The Commitments (1991)

Directed by Alan Parker. Starring Robert Arkins, Félim Gormley, Andrew Strong, Angeline Ball, Kenneth McCluskey, Maria Doyle, Glen Hansard, Bronagh Gallagher, Dave Finnegan, Michael Aherne, Johnny Murphy, Colm Meaney, Dick Massey. [R]

A rag-tag group of working-class Dubliners form a rock band that does soul and R&B covers—it’s a clash of personalities offstage, but they (mostly) put on a good show for the locals when they’re in the spotlight. Spirited seriocomedy doesn’t have much shape or staying power, but is good, joyful fun in the moment—a few vivid characterizations, a lot of humorous dialogue, and a handful of rowdy emulations of classic tunes carry it all the way through to the bittersweet (but inevitable) end. Don’t come looking for star power, but leaving the deepest impressions are Arkins as the ambitious manager, Gormley as a veteran who may or may not be “old friends” with a few industry legends, Finnegan as the pugnacious punk behind the skins brought on after the first drummer has to quit, and Strong as the unruly and egomaniacal lead singer whose full-body performances rub some members the wrong way—an injury or two may also be involved. Based on Roddy Doyle’s same-named book, he received co-screenplay credit with Dick Clement and Ian La Frenais, and it became the first of three movies adapted from his works forming “The Barrytown Trilogy” (followed by The Snapper and The Van). Several real-life musicians appear in supporting roles and bit parts, including Glen Hansard of the Frames and all four members of the Corrs.

73/100