"Sing Street" Review

Title: Sing Street

Directed by: John Carney

Written by: John Carney

Year: 2016


For the past few weeks, I have come across nothing but glowing recommendations for this little independent feature called Sing Street. This past summer, plenty of the big-budget blockbusters were met with disappointment, while many of the indies managed to step into the spotlight, including this movie. Is Sing Street worth singing praises about, or should it be booed off immediately?

Connor is going through a rough patch in his life, having to listen to daily arguments between his parents and starting a new school. However, after meeting a young model named Raphina, he decides to win her over by starting a band.

Sing Street is not boasting an all-star cast, with most of the actors being unknown names. However, everyone gives a solid performance. Ferdia Walsh-Peelo leads the cast as the troubled Connor. Though an up-and-coming actor, he gives a terrifically emphatic performance. The character moves through many emotional states and Walsh-Peelo is able to keep up with them gracefully. Lucy Boynton plays Raphina, a wild card of a character. Boynton brilliantly expresses the allure that has overwhelmed Connor and the chemistry between Walsh-Peelo and Boynton is wonderful.

Jack Reynor is also in this film, portraying Connor's older brother who gives him advice now and then. Reynor does not have a substantial role, but he does steal every scene he is in. He is a very interesting character and Reynor plays him quite passionately. Don Wycherley acts as the school master, who is a villain of sorts for Connor, and it seems like he enjoys the role very much. This is the type of character that unknowingly motivates the protagonist through his actions.

Also great are all the young actors that make up the titular band. Mark McKenna, Ben Carolan, Percy Chamburuka, Connor Hamilton, Karl Rice, and Ian Kenny prove their chops as great character-actors. There is so much talent amongst these young faces, each of them playing a well-defined and entertaining character. They all work extremely well with one another and make the friendship within the band feel organic.

The story is one you are familiar with: boy meets girl; boy falls in love; boy starts a band to impress said girl. The entire plot is driven by Connor's motivation to win Raphina over. Upon meeting her, he panics and says he is in a band, even though he lacks any musical talent. This is a hilarious concept and the film makes the most of it. A simple tale but a charming one, and that is one quality that Sing Street has in spades; charm. From the moment this movie starts it evokes a style of its own. Set in the 1980s, the film brings the attitude of the era to life with its musical selections and costume designs.

Speaking of music, the original songs written and performed for the movie are terrific. They really help encapsulate the picture within the diagetic era, in addition to being catchy as hell. Honestly, some of these original songs are so good, it makes me wish that they all had full length versions. For instance, "The Riddle of the Model" is well under two minutes. But the standout song is easily "Drive It Like You Stole It." The sequence where it is played is gleefully nostalgic and the song is indescribably uplifting.

At the center of Sing Street is no short supply of heart, which is why the film, and the romance in particular, works so well. Everything about the character dynamics feels genuine, and that holds the most true for the romance between Connor and Raphina. The evolution of their relationship is marvelous to watch and their emotions come across as believable. Without giving away the ending, the chemistry between these two characters has changed so much throughout the film that by the end, you cannot help but feel as if you have been on some cooky journey. The final scene will have you smiling as the credits role, because it is such a fitting conclusion to this zany story.

Sing Street is a delightful entry for this year's filmography. The story is unique and the characters are incredibly likable. Backed with great performances, each of these characters has a quirky nature that makes them stand out. The romance between the two leads is very well handled and the movie never shies away from playing many scenes for laughs. The original songs are representative of the film and very memorable. Are the emotional beats a bit telegraphed? Perhaps. Have similar stories been put to film before? Sure. But Sing Street's bold and confident approach overpower possible clichés. This is a feel-good romantic dramedy that works on just about every level, and I implore you to check it out.

Grade: A-