"It's my pleasure to introduce to you the hardest working band in the world: Yes, yes, yes, THE COMMITMENTS!"

Rating: 10/10 (7 August 2007)

That's quite a billing, but by the end of the film I can almost guarantee that you'll feel the group have lived up to it. If only they'd managed to hold it together - but then it wouldn't have been poetry...
I can't be anymore blunt and truthful than to say that I adore this film. Right from its visually plain credits, the restless Irish soul music performed entirely by the youthful cast should get your feet tapping. Then Alan Parker takes us to an urban landscape that might be gray, but by God it's bustling. We can relate to Jimmy Rabitte immediately: the youthful entrepreneur who has innate confidence in his own salesmanship, and in his pre-fame existence grants imaginary interviews from the comfort of his bathtub. He's approached to provide guidance for some friends who are struggling to make their mark as musicians. Soon they have a direction and are banding together by applying for more members. A call is sent out far and wide that the Irish brothers are in need of some soul...
Almost every member of the group is memorable and has their own particular idiosyncrasies. There's a palpable sense of adventure as they start out and their potential rapidly expands, because when they're on stage together they click. All of this success is undercut in a typically understated and deadpan example of Irish wit from Jimmy Rabitte Sr. He himself fancies the perks of stardom but isn't brave enough to pursue them, so instead is limited to crooning into a sauce bottle at home. In a very funny film its one of several memorable roles, but this time with a recognisable face playing it: Colm Meaney of "Star Trek" and "Con Air" fame. He isn't the only 'hidden talent' in the family either - look out for Andrea Corr as Jimmy Jr's younger sister!
Natural performances and earthy humour combined with raw talent make this a winner from start to finish. Please don't miss this, otherwise you'll kick yourself. I'm very tempted to give a good shake to anybody who hasn't seen it yet, myself. It's an absolutely fantastic film!