Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 97% (Critics) / 94% (Audience)
Directed By: John Carney
Written By: John Carney
Starring: Ferdia Walsh-Peelo, Aidan Gillen, Maria Doyle Kennedy, Jack Reynor and Lucy Boynton
Studio: Likely Story
Synopsis: A boy growing up in Dublin during the 1980s escapes his strained family life by starting a band to impress the mysterious girl he likes. – (Source)

The Good:
The music in this film was great and if you are an 80s guy you would be forgiven for momentarily thinking that you heard some of these songs played on MTV back in the day. They are both current as well as perfect for the time the film is set in. The way the music speaks what the characters are incapable of saying in words is really impressive. And the way the lead character’s looks and musical styles would change based on the bands that were inspiring him at the time was a nice touch.
All of the younger set are really well cast too. It is amazing that writer/director John Carney filled the roles with newcomers because they all performed like old pros especially Ferdia Walsh-Peelo in the lead role of Conor. This kid is a bundle of natural charisma and will go on to do big things I predict.

The Bad:
The relationship between Conor and his dream girl Ralphina was never as fully fleshed out or engaging as the rest of the relationships in the movie whether it was Conor and his band mates, Conor and his brother or Conor’s parents.

The Ugly:
That ending was absolutely ridiculous in its go for broke hokiness. The idea that two teenagers with no nautical experience were going to navigate the raging waters of the Irish Sea in a rickety little dingy was absurd.

Final Verdict: SING STREET is just delightful from start to (almost) finish with a wonderfully catchy soundtrack of original music. A true gem to add to John Carney’s musical oeuvre.

Grade: B+