Mickybo and Me (2005)

Too much of everything

Sadly Over-hyped

Fantastic!

There are moments that feel comical, some horrific, and some downright inspiring but the tonal shifts hardly matter as the end results come to a film that's perfect for this time.

Usually I am very hesitant against movies with a different dialect, and to be honest I have a habit of throwing aside movies from Great Britain or any movie that even resembles the style.Sometimes however I am happily surprised to find that some of these movies in the end have me enjoying them.So when a movie like this comes along, I kind of get a kick out of watching it, the reason is mostly because I am actually teaching myself to understand that not all movies are alike and some will have that special factor that entraps me.If you have watched an earlier review from me you would know that I had a hatred against Ryan Reynolds, and yes I will admit that it probably was just a pathetic attempt to prove something that didn't even hold up, because as soon as I began watching movies where he actually acted more serious I quickly became infatuated by the movies.I will however still state that it probably also depends on what movie he was cast in, some just don't work and others do, some actors are fit for their role while others aren't, and this is where I will begin the review of Mickybo And Me that in fact did have me watching it all the way through.And while I did watch this in school which means I was in a way forced to watch the movie, I however did not feel like I was forced which believe ME! is a big thing for someone like me.Storyline 8/10 – The story of Mickybo And Me centers around two kids living in Ireland during the 1970s. If you don't know the whole story of north and south Ireland I do recommend reading it up before reading any further.Mickybo And Me is about Mickybo (Niall Wright) who is a protestant and JonJo (John Joe Mcneill) who is a catholic. Both are divided by a bridge yet both become friends. And both have an obsessing of Butch Cassidy And The Sundance Kid.If you have read about the conflict of North and South Ireland you would know that the lives of both sides were dire and this is mainly the reason that JonJo and Mickybo want to be Butch Cassidy And The Sundance Kid so that they can escape to Australia and leave Ireland forever.That is the whole story, which in a way is kind of pathetic, but it is the way that the story is fed to you that pulls you in, I am not going to go into detail about how this works instead I will simply just say that it works.Actors 9/10 – This is where the movie luckily shines, the actors are all very likable, and you really do feel with the characters of the movie. The movie is obviously mostly centered around Mickybo and Jonjo.Niall Wright isn't an actor I have seen in any other movie, I might have to watch other movies with him, while I will admit that I sometimes felt he was a little annoying I will however still state that he actually is also a lot likable and acts very genuine, and his role is defiantly not an easy one so he did extremely well for such a young actor.John Joe Mcneill is much like Niall Wright, but doesn't have quite the same power as Niall Wright has but that might be because of the characters different backgrounds, the rest of the actors for how good they all act, are all just along for the ride.Soundtrack 4/10 - The soundtrack is almost atrocious, had it not been for the opening melody that almost chants the name Belfast this whole soundtrack would have been mind-numbingly pathetic.I do not recommend buying the soundtrack or anything near it, even the opening song isn't that good, I mean its okay but really just average! Overall 7/10 – The story and the actors complement each other very well and the movie isn't bad at all, the music however is atrocious and almost so irritating that I had to cover my ears, sadly that's the reason that I only give this movie an 7/10 rate.

I love this film. I hired it out from the video shop on a whim and it completely blew me away. The acting of the two young boys is the best that I've ever seen from children, Mickybo in particular stole every scene that he was in. The locations may not have been geographically correct but the scenery was gorgeous and complimented the two stars.Though some have said that it is contrived and clichéd, to me this film is wonderful. It's a beautiful story about two different boys who become friends, discover their differences, and learn a bit about life.I showed it to a friend of mine and now he won't give it back!

To say that to watch this would give a reasonable insight as to what it is like being a Catholic in Northern Ireland, is like saying watch "Butch Cassidy and The Sundance Kid" to discover how life was in America at the turn of the 19th Century. This film was made for entertainment value only I believe. I do not believe that any hidden social statement was intended. The Protestant boy is portrayed typically as better off than his Catholic counterpart. Not always the case as anyone who knows anything about the warring ghetto factions in Northern Ireland will tell you. The film was full of clichés but highly enjoyable and cinematic. I don't know if has gone to DVD yet but is worth a viewing if it does. As for leaving the cinema, I hope you never go to see Home Alone !!

Yes, what a great film. The only film I've ever seen that has prompted me to do a Google search and post a message!! The young actors do a fine job, supported by the big names and the great scenery. Nostalgic yes, but realistic also.I thought it was good how they dealt with the Northern Irish situation without making it feature in every scene as some have done. I noticed religion was only mentioned once at the beginning, but the characters aren't defined by it. The scene towards the end of the handover at the border is very true, as an outsider coming into Northern Ireland I have seen how some perceive it as akin to the Berlin wall, whereas in reality it is quite insignificant. I think both boys act in a way that reflects the way their fathers treat them, you can see some of Mickybo's father in the way he tells off Jonjo on the stairs in the old house. And later, Jonjo reflects on his fathers affair and how he doesn't wish to return home to it, (after the hay fire).While not taking sides, I think the ending summed up how the problems of Northern Ireland have continued, the way friendships change after tragic events, the facts become distorted (who stole the bike), and peer pressure dictating who you associate with.Well done to film team.Regards, Dan.