ATM: The Commitments


Watching this film makes me literally happy.

Watch, enjoy, come back to talk about it.

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We skipped the light fandango
Turned cartwheels 'cross the floor
I was feeling kinda seasick
But the crowd called out for more

First- This is too long overdue. My apologies Mina. I had my own things going on but
it shouldn't have interfered with my commitments or The Commitments for that matter. (see what I did there)

second- Thank you!Thank you!Thank you!
I had forgotten how much I LOVE this movie. I saw it in the theater and many times after.
Once it hit VHS. This was a thing before DVD. In case you didn't know Mina.
I still haven't seen it in 20 years. Which is way too long.

The main thing that stands out in this for me is the music. Even though I haven't seen it in awhile
I have almost the whole soundtrack on my Ipod. I hear the music all the time.
It was a great way to introduce such incredible music to a whole new generation.

The next thing is the comedy. This film is hysterical. The first 1/2 hr is nothing but laughs.
Colm Meaney is incredible as the dad. He doesn't have many scenes but seems to steal every one.
From what I remember this movie starred a bunch of no names at the time. What they were able
to accomplish was amazing. Each band member and they're personalities makes this memorable.
I'm sure the Irish quips had something to do with a lot of it.
The story Joey tells about Elvis might be my favorite. "Joey the lips. please forgive my Daddy"
The reaction of Meaney is priceless.

I admittedly had a bit of a crush on Natalie and later on Andrea Corr who played the sister of Jimmy.
She went on to have a decent music career and is absolutely stunning. IMO

There is nothing about this movie that I don't like.
I found myself laughing now just like I did the first time I saw it.

Alan Parker has done some incredible movies in different genres.
It goes to show his range as a director.

After watching this again it really needs to be on my list of my favorite movies of all time.


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Elvic was a Cajun
He had a Cajun heart.

I sometimes sing this to myself, just randomly. And I love that the photo of Elvis in _above_ the photo of the POPE! Goes to show the love of Mr. Rabbitte for the man.

The music is amazing. I listen to the soundtrack often as well. I have to admit, I might love some of the film's versions of the songs more than the originals. There's so much energy to the music, it's contagious.

Colm Meaney is great in anything, and I agree, he stole every scene he was in.

The film is packed with so many great, funny lines and situations, and the whole thing is elevated by the dinamic between the characters. I can't find a single weak character. There are so many of them, and they're all fully realised IMO. And they work so well together. Even the minor characters are great.

My favourite might be the auditions. "Who are your influences?"

There is so much life in every scene. I love that. Whether it's at one of their gigs or just in the street or in people's back yards. And kids running around, everywhere. Which contrasts great with the bleaker surroundings.

There are a bunch of the Corrs in the film. I knew of the band before I first saw the film, and liked the music I had heard from them (I can't phrase that better lol), so I was pleasantly surprised to see them pop up. Glen Hansard also went on to have a solid music career (and win an Oscar for Best Original Song from Once). I like his music as well.

For me this film is joy distilled. It has so much energy and momentum it doesn't feel like two hours. And it all ends with a bang and a slow song to play us out, just like at the end of a great party.

I've seen just a few other Alan Parker films, but I've enjoyed them greatly as well.

It does need to be on your "favorite movies of all time" list, it is already on mine :)

Thank you for watching it and sharing your thoughts, Dewey. I appreciate it!



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"That's fuckin' blasphemy. Elvis wasn't a Cajun."

They picture of Elvis above the pope was a nice touch.
Also loved Meaney's sideburns. Reminiscent of Elvis in the later stages of his career.

I will agree. Some of the songs I just liked better. It might also be my favorite or at least one
of my favorite soundtracks ever. Especially considering it was original unoriginal material.

The Irish are the blacks of Europe, pick a nipple and try again, Is this the band then? Betcha U2 are shittin themselves.
The quotes are endless. The whole movie is quotable. Reminds me of Shaun of the Dead in that way.

The audition portion was non stop funny.
I loved the family. They all just kind of went along with it. The mom, the twins and the sister even dad.
They just kept doing their own thing while the chaos was going on. Even Jimmy's mom.
Great casting. Even the continuation of the knocking at the door.
By the end when the "punk" guy with the hair showed up he didn't even ask, he just shut the door.

It's all full of energy. The neighbor lady who started singing. The kid on the skateboard who wanted
to audition. Just everything. Seemed like a fun neighborhood to live in. lol

No lulls, no unnecessary scenes just perfectly done.
So many different personalities that consistently clashed. That is until they got on stage.
Just like so many "real" music groups.

I often thought that a sequel would have been great. I now realize that it probably would have sucked.
Especially after watching Trainspotting 2.

Midnight Express, Angel Heart, Mississippi Burning, The Life of David Gale .
Sad Parker hasn't done a movie in 15 years with this on his resume.

Apparently I needed a swift kick in the ass to come around.
Next time promise me you'll just give me a proper slap and tell me to WAKE UP!! if I ever
do this nonsense again.

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Haven't seen this movie in a little while, but yes, it's an absolute favorite of mine.
Thanks for bringing it up.

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