The Commitments

The Commitments Review

... that you can play while watching The Commitments. Buy a few cases of Guinness, and every time a character says the naughty F-word, take a good long gulp. I guarantee no one will be sober when the movie ends. I think the director, in his commentary track, says something like over 280 swears had to be overdubbed for the television version.

Apart from the amazingly high cussing quotient, this is a fairly sprightly Dublin take on the old "hey, gang, let's form a band and become famous" trope. It doesn't take itself too seriously, pokes fun at many music industry sacred cows, and fairly reeks of 1980s Irish working class sensibilities. While it may seem less than ambitious to merely aspire to become a famous soul cover band -- as opposed to making *original* music, which never seems to enter anyone's head -- you can't deny these youngsters' sincerity or drive to succeed. Miraculously, they manage to do so despite the incessant bickering, but things fall apart quickly and predictably once show biz-size egos start to collide.

One thing you can't deny the Irish, they gotta a whole lotta soul, and in this film we see the proof. Ninety proof, n'yuk-n'yuk!

The Commitments Overview

Acclaimed director Alan Parker's landmark musical comedy is back for a spectacular encore in this all new widescreen collector's edition release of The Commitments. Fueled by raw talent and driven by dreams of glory, a dozen dead-enders from Dublin's gritty North side share a passion for soul music that takes their band on a wild roller-coaster ride from the streets to the stage...to superstardom! Packed with over 4 hours of extras, including audio commentary, brand new songs, and a never-before-seen retrospective documentary, this exhilarating 2-disc DVD is your backstage pass to experience the "world's hardest working band" as never before. Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome once again - The Commitments!

The Commitments Specifications

An irresistible, comic drama from director Alan Parker (Evita, Mississippi Burning), overflowing and alive with passion, humor, and music, The Commitments showcases some old R&B standards in a new light. A headstrong, fast-talking, ambitious young Dubliner (Robert Arkins) fancies himself a promoter of talent, and sets about assembling and packaging a local Irish R&B band. His group of self-absorbed, backbiting, but stunningly talented individuals begin to succeed beyond his wildest dreams, until petty jealousies and recrimination threaten to scuttle the whole deal. A moody, vivid, and soulful exploration of the Dublin club scene as well as a showcase for some wonderful unknown actors, the film (and its wonderful soundtrack) also features the actual band covering classic soul tunes from the likes of Otis Redding and Sam and Dave. It's that combination of soul and soul music that makes The Commitments a special little film. --Robert Lane

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