Sing Street, the latest musical film from Irish director John Carney (“Once”, “Begin Again”), which is now out on VOD, is easily the best of his three musical films. It has an infectious energy that lasts with you long after the movie is over. The only recognizable name in the cast is Jack Reynor, who was chosen by director Michael Bay based on his sole performance in the haunting Irish film “What Richard Did” to be in the last Transformers movie.
Sing Street is the story of Connor (played by Ferdia Walsh-Peelo) of a lower middle class family in Ireland in the 1980’s, who escapes the drama of his cash-strapped family by forming a band in order to win the affection of an enigmatic young girl, Raphina (played by Lucy Boynton). Complicating matters is Connor is forced to attend a rough and tumble Catholic School where he’s bullied but ultimately finds his voice through his music.
Sing Street is at its best when it’s showcasing the looks that were so much a part of the time period. Musician Ferdia Walsh-Peelo acquits himself in his first film role as Connor. His sidekick, Eamon, played by Mark McKenna, is a musical prodigy who’s trying to be the man of the house in a broken home, has an affinity for rabbits despite his truncated childhood, and it makes him something other than a stock character.
Reynor, who plays Connor’s older brother, is a standout, especially when he unloads on his younger brother out of sheer frustration over his own life choices.
The music completely captures the essence of the 80’s, and if you’re not dancing by the end of the film, you might want to check your pulse.