Movie Review: Shergar (1999)

Hello, all!

I hope that this finds you all safe and healthy. I am sitting down to write this as I have some extra time on my hands. I was going to review an older movie, but then I realized that the two other movies that I have reviewed this month have been Irish, so I thought, "Why break the streak?" I just watched this movie a few days ago for the first time, so it is still fresh in my mind. Also, two of the actors from one of the movies I reviewed, Waking Ned Devine (1998), are in this! Enjoy my review!

My guarantee: On ALL of my reviews there are NO spoilers unless I give you warning. This is spoiler free!


Shergar (1999):

(Loosely) Based on: The true story of the disappearance of the race horse Shergar.
A group angry at politics and wanting money, the I. R. A., decides to steal the retired racehorse named Shergar. They demand a ransom or threaten to kill Shergar. While all of Ireland searches the country, Shergar is hidden away at a farm run by a bitter farmer who agreed to help the group. The boy who works for him, Kevin, is horrified that this brilliant horse that he has heard so much about is having this done to him. Kevin promises Shergar that he won't be hurt and that he will take care of him, but with these dangerous men, what can he do?
"Well, that was a fine introduction."

Genre: Drama, Crime.
Length: approx. 95 minutes.
Costumes: 7, there is a scene where one person isn't wearing a shirt. Overall nothing incredible.
Script: 8, there are people saying the Lord's name in vain a few times, but other than that clean.
'"I can't be in two places at once!"

"Do as you're told!"'

Crew:
Directed by: Dennis C. Lewiston.
Written by: Dennis C. Lewiston.
Starring:
Tom Walsh as Kevin Doherty.

Ian Holm as Joseph Maguire.

Laura Murphy as Kate.
David Warner as Eammon Garrity.

Andrew Connolly as Dermot Concannon.

Mickey Rourke as Gavin O'Rourke.
Fintan McKeown as Det. Inspector Deely.
Jimmy Keogh as Father Doyle.
Alan Barker as Elliott Smyth.
Stephen Brennan as Mr. Faloon.
Virginia Cole as Mrs. Garritty.
Andrew Dixon as Chief Inspector Penfold.
Dave Duffy as Sergeant Mullins.
Julian Fellowes as Chambers.
Gary Lydon as Det. Sergeant Malen.
Graham Simmonds as James Simmonds.
Notes: Fintan McKeown and Jimmy Keogh are the two that are also in Waking Ned Devine (1998)!
Cinematography: 9, of course the scenery of Ireland was beautiful (even if it was a little off, my mom could tell that they filmed in a different part of Ireland than it was set.) There was one bit with the rain that I was really impressed with.
Cinematography by: David Lewis.

Music: 6, nothing memorable.
Music by: John Scott.
Quotes: 8, there was this one part that made me laugh because it made no sense. Kevin tells Shergar, "You destroyed them. You were like a pack of donkeys." (paraphrased).
Content: 7, there is smoking, some people and animals are killed by being shot, a gross thing, and a suggestive thing.

Originality: 8, there are lots of horse movies (and you have to love them, right?), but I don't remember another with this storyline. I did seen something that was going to happen, but I was so glad that it did!
Good For: horse lovers, anyone who likes movies set in Ireland.
Age Range: The things that I mentioned as content (mostly the killing) might be a little much for younger watchers just because it is pretty violent. I think it's rated PG-13, but that's the only reason.
Overall Score: 7.5
Bonus thoughts:

"Everything has a reason. We all touch each other on the way."
Those of you Lord of the Rings fans you might recognize the name Ian Holm. My family all agreed that the actor playing Joseph was really familiar and it wasn't until the end that my dad said, "It's Bilbo!"
I enjoyed this movie and will probably watch it again. Kevin was a great character and really easy to like, where you absolutely hated the villains. No one knows what really happened to Shergar, but what they came up with made sense. Also, I just really like horse movies.


Well, that's the end of the Irish movies reviewed this month! Sorry about the lack of photos, this isn't very well known. Has anyone else seen this movie? What are some of your favorite horse movies? Thanks for reading!

MovieCritic

Movie Review: The Secret of Kells (2009)

Top o' the day to all of ya!

St. Patrick's Day was two days ago, March 17th, and I am still in the Irish mood. I mean, I'm always in an Irish mood, but this month especially. Therefore, today I am reviewing another Irish movie! This one is so neat, and the animation is incredible! Enjoy!

My guarantee: On ALL of my reviews there are NO spoilers unless I give you warning. This is spoiler free!


The Secret of Kells (2009):

"I have seen the book, the book that turned darkness into light."
Under the orders of Abbot Cellach, Kells is building its wall to keep the people safe from the Northerners. When the island of Iona is attacked, Brother Aidan seeks shelter there as he is keeping safe a treasure: the book that when finished is sure to bring light to the world. Brother Aidan makes a friend with Abbot Cellach's young nephew, Brendan. Brendan is eager to help out in any way that he can, and goes into the forrest for supplies where he meets a new friend. Will the wall of Kells hold when the Northerners come, and will the book be finished?

Genre: Adventure, Animated, Family.
Length: approx. 71 minutes.
Script: 10, no bad words. "From tiny berries great images come to life."
Crew:
Directed by: Tomm Moore & Nora Twomey.
Written by: Tomm Moore & Fabrice Ziolkowski.
"There's nothing you can't do when you have your friends to help you."
Starring the voices of:
Evan McGuire as Brendan.

Christen Mooney as Aisling.

Brendan Gleeson as Abbot Cellach.

