Post by SeanJoyce on Mar 12, 2018 5:04:40 GMT
Always a pleasure digging into my bag of Irish-inspired flicks come March time, particularly those of the crime persuasion (as paradoxical as that might be.)
Finally sacked up and watched this one after coming across years' worth of recommendations, and it didn't disappoint. Filmed in Boston and boasting a cast largely comprised of Bostonians, this gritty ditty hits hard and features a career-best performance from Denis Leary. I don't think I've ever watched a Leary movie that doesn't contain some perfunctory, off-the-wall reference to his Irish heritage. Here he gets to play a blue collar, low-ranking member of an Irish-American crime outfit run by the intimidating Colm Meaney. The line between Leary's allegiance and honor becomes blurred after several members of his family unfortunately find themselves in Meaney's crosshairs.
I consider director Ted Demme's death at the age of 39 one of cinema's great unsung tragedies. The Ref, Beautiful Girls, Monument Ave., Life and Blow all demonstrate a keen understanding of human beings and a deft ability to get the best out of his actors. His fluidity with both drama and comedy was impeccable.
Monument Ave. draws us into its dark waters via strong characterizations and a sharp eye for detail. Give this one a look if you haven't already.
Finally sacked up and watched this one after coming across years' worth of recommendations, and it didn't disappoint. Filmed in Boston and boasting a cast largely comprised of Bostonians, this gritty ditty hits hard and features a career-best performance from Denis Leary. I don't think I've ever watched a Leary movie that doesn't contain some perfunctory, off-the-wall reference to his Irish heritage. Here he gets to play a blue collar, low-ranking member of an Irish-American crime outfit run by the intimidating Colm Meaney. The line between Leary's allegiance and honor becomes blurred after several members of his family unfortunately find themselves in Meaney's crosshairs.
I consider director Ted Demme's death at the age of 39 one of cinema's great unsung tragedies. The Ref, Beautiful Girls, Monument Ave., Life and Blow all demonstrate a keen understanding of human beings and a deft ability to get the best out of his actors. His fluidity with both drama and comedy was impeccable.
Monument Ave. draws us into its dark waters via strong characterizations and a sharp eye for detail. Give this one a look if you haven't already.
