Shergar

Another Irish-themed movie filmed on the Isle of Man. This one is about the famous racehorse who was stolen back in the '80s. There's an impressive cast(Mickey Rourke, Ian Holm, David Warner) and a huge Irish support. But the movie is ruined by too much going on and of course the film is entire fiction as no-one really knows what happened to Shergar. I've never seen so many Irish supporting actors in one movie! Some of the scenes are contrived e.g. the Tourist-Board travellers and the chase by the landrovers. Little-known movie that's interesting but very routine.

War of the buttons

Enjoyable but disappointing kids' movie about two warring villages in County Cork. As expected the cinematography, locations, and soundtrack music are impressive. But there's no plot and the fighting turns tedious. It's also confusing as to what era the film is set. It looks like the '50s until a helicopter arrives! Based on a French title this is what most Irish cinema was like back in the '90s. No wonder we never became a strong film force?

IRISH MOVIE PREVIEW: WAKE WOOD

For some reason this horror movie is getting a DVD release the same week as its theatrical release? Not sure if it's an Irish film but was made here?

IRISH MOVIE PREVIEW: KILLING BONO

What's with all these Irish movies getting a release in the next few weeks? Ah sure it's Patrick day and everyone will want to see an Irish movie? This will misfire badly? Killing Bono is about the early days of U2. No, not about the Virgin prunes - that would be too interesting. Trailer looks rubbish. They even use the 'no-one's here because they've gone to see the Pope gag' which was already done in the movie Last bus home. Can't wait to see this rubbish!

WAR OF THE BUTTONS DVD!

Good to see one of the 'lost' Irish movies from the '90s getting a belated DVD release. Yes I know it's on Youtube already! Must buy it soon.

IRISH MOVIE PREVIEW: AS IF I'M NOT THERE

Big winner at the recent IFTAs (no recommendation) this movie is out now. Must check it out but I reckon it's not even an Irish movie?

CHEERS MOROCCO!

Don't understand this but someone from Morocco read this blog in the last few days? The only Moroccan(?) movies that come to mind are the old Road one with Bing Crosby and another film with Marlene Dietrich. Anyway, cheers Morocco!

IRISH MOVIE PREVIEW: BETWEEN THE CANALS

March seems to be the month for releasing new Irish movies. Nothing to do with Saint Patrick's day? This one looks likes a Boston Film Festival Award winner - all gangsters, crime, and violence - except the blacks have African accents. Looking forward to this one.

WHO NEEDS IRISH CINEMA WHEN THERE'S CRICKET!

Well done to the Irish cricket team for beating England. Now how about an Irish cricket movie?

IRISH MOVIE PREVIEW: REWIND

This is the one Amy Huberman won the IFTA for and is out this month. Don't know much about it but the trailer looks sh*te. She's being stalked by an ex in some crap town. There's a burning caravan in it too. Can't wait!

HARD LUCK TO THE CRUSH!

This blog is no fan of short films but haven't noticed anyone else saying 'hard luck' to the makers of The crush which failed to win the Academy Award for Best Live Action Short Film. Still, well done for getting the nomination. We need more successes among the non State-funded filmmmaking scene in Ireland.