Sing Street is a delightful coming of age musical comedy drama from John Carney (Once, Begin Again). At first sight it's well-trodden and clichéd ground; another work representing kids with challenging lives and experiences finding voice, hope and release through musical expression when written off by others. But the direction and scripting skilfully keep story and characters engaging and interesting throughout.
We are in 1980's Dublin, with family troubles looming for Conor ('Cosmo') Lawlor, played by Ferdia Walsh-Peelo. He is a quiet teenager who is removed from his privileged private school and plunged into the inner city Synge Street Christian Brothers School.
At home dad Robert (Aidan Gillen (yes, Game of Thrones, but so much more!) is the archetypal failing dad, who doesn't get it, and his wife Penny (Maria Doyle Kennedy, you are correct she was in The Commitments) wants out. Older brother, Brendan (Jack Reynor) is a melancholy pot smoking college dropout now holed up in his bedroom and sister Ann (Kelly Thornton) seeks release from this domestic prison.
In school Conor not only faces abuse and assault from thuggish pupils but also the monstrous headmaster, Brother Baxter; so well stereotyped by Don Wycherley.
At the school gates Conor is so captivated by the cool and enigmatic Raphina (Lucy Boynton) that he approaches her and we begin our tale of consequences and adolescent adventure. To impress her Conor claims to need a model for a video shoot for his band; the only problem is that he has no band! Cue mayhem and great fun and friendship as the band is assembled and rehearsed.
Step up big brother: despite his own personal setbacks Brendan dispenses brotherly insights and record collection, supporting and challenging Conor in his musical education and noble quest to win the heart of the girl in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds. To avoid being just another school covers band Brendan passionately tells his younger sibling "Rock n Roll is a risk. You risk being ridiculed." From which truth Conor realises they have to come up with original songs.
Taking albums from Joe Jackson to the Cure from Duran Duran to Hall and Oates, Carney wittily underscores the musical influences with ever changing fashions, make up and hairstyles which the band then adopt and adjust as they find their own voice. The catchy Drive it Like You Stole it will stick with you like an amiable earworm.
A rousing performance at the School Disco neatly leads to an unlikely and somewhat surreal finale for Cosmo and Raphina but in context you accept it and it leaves you wanting more of the company of these characters.
As the closing credits roll the dedication reads, 'for brothers everywhere'… and you realise by stealth that Jack Reynor's brilliant performance has stolen the show. If the film world gave awards for 'best sibling in a supporting role' then Jack Reynor would deservedly need a new display cabinet.
This film is not being widely distributed, but if it's at a screen near you then take a trip and enjoy!