdio Walsh-Peelo in his acting debut) who is shown to be changing his hairstyle and the music he wants to play no matter if it's Hall & Oates or The Cure. It's definitely realistic in that way where everyone wants to follow their idols and take from some of their music.
This film is grounded in realism and you feel for these kids. It wouldn't surprise me if some people were able to relate to these characters and be able to bring their own experiences, of trying to find out who you are and where you fit into this crazy world, into the viewing experience.
Overall, this film was fantastic and director John Carney deserves all the praises as he was able to get amazing performances from these kids that couldn't be a more charming film if it tried. I really don't have anything to say about it, even the ending, which I could see if some people thought was a bit too out there or possibly went against the films "realism". You get everything you want out of a movie from this film and more!!