1977. Awkward teenager Frankie (an excellent and engaging performance by Jared Leto) has just finished his final exams that could lead to him going to college. However, Frankie fears that he may have failed said exams, so he spends the summer pining for two local girls while contending with his eccentric family and trying to figure out exactly what he's going to do with the rest of his life. Director David Keating, who also co-wrote the wry script with Gabriel Byrne, relates the engrossing story at a relaxed pace, offers an affectionate depiction of the 70's era that thankfully doesn't resort to silly kitsch, neatly mines an amusing line in good-natured low-key humor, and astutely nails the bittersweet yearning, confusion, and uncertainty of adolescence verging on adulthood. Moreover, what makes this movie so likable and appealing is the breezy way it just sort of ambles along at a pleasantly laid-back clip, with plenty of well observed moments of warm drama and gentle comedy sprinkled throughout as well as loads of sharp asides at Irish pride, conservatism, and nationalism. The sturdy acting by the able cast keeps the picture on track: Catherine O'Hara almost steals the whole show with her spirited portrayal of Frankie's fiery and domineering mother Cathleen, Christina Ricci makes the most out of her regrettably minor role as bubbly and radiant American Erin, Byrne registers well as Frankie's colorful actor father Jack, Colm Meaney impresses as smug politician Jim Davern, and Stephen Rea has a funny bit as a gregarious cab driver with a knack for telling tale tales. In addition, there are praiseworthy contributions from Lorraine Pilkington as the saucy and vibrant Jayne Wayne, Jason Berry as loyal friend Nelson Fitzgerald, and Emily Mortimer as the pretty and charming Romy Thomas. Bernd Heinl's crisp cinematography provides a pleasing sunny look. Michael Conventino's jaunty harmonic score and the choice rock soundtrack are fine as well. A nice little film.
Review of The Last of the High Kings
