Films > Film Reviews

Sing Street

06/06/16

With a proper 80’s feel, this Irish comedy/drama is layered with perfect music and a story full of smiles and heart. I’m not even an 80’s kid, but I know the songs and styles from that decade and this film pulls off that era with ease and brilliance.

Due to money problems at home, music fan Conor (Ferdia Walsh-Peelo) is moved to a free state school. He sees a girl one day and talks to Raphina (Lucy Boynton), inviting her to star in his band’s video. Now all he has to do is actually start a band, leading him on a discovery of love, self and lyrics.

John Carney who brought us Once, is back with his musical presence and realistic writing. He creates a fantastically immersive story that throws us into the life and times of 1985; the way this band comes across looks and sounds like they’re a bona fide group of that era. It’s a passionate and cheerful feature that may be simple in places but is dealt with so enjoyably that I don’t care.

Amongst the amazing sounds of the 1980’s, there’s a magnificent composition of original tracks from Gary Clark, who along with Carney truly captures the beats of familiar artists from the time, transferring them into funny yet authentic sounding tunes for the Sing Street band to perform. It’s not just the music that makes you tap your feet, the way each band’s music video is seen and the changing fashions of Conor as he enters school is excellent.

An awful lot in this movie makes you smile and laugh. It isn’t just a well handled musical comedy though, the amount of tingling heart and coming of age drama involved makes it even more appealing. As we go over the much beaten track of young love and possible heartbreak, this film deals with it in an irresistible way making you almost forget that you’ve seen these types of films before.

Walsh-Peelo makes a stunning acting debut, his look fits the 80’s mould just right and he’s both likeable and emotive ensuring we want to stay following his journey; like a musical Ferris Bueller he’s captivating to watch. Boynton is gorgeous, mysterious and confident in a role that delves just a sliver into a dark past that makes her much more than just eye candy.

My heart is warmed after watching this film, which is now one of my favourites. I mean that - this is a musical triumph that’s filled with genuine joy and bittersweet drama that I want to see again. And again.

8/10