27 समीक्षाएं
Two Irish lads move in together. Vincent is a well-balanced gay art student and Shane is a sheltered and shy civil servant. Through a makeover a la "Queer Eye," Vincent helps Shane gain self-confidence. Unfortunately, Shane falls into the wrong crowd and starts trafficking drugs.
Is this a makeover movie (complete with themes about being true to yourself) or a movie about the Irish drug scene? It tries to be both, but it never finds a good balance. It ultimately strives to be about the relationship between the two young men, but it never really succeeds because the relationship is never fully developed for the viewer. This problem could have been easily avoided--two very endearing deleted scenes should have been kept in the film for sure. There are some random scenes that seem to come out of nowhere, but it all pieces together nicely (perhaps too nicely) in the end. The lead character does some awful things, like being part of a hit and run where a woman is terribly injured and a man is severely beaten when trying to call the cops, but in the end it is all okay because he's a likable guy with a fabulous gay roommate who has unexpectedly got the hook-up. Oh, please. Still, the overall theme of being yourself and true to yourself is great, even if the movie goes about expressing it in a half-assed way. And both lead actors are irresistibly cute.
Is this a makeover movie (complete with themes about being true to yourself) or a movie about the Irish drug scene? It tries to be both, but it never finds a good balance. It ultimately strives to be about the relationship between the two young men, but it never really succeeds because the relationship is never fully developed for the viewer. This problem could have been easily avoided--two very endearing deleted scenes should have been kept in the film for sure. There are some random scenes that seem to come out of nowhere, but it all pieces together nicely (perhaps too nicely) in the end. The lead character does some awful things, like being part of a hit and run where a woman is terribly injured and a man is severely beaten when trying to call the cops, but in the end it is all okay because he's a likable guy with a fabulous gay roommate who has unexpectedly got the hook-up. Oh, please. Still, the overall theme of being yourself and true to yourself is great, even if the movie goes about expressing it in a half-assed way. And both lead actors are irresistibly cute.
- ThrownMuse
- 16 मार्च 2005
- परमालिंक
Although it sounds like the premise for a formulaic sitcom, Cowboys and Angels turns out to be something entirely different. This big-hearted crowd pleaser, written and directed by David Gleeson, centers on Shane (Michael Legge), a lonely 20-year-old misfit who moves to the big city and takes on a gay roommate, fashion-design student Victor (Allen Leech).
After some queer-eye advice from the popular, outgoing Victor (new haircut, new wardrobe, new attitude), Shane begins to emerge from his shell. But an incidental friendship with the drug dealer who lives downstairs threatens to wreck his life just as it is beginning to come together.
Refreshingly, Cowboys and Angels uses its characters as people, not types, on its way to detailing Shane's gradual coming-of-age. Even with its brief running time, the movie feels slight and padded: The story technically ends 10 minutes before the movie does. But the lack of the expected gay-straight clichés puts you in a forgiving mood, and Gleeson's upbeat, humanist approach takes care of the rest.
After some queer-eye advice from the popular, outgoing Victor (new haircut, new wardrobe, new attitude), Shane begins to emerge from his shell. But an incidental friendship with the drug dealer who lives downstairs threatens to wreck his life just as it is beginning to come together.
Refreshingly, Cowboys and Angels uses its characters as people, not types, on its way to detailing Shane's gradual coming-of-age. Even with its brief running time, the movie feels slight and padded: The story technically ends 10 minutes before the movie does. But the lack of the expected gay-straight clichés puts you in a forgiving mood, and Gleeson's upbeat, humanist approach takes care of the rest.
- marian_ryan131
- 4 मई 2004
- परमालिंक
I've just watched this film and I' surprised to find it was released in 2003. While watching it (before knowing the release date) I felt I was watching something out of the 1980s. Even though it may be contemporary, this film already has something "aged" about it. Its not exactly hackneyed, but there is something about the young people and the way they talk and act (and what they wear) that feels dated already. What especially struck me were the hairstyles and the clothing, some of the expressions and some of the mock innocence. These feel just too good, to tame, or too "innocent" to be credible in a movie in the 21st Century. The usual moral story, one supposes, and this time around just a bit too heavy-handed for my own personal taste. The stated gay interest or gay angle is very oblique.
