A young man struggles to grow up with principles as his family begins to self-destruct around him in this coming of age drama. Cole McKay (Michael Angarano) is a boy in his middle-teens growing up in an Irish-Catholic family in Boston. While Cole has dreams of playing major league baseball some day, his parents Desmond (Brendan Gleeson) and Margaret (Melissa Leo) are blind to his ambitions, and his older brother Terry (Tom Guiry) is a petty criminal who is unwittingly drawing Cole into his orbit. While Margaret is obsessed with projecting an image that the McKay family are happy and God-fearing folk, Desmond has been sinking deeper into depression ever since he lost his job, and his marriage is slowly but surely falling apart. The family's pride takes a body blow when Cole's teenage sister Kathleen (Emily Van Camp) discovers she's pregnant, but Cole decides it's time he took on some adult responsibilities, and gets himself a part-time job at a restaurant. Black Irish was the first directorial effort for screenwriter Brad Gann. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi
This movie was so well done. Excellent portrayal of life in a dysfunctional South Boston family. I hate movies that take place in Boston but have losy Boston accents. The cast hit the local vernacular perfectly.
Acclaimed on the film festival circuit, this indie flick finally arrives on DVD...our gain. A captivating, character driven story about a conflicted family who's blood ties bind them together. Especiallly notable is the gifted Angarano who gives an inspiring performance as the younger, good natured brother who dreams of playing ball but has to contend with a distant father and an older brother (played skillfully by Tom Guiry) ,who hopes to take his younger sibling down his own path of destruction. Full of solid performances and strong storytelling, this movie packs a punch. Entertaining special features including exclusive behind the scenes interviews and a commentary track with fun exchanges between the actors and director.
I only read the synopsis before renting this movie. Never heard a word about it until then. Can I tell you what a surprise this movie turned out to be? I was amazed by the drama, suspense, and the amazing writing that was found in this movie. The two main characters are easy to fall in love with and root for/against. Be sure when watching this movie you are ready for some emotions to boil up about your own family.
Oh my gosh, i loved this movie. A good coming of age drama. Tom Guirey's performance was astounding. If you wondering who this great actor is, he played Scottie Smalls in the 90's hit movie "The Sandlot" then he played "Private Cantwell" in Joel Schumacher's film "Tigerland." One of the must see indie's of 2007.
Great movie! As some of the other reviewers mentioned, I had not previously heard of this movie. Great storyline and acting. Glad it somehow came up in a search when I was looking to fill list of films to see. It is a must see.
SO grateful to see this film has finally made it out into the world outside of film festivals.
WHAT A FAMILY!!!Totally awesome ensemble acting. Hope that many people get to see it and am surprised it never made it to the big screen. The theatergoers loss!!!
Loved the additional info on the dvd. Great to see persistence pride and patience driving forward heartfelt dreams and passions!
I enjoyed this movie. However, this seems to be too scripted to show hardships of the Irish in South Boston. I understand this could happen, however this movie seems to go to the extreme.
This was a nice little movie with a good story and good acting. Is it a must see? No, but if something in the story grabs your interest or you like some of the actors a lot then you should rent it. It's not going to blow anyone away, but it's enjoyable none the less.
This movie was so well done. Excellent portrayal of life in a dysfunctional South Boston family. I hate movies that take place in Boston but have losy Boston accents. The cast hit the local vernacular perfectly.
Acclaimed on the film festival circuit, this indie flick finally arrives on DVD...our gain. A captivating, character driven story about a conflicted family who's blood ties bind them together. Especiallly notable is the gifted Angarano who gives an inspiring performance as the younger, good natured brother who dreams of playing ball but has to contend with a distant father and an older brother (played skillfully by Tom Guiry) ,who hopes to take his younger sibling down his own path of destruction. Full of solid performances and strong storytelling, this movie packs a punch. Entertaining special features including exclusive behind the scenes interviews and a commentary track with fun exchanges between the actors and director.
I only read the synopsis before renting this movie. Never heard a word about it until then. Can I tell you what a surprise this movie turned out to be? I was amazed by the drama, suspense, and the amazing writing that was found in this movie. The two main characters are easy to fall in love with and root for/against. Be sure when watching this movie you are ready for some emotions to boil up about your own family.