film review: sing street

What’s it about?

Sing Street is about a teenage boy living in Dublin in 1985. With his home life falling apart and his oppressive school life heightening, he forms a band in order to win over an aspiring model named Raphina.

What I appreciate:

Not many people know that I LOVE 80's music. I love that synth-pop sound and I also love the fashion. The production design and costume design is absolutely beautiful and spot on, from my knowledge of the 80's. 

I honestly haven't seen this great of a movie in a while. I laughed, cried and smiled. I've watched other films written and directed by John Carney and I truly appreciate the way he merges sadness and happiness in his films. It's a little bit of the same sentiment as the Pixar movie "Inside Out." Being a combination of happy and sad is probably the most human you can get. I love when movies make that point and in an organic and appealing way.

What’s triggering?

This film is incredibly white. There is one black character who is a bit tokenized and stereotyped in the film. That's always disappointing to see. The terms "queer" and "gay" were used in a way to offend and insult someone. There are also a variety of slurs in this film. I think the culture that the film tries to depict is one of young Irish boys in a sort of brutish and violent environment. It sucks that these are the implications of that depicted culture. It's always rough when a funny and quirky movie is also offensive and misogynist. Sigh.... 

Should you see it?

I would recommend this movie to anyone who wants to watch something musical and coming-of-age. I thought there were a lot of beautiful shots in the film and the soundtrack is incredible. I love a great musical film so it's my cup of tea. I'd encourage anyone who may not love musical films to take a chance on it anyway, you may be surprised what a little 80's pop can do.

Sing Street is out in selected theaters right now!