Ola G
In 1970s sectarian Belfast in the midst of The Troubles, Terri Hooley (Richard Dormer) is a DJ who opens a record shop "on the most bombed half-mile in Europe". He is a music-lover, idealist, radical and rebel. He is inspired by the new underground punk scene and in turn galvanises the young musicians, branching out into record production and bringing life to the city...
Q magazine rated the film 5/5, while The Observer, The Guardian, The Independent and Time Out all gave extremely favourable 4/5 reviews, with much praise for Dormer's performance as Hooley. Observer film critic Mark Kermode described the film as "an absolute humdinger with real heart and soul" and later described how he was twice moved to tears watching it. Kermode subsequently named it the best film of 2013.
This film is based on Terri Hooley´s life, a a prominent figure in the Belfast punk scene and founder of the Good Vibrations record shop and label, responsible for bands such as The Undertones, Rudi, Protex and The Outcasts making their mark on the music scene in Ireland and Britain. The story is there, but the direction of the film with this silly comic undertone, poor and woobly acting and way too many bad wigs makes it pretty mediocre to me.
Rated 3/5 Stars •
Rated 3 out of 5 stars
05/27/23
Full Review
isla s
This is an energetic, youthful film about the Irish punk scene, with library footage from the time its set (the 1970s, during whats known by some as 'the troubles'). The performances are ok (esp, Jodie Whittacker), the music fun and the story is interesting. Its quite colourful, in terms of language used and the settings of some scenes (think of colourful 1970s wallpaper).
Its a little sad and sobering at times, understandably so given the setting.context but I liked it for its energy and enthusiasm and I'd recommend it to others. Oh and if your expecting The Beach Boys music in this, you may be a little disappointed.
Rated 4/5 Stars •
Rated 4 out of 5 stars
03/31/23
Full Review
Audience Member
Never sags. Lead actor Richard Dormer is worth the watching, and he sings as well! The character of Terri Hooley is portrayed as funny,
energetic, brave, even a bit manic - and the movie matches him on all points,
Rated 4/5 Stars •
Rated 4 out of 5 stars
02/22/23
Full Review
Audience Member
At the start of this film, I knew nothing of Irishman Terri Hooley and his record label "Good Vibrations". I only knew that this was a true story about someone who was passionate when about music, and that was enough to make me tune in.
The production feels very authentic. The 1970?s comes to life in familiar browns and beiges. The grit and grind of Belfast is solidly conveyed. It's no wonder that so many characters within the story would latch so hard onto music as the one thing that could get them through the day; as the very reason for the day itself. Music is a powerful medium;it means something very visceral, something transcendent, to so many. It seems to have meant more than absolutely anything else in the world to Terri Hooley.
It's a story that needed to be told. It wasn't the fastest paced film, and perhaps my attention did wander a little at times; but there are those who will tell you it's a work of art and a labor of love. It wasn't made to be a smash hit, however. It's more of a specialty piece that will shine for those it was made for, while passing by the public-eye. I am happy to view it as a slightly above-average, educational biography.
And, Hooley's missus was a saint.
Rated 3/5 Stars •
Rated 3 out of 5 stars
01/23/23
Full Review
Audience Member
Good as punk rock can be
Rated 4/5 Stars •
Rated 4 out of 5 stars
02/06/23
Full Review
Audience Member
There's a scene in Good Vibrations where the main character goes to his first punk gig and slowly, but surely, is won over by the glorious racket being played. The way his whole demeanour changes perfectly illustrates the beautiful, transformative, life-changing power of music. Joyous.
Rated 3/5 Stars •
Rated 3 out of 5 stars
01/19/23
Full Review
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