The Commitments.

Based on the 1987 novel by Roddy Doyle, of the same name, this 1991 film has become a lesser known classic. Based in Dublin, the plot line revolves around Jimmy Rabbitte as he forms a band to help him with his dream of becoming the greatest rock’n’roll manager in history.

Now, I’m not going to say any more about the plot, because I don’t want to give anything away, instead you should watch it and find out.

It’s definitely not a film for young children, not only because some of the language is apparently incomprehensible [that was how it was described to me] but it’s also very colourful.

Without a cast of Hollywood A-Listers, I find myself preferring unknown actors and actresses doing things which don’t make me doubt the realistic style. The plot is simple, uncomplicated and with no twists that mean you have to watch it 20 times before you understand a third of it.

Yes, I was reluctant to watch this at first, because there’s a soul band at our school who play along with this style and I never liked them; then I realised something, they were mimicking this band, not the general genre, they were trying to be ‘The Commitments’, very poorly at that, but it’s worth a watch, even if you dislike the style.

They’re not bursting into song every 10 minutes and it’s a generally amusing film, with some amazing lines:

***

Jimmy Rabbitte: What do you play?
Man: I used to play football in school.
Jimmy: I mean what instrument.
Man: I don't.
Jimmy: Then what are you doing here?
Man: Well, the line was so long I thought you were selling drugs.

***

Their cover of Mustang Sally:


It’s worth the 2 Hours of your life.