Mick Lally as Aidan.
Liam Hourrican as Brother Tang/Leonardo.
Paul Tylac as Brother Assoua.
Paul Young as Brother Square.

Animation: 10! Ah! As I said in my intro, this is spectacular! I love the 2D style and the amazing references to the book are so good. I just love it, and I'm sure that you all will, too.

Music: 9, on my notes I wrote, "Oh, the music is pretty!" All throughout it is really good and ties it together nicely.
Music by: Bruno Coulais.
Quotes: 8, "If there are no books, all knowledge would be lost for eternity."
Oscars won: Nominated for Best Animated Feature Film, but didn't win.
Content: 7, there is some death, violence, scary images, and a crude joke or two.

'"Old fools should keep quiet."

"Unless young fools want to listen."'

Originality: 10, oh, this story is so cool! I've never seen anything like it. Though it is only a little over an hour it doesn't feel that way because there is always something happening.
Good For: people in isolation (hey, that's us now), fans of amazing animation.
Age Range: As I said, there are some scary things, but it is overall perfectly family friendly. Anyone over 8 should be fine. But, as always, if you have a very sensitive child it might be hard.
Overall Score: 9!

Bonus thoughts:
Ah, this movie. For me, it's one of those movies that when I think about it I am pretty indifferent, but whenever I watch it I think, "That was stunning!" I like it a lot, in fact it is probably one of my favorite animated films. My little sister hates it. It's funny because the main characters are named Brendan and Aisling and my family first watched this because we know people by those names. Brendan is so lovable and Aisling is very doubtful, but I love their friendship. So good! This movie also has some pretty funny bits. I cannot forget to mention Pangar Bán. As my mom said: "If I ever have a cat I am going to call it Pangar Bán, even if it is not white."

Your turn! Have any of you seen this? Isn't the animation gorgeous? Thanks for reading!

MovieCritic

Movie Review: Waking Ned Devine (1998)

Hello, all!

It is March, and what I always think of is St. Patrick's Day! And while all celebrations have been cancelled because of the coronavirus, watching movies in the comfort of own homes isn't cancelled! Therefore, I am reviewing an Irish movie that my family loves to watch. Enjoy!

My guarantee: On ALL of my reviews there are NO spoilers unless I give you warning. This is spoiler free!


Waking Ned Devine (1998):

'"Sometimes..."
"Sometimes, that's a good start."
In the town of Tullymore everyone is excited because someone won the lottery, but no one knows who it was. Two villagers, Jackie and Michael, decide to find out the lucky winner and become his or her best friend in order to get some of the money. They are finding no clues when things take a serious turn and they find themselves caught up in a few lies. They need the help of the whole town, but will they get it?
"You're a country boy, Jackie, do you think you can out-smart a man from the city?"

Genre: Comedy.
Length: approx. 91 minutes.
"Don't rush me."
Costumes: 7, there are several times where people aren't wearing anything, at all.
Script: 6, there is some swearing and name calling.

'"Have we won?"

"No, but I got my apple tart brought out to me."'

Crew:
Directed by: Kirk Jones.
Written by: Kirk Jones.
Starring:
Ian Bannen as Jackie O'Shea. "I've always walked my way around the hills and the fog."
David Kelly as Michael O'Sullivan.

Fionnula Flanagan as Annie O'Shea.

Susan Lynch as Maggie O'Toole.

James Nesbitt as Pig Finn.

Eileen Dromey as Lizzy Quinn.

Kitty Fitzgerald as Kitty.
Maura O'Malley as Mrs. Kennedy.
Robert Hickey as Maurice O'Toole.
Paddy Ward as Brendy O'Toole.

Adrian Robinson as Lotto Observer.
James Ryland as Dennis Fitzgerald.
Fintan McKeown as Pat Mulligan.
Dermot Kerrigan as Father Patrick.
Jimmy Keogh as Ned Devine.

'"Where are we going, Ned?"

"Into the light."'

Paul Vaughan as Narrator (voice).
Cinematography: 8, there are some fun things. The scenery of Ireland is gorgeous, of course!
Cinematography by: Henry Braham.
Music: 10, I don't know what it is about this score, but I love it! So, so, good!
Music by: Shaun Davey.
Quotes: 9, "Finish cleaning up those intestines."
Content: 5, this is where it gets a little sketchy. My main problem with one part of the storyline is that Maggie has a son, Brendy, but no one knows who his father is and is always asking. Things like, "It must be me!" or "You know it's me". The first several times I watched this it when right over my head and I didn't even notice it, but the last couple of times I have been surprised because I didn't remember that that was in there. Also, there is drinking, smoking (including a child smoking), suggestive material, and death.
Originality: 9, I admit that I have never seen another movie like it, and I probably never will!

'"Would I spend my time on this beach if I were a millionaire?"

"Ai, I believe you would."'

Good For: anyone looking for a comedy, for anyone who has lost someone.
Age Range: I've been watching it for a long time, I don't remember how old I was when I first watched. It is rated PG and I agree with that.
Overall Score: 7.5!
Bonus thoughts:
'"Do you understand it?"
"Not a word."'
This movie though a few things are a little crude, is so funny! Whenever I think of comedies, this one comes to the top of my mind. I have gone through phases where I didn't like the storyline, but overall I've decided that I like the message. This film probably isn't for everyone (I know that I was bored the first few times), but if you watch it and like it, you'll really enjoy yourself.


Now, if any of you have seen this, let me know because I have never met anyone who has! If not, does it sound like something you would like? Thanks for reading, everyone! Please stay healthy and take care of yourselves so you and your family don't get sick! Happy St. Patrick's Day in advance!

MovieCritic