Jimmy's Hall

SF: I wasn't certain what to expect from this film and even after it was finished I wasn't sure what to make of it. The story is interesting at points, the life of an Irish communist and his struggle in the society of his day. I just didn't feel it had the emotional depth of Wind that shakes the Barley  or the enjoyable tone of The Angel's Share. The performances were fine but that is the most I can say because I forgot this film within days of seeing it. 5/10

50Eggs: n/a

DonkeyB: My fellow reviewers' paragraph above highlights my problem with the film. Irish politics is probably the most nuanced and difficult to disentangle as anywhere I have studied. The film certainly plays down James Gralton's (Jimmy) communist activities on his return from America and plays up the community activities of the hall; instead portraying him as persecuted and forced into exile (both of which are true). The Catholic church in Ireland is not getting a very good press in films at the moment, I shudder to think what we are in for when the revisionism starts. Without a PhD in Irish history I'm not sure how anyone is going to follow who's who let alone what the film is about. I certainly came out of the film and felt like I needed to go and look a whole load of things up- maybe thats a good thing? In this case I'm not sure. 6/10



Overall: 5.5/10

The Angel's Share

SF: This really surprised me. A film about a guy who develops an appreciation of whiskey whilst on community service. Normally I'd never have considered watching this but I'm glad I did. It never gives into cliche. Brilliantly funny and excellently executed. 8/10

50 Eggs: n/a

DonkeyB: Guess who's turn it was to choose the movie this week? Ken Loach doesn't make bad films. Laugh out loud funny after a very tough opening. It's terrific (that's my quote for the poster). 7.5/10

Overall: 7.75/10