Watch this movie if you want to laugh.

Rating: Null/10 (16 October 1999)

This movie, the first of three based on novels by and written by Roddy Doyle, is a hilarious look at one man's attempt to make the "hardest working band in Ireland." Following Jimmy Rabbitte, perfectly played by Robert Arkins, and his earnest attempt at creating the next big deal, the film catches the ups and downs of these 11 Dubliners and the surprisingly great band they form. The musical performances are wonderful and do an honor to the history of soul, and are by the actors themselves, a bonus to their appropriate performances. Directed by Alan Parker, whose work with previous musical films, namely Fame, certainly helps here. The writing is certainly not for kids, and might offend a few, but odds are they wouldn't pick this movie anyway. Definitely the lightest of the three films written by Doyle (The Snapper and The Van completing the quasi-trilogy), odds are everyone will find something to like about this flick (or at least they should). I'm still waiting for Arkins and Andrew Young to show up in another film. Also watch for a hilarious performance by Johnny Murphy as Joey the Lips, and a subtle performance by Maria Doyle Kennedy that keeps things going in the right direction. If you haven't seen it yet, go watch this movie to put yourself in a good mood. If you have seen it, go watch it again.