This is a story about pursuing your dreams. a young Irish boy, shared an apartment with a stylish gay student and had a crush on his beautiful female friend, also got involved with some drug dealers.
The storyline is believable, the evolvement of the plot is intriguing and interesting. How the pure friendship can come into being between a gay man and a straight man? It's the most touching part of this film. The sexual orientation is just a stunt, the relationship of the two characters is well presented.
About dreams, the young boy always wanted to be an artist as he had the talent of drawing, but the status quo made him a civil servant. Sometimes we dare not to change just because we are too lazy, or in lack of motivation. Always easier said than done, but taking action might not be so hard as we think. Maybe changing our sexual orientation is difficult, however changing our life to fulfill what you really want is feasible.
On the other hand, the drug culture is inevitable to the young generation, the temptation makes it hard to decline. Making a wise choice seems vital then.
The cast is good, Michael Legge and Allen Leech each gives a strong and memorable performance, the chemistry between them is pleasant and adorable. Amy Shiels is amazingly beautiful in this film.
I highly recommend this film to everyone who are wandering how their lives are going to be and I think it's very useful.
The storyline is believable, the evolvement of the plot is intriguing and interesting. How the pure friendship can come into being between a gay man and a straight man? It's the most touching part of this film. The sexual orientation is just a stunt, the relationship of the two characters is well presented.
About dreams, the young boy always wanted to be an artist as he had the talent of drawing, but the status quo made him a civil servant. Sometimes we dare not to change just because we are too lazy, or in lack of motivation. Always easier said than done, but taking action might not be so hard as we think. Maybe changing our sexual orientation is difficult, however changing our life to fulfill what you really want is feasible.
On the other hand, the drug culture is inevitable to the young generation, the temptation makes it hard to decline. Making a wise choice seems vital then.
The cast is good, Michael Legge and Allen Leech each gives a strong and memorable performance, the chemistry between them is pleasant and adorable. Amy Shiels is amazingly beautiful in this film.
I highly recommend this film to everyone who are wandering how their lives are going to be and I think it's very useful.
- lasttimeisaw
- 5 अग॰ 2007
- परमालिंक
It's rare to come across exceptionally well done movies like this one that manage to stay hidden for years? Cowboys is a genuine rare gem.
This cleverly written Irish drama is highly entertaining and realistic. But it's tilted just a few degrees off axis making it fresh and unpredictable. This is familiar subject matter given a genuine makeover with a few Irish twists. It's the sort of film that makes wading through all the junk at film festivals worthwhile.
On a more technical level, it never feels particularly low budget. The lead actors do a very credible job. The cinematography is honest and the sound, in particular, is way above average for this genre. There are a few stray threads hanging off the seams here and there, but the story and main characters are easily captivating enough to keep your attention elsewhere.
Others obviously consider this a gay themed movie but I don't agree. There's no gay romance and only a brief moments or hints of gay intimacy. There might be a tiny element of "Queer Eye For The Straight Guy" here, but it's just one of many small subplots. It's much more a coming of age movie--and, as such, it clearly excels.
This cleverly written Irish drama is highly entertaining and realistic. But it's tilted just a few degrees off axis making it fresh and unpredictable. This is familiar subject matter given a genuine makeover with a few Irish twists. It's the sort of film that makes wading through all the junk at film festivals worthwhile.
On a more technical level, it never feels particularly low budget. The lead actors do a very credible job. The cinematography is honest and the sound, in particular, is way above average for this genre. There are a few stray threads hanging off the seams here and there, but the story and main characters are easily captivating enough to keep your attention elsewhere.
Others obviously consider this a gay themed movie but I don't agree. There's no gay romance and only a brief moments or hints of gay intimacy. There might be a tiny element of "Queer Eye For The Straight Guy" here, but it's just one of many small subplots. It's much more a coming of age movie--and, as such, it clearly excels.
