MovieMike's Movie Review of The Commitments (1991)

A Musical Must-See!
MovieMike - wrote on 12/22/11

Picture a group of kids (late teens, early 20’s) thrown together in an effort to become a renowned soul music band. Long before there ever was an ‘American Idol’ or ‘America’s Got Talent’, we had this comical look at the struggles behind trying to make it big in the music world. To emphasis the struggle portion of this, the story is set against an economically depressed Dublin, Ireland. Based on a novel by noted Irish author, Roddy Doyle, and directed by Alan Parker (‘The Life Of David Gayle’, ‘Angela’s Ashes’, ‘Pink Floyd – The Wall’, ‘Midnight Express’), ‘The Commitments’ (1991) is a toe tapping, homage to Motown and 60’s rock that will have you laughing as well.

As the story starts out, we’re introduced to Jimmy Rabbitte (Robert Arkins), who is obviously a bit of a schemer – always looking for ways to turn a quick quid (UK slang for British Pound). Director Parker moves the story right along and immediately sets Jimmy off trying to assemble a decent collection of musicians (the auditions are a hoot). You won’t find much in the way of ‘known’ actors here, unless you’re Trek fan; Colm Meany (‘Die Hard 2’, ‘Last Of The Mohicans’) fills in as Jimmy’s irascible and wisecracking father, who is also an Elvis fanatic. Bit of trivia for ya: Andrea Corr – of the Irish band, The Corrs (Remember ‘Breathless’?) auditioned for a musical role in this, but ended up with the part of Jimmy’s sister, Sharon, instead.

Alan Parker does a great job of catching the working-class flavor of Dublin and the attendant nightclub scene. I can’t believe this film is almost 20 yrs old. It is still as entertaining and enjoyable as it was in its initial release. I can listen to their accents all day (“It’s RIDE, not roid…”) and they make for some hilarious lines. This is definitely one of those movies you won’t mind buying, because I’m sure, much like myself, you’ll watch it again and again!