- mikeatlarge
- 4 जून 2006
- परमालिंक
I was cleaning my computer, somehow I found this comment that I wrote for this movie, I don't think that it was published, So here it is.
---
There are two things that I remembered the most.
1. One of the dialogs between the two characters.
"Are you gay? Yes, I am. It's the fashion thing, isn't it? It is everything. I am not, by the way. I figured. It is the hair thing, isn't it? It is... everything." That could be one of the things that people can talk about.
2. When they were about to see the inspector for their drug problems, the gay guy was very nervous. You can see it through his eyes. The instant he saw the inspector who had sex with him, his eyes changed immediately which he didn't even have to say anything to show that. Therefore, he has proved that he is a good actor for being able to express subtle things just through his eyes.
There is one particular scene that did not make any sense to me. When Shane discovered the hidden drug, the next day when he was at the office, one of his workers said to him: "don't worry son, it might never happen." And he smiled back.
Another thing that seems to be a little unreasonable is that the drug dealer Keith is gay. He didn't act or look like gay, and he didn't seem to be interested in Shane sexually.
Even though Ireland is another English speaking country, however, this movie still seems a little distant from where I am. It is about young people's life, I don't feel that most people can relate in the USA. Overall, it is a good film.
---
There are two things that I remembered the most.
1. One of the dialogs between the two characters.
"Are you gay? Yes, I am. It's the fashion thing, isn't it? It is everything. I am not, by the way. I figured. It is the hair thing, isn't it? It is... everything." That could be one of the things that people can talk about.
2. When they were about to see the inspector for their drug problems, the gay guy was very nervous. You can see it through his eyes. The instant he saw the inspector who had sex with him, his eyes changed immediately which he didn't even have to say anything to show that. Therefore, he has proved that he is a good actor for being able to express subtle things just through his eyes.
There is one particular scene that did not make any sense to me. When Shane discovered the hidden drug, the next day when he was at the office, one of his workers said to him: "don't worry son, it might never happen." And he smiled back.
Another thing that seems to be a little unreasonable is that the drug dealer Keith is gay. He didn't act or look like gay, and he didn't seem to be interested in Shane sexually.
Even though Ireland is another English speaking country, however, this movie still seems a little distant from where I am. It is about young people's life, I don't feel that most people can relate in the USA. Overall, it is a good film.
- Hunky Stud
- 22 अक्टू॰ 2008
- परमालिंक
It's a low-budget film with little in the way of a storyline and includes some diversions that have little bearing on the overall product. All of this would lead you to dismiss it as a lightweight offering. However, one of the main functions of a movie is to capture a sense of time and place and, in this context, Cowboys & Angels succeeds brilliantly. Even though it was made just two years ago, it has already found a unique position in time that viewers can relate to. It is set in my hometown of Limerick at the turn of the millennium as Ireland was moving from being the poorest country in western Europe to one of the wealthiest. Much of this happened to the bemusement of a population which had grown up on unemployment and emigration and now suddenly found itself surrounded by opportunities it had only dreamed of up to then. And along the way, a certain innocence was lost as a bulging generation of baby-boomers (Ireland's birthrate peaked thirty years later than its neighbours)worked its way through the buzz and the heartaches of transformation. In some ways, it resembles growing-up classics like American Graffiti and Rebel Without a Cause but set in a very different time and place. The main character, superbly played by Michael Legge, captures that wide-eyed innocence that the country was going through at the time while the photography picks up the youthful vitality of the city. While, on the surface, it may be an unremarkable tale about an unremarkable place, the ambiance is absolutely spot-on. Cowboys & Angels is perhaps the most representative contemporary feature film to come out of Ireland during the past decade.
- johnjredington
- 20 फ़र॰ 2005
- परमालिंक
An enjoyable ninety minutes, an amiable film about youth, about growing up in many ways, about learning to getting along, a bit sentimental without being stupidly weepy, and a bit violent without indulging in bloodletting because it might be cool.
Two young men, strangers, share a flat in Limerick out of convenience and learn to live with differences--but not easily--as is true with life, education is often not in a classroom, and the lead lad gets in some disturbing situations that are not merely illegal. The actors obviously had fun making the film, and that communicates to the viewer--being that it's authentic Irish, I thought subtitles might be in order as they sometimes are with brogues and dialects (Last Orders, for instance), but it's clear sailing, with a few plot complexities but an easy watch featuring likable characters.
Two young men, strangers, share a flat in Limerick out of convenience and learn to live with differences--but not easily--as is true with life, education is often not in a classroom, and the lead lad gets in some disturbing situations that are not merely illegal. The actors obviously had fun making the film, and that communicates to the viewer--being that it's authentic Irish, I thought subtitles might be in order as they sometimes are with brogues and dialects (Last Orders, for instance), but it's clear sailing, with a few plot complexities but an easy watch featuring likable characters.
- museumofdave
- 12 अप्रैल 2013
- परमालिंक
I'm somewhat suspicious of long winded raving reviews that make excessive reference to the actors or crew. It always makes me think that either the person worked on the film, or were asked to write the review as a favour.
I have no connection to this film and I thought it was terrible. I felt nothing watching it. It was not engaging, nor was it ambitious. Normally one has a certain allowance for an amateur film like this, you tend forgive certain things due to budget reasons etc. and most of those type of films have a certain spirit or drive to them that you admire. Not here. This film is in love with itself, and I certainly found it to have no spirit or drive to it.
I found the films concept of the OTT 'gay character', who will change the indifferent 'straight character' to be less of a square and more in touch with himself; to be unbelievably cliché and outdated. A gay friend of mine commented that he found the portrayal insulting, I can see his point.
Some things that occurred to me: The direction is pedestrian at best and the lighting is bad. The film did nothing new, nor did it have the notion or spirit to try. The acting of the two main leads goes from OK to almost good, but everyone else is poor. The cartoon 'gangsters' are laughable, and for all the wrong reasons. Is this meant to be a 'real' setting or 'magical realism' for Limerick? I couldn't seem to grasp the tone.
I'm tired of seeing 'join the dot' movies receive plaudits at "Festival Wherever", and rave 'favour reviews' by provincial critics. Really, how does something like this get funded? I really feel that if some filmmakers careers depended on putting bums on seats in a cinema, they would soon find themselves having to change jobs. This is just not good enough.
I have no connection to this film and I thought it was terrible. I felt nothing watching it. It was not engaging, nor was it ambitious. Normally one has a certain allowance for an amateur film like this, you tend forgive certain things due to budget reasons etc. and most of those type of films have a certain spirit or drive to them that you admire. Not here. This film is in love with itself, and I certainly found it to have no spirit or drive to it.
I found the films concept of the OTT 'gay character', who will change the indifferent 'straight character' to be less of a square and more in touch with himself; to be unbelievably cliché and outdated. A gay friend of mine commented that he found the portrayal insulting, I can see his point.
Some things that occurred to me: The direction is pedestrian at best and the lighting is bad. The film did nothing new, nor did it have the notion or spirit to try. The acting of the two main leads goes from OK to almost good, but everyone else is poor. The cartoon 'gangsters' are laughable, and for all the wrong reasons. Is this meant to be a 'real' setting or 'magical realism' for Limerick? I couldn't seem to grasp the tone.
I'm tired of seeing 'join the dot' movies receive plaudits at "Festival Wherever", and rave 'favour reviews' by provincial critics. Really, how does something like this get funded? I really feel that if some filmmakers careers depended on putting bums on seats in a cinema, they would soon find themselves having to change jobs. This is just not good enough.
- Dark Raven
- 23 मार्च 2005
- परमालिंक
Although there is a gay lead in first-time director David Gleeson's "Cowboys and Angels", this is by no means a gay film, rather a touching and heartwarming story of two young men coming-of-age in the heart of Dublin. Rivaling anything that's on the market today in the way of teen films, this rises above any of them with great performances and a fresh look at some old themes. It might be too sweet at times and neatly wrapped but the Irish charm of the characters keeps it afloat throughout.
Michael Legge plays Shane Butler, a geeky 20 year old lad from the suburbs who has just moved to Dublin. While searching for a flat to rent he stumbles upon a fellow classmate from high school, Vincent (Allen Leech), and the two reconnect when they both happen to be looking at the same apartment to rent. They decide to share it and Shane's adventure in the big city begins.
Shane is straight, has a quiet demeanor, and looks like his mom dressed him, while Vincent is more outgoing, dresses and looks funky, oh, and is gay. The two don't quite hit it off at first, but their friendship develops over time and Vincent takes him under his wing, as a friend and partly as a fashion project. Shane falls for a girl named Gemma (Amy Shiels) who works in a nearby burger joint, and it just so happens an old classmate of Vincent's. Shane has a hard time making the connection with her and is envious of her and Vincent's friendship. To make matters worse, Shane finds some drugs in the buildings lobby, he gets caught by the dealer (David Murray), and is then offered a large sum of money to make a run. He takes the offer hoping the money can either buy him a new wardrobe or help put him into art school and get him out of his dead-end job at the civil service department. A subplot involves a coworker named Jerry that is truly touching. In any event, Shane falls into the wrong crowd and friendships are tested, hearts broken, and loved ones lost. But in the end, true friendship endures and you can't help be touched by either one, the cowboy or angel.
Michael Legge plays Shane Butler, a geeky 20 year old lad from the suburbs who has just moved to Dublin. While searching for a flat to rent he stumbles upon a fellow classmate from high school, Vincent (Allen Leech), and the two reconnect when they both happen to be looking at the same apartment to rent. They decide to share it and Shane's adventure in the big city begins.
Shane is straight, has a quiet demeanor, and looks like his mom dressed him, while Vincent is more outgoing, dresses and looks funky, oh, and is gay. The two don't quite hit it off at first, but their friendship develops over time and Vincent takes him under his wing, as a friend and partly as a fashion project. Shane falls for a girl named Gemma (Amy Shiels) who works in a nearby burger joint, and it just so happens an old classmate of Vincent's. Shane has a hard time making the connection with her and is envious of her and Vincent's friendship. To make matters worse, Shane finds some drugs in the buildings lobby, he gets caught by the dealer (David Murray), and is then offered a large sum of money to make a run. He takes the offer hoping the money can either buy him a new wardrobe or help put him into art school and get him out of his dead-end job at the civil service department. A subplot involves a coworker named Jerry that is truly touching. In any event, Shane falls into the wrong crowd and friendships are tested, hearts broken, and loved ones lost. But in the end, true friendship endures and you can't help be touched by either one, the cowboy or angel.
The freshness and utterly natural appeal of leads Michael Legge and Allen Leech is the highlight of this Irish production about the friendship of a gay and straight pair of roommates.
Leech is an openly gay young man with ambitions to be a fashion designer who wants eventually to go to New York to fulfill those dreams. In that field it's either New York or Paris. The housing shortage in Dublin puts these two together and they had a past acquaintanceship from school.
Poor Legge is a shy and socially clumsy kid who has a dull civil service job. Leech takes him in hand and gives him a Queer Eye makeover, but gets a lot more than he could imagine as Legge befriends a pair of drug dealers in the same building and gets Dublin law enforcement looking at him. Both of them get romantic attention from previous unthought of sources as well.
In the end Leech is the one who provides a way out of difficulties for both of them.
In a country with a rigid homophobic and Catholic tradition of which it has come to grips with Cowboys&Angels is a delightful film about the Irish gay scene. The leads give natural and sincere performances and for gay audiences and a few straight people I recommend this film.
Leech is an openly gay young man with ambitions to be a fashion designer who wants eventually to go to New York to fulfill those dreams. In that field it's either New York or Paris. The housing shortage in Dublin puts these two together and they had a past acquaintanceship from school.
Poor Legge is a shy and socially clumsy kid who has a dull civil service job. Leech takes him in hand and gives him a Queer Eye makeover, but gets a lot more than he could imagine as Legge befriends a pair of drug dealers in the same building and gets Dublin law enforcement looking at him. Both of them get romantic attention from previous unthought of sources as well.
In the end Leech is the one who provides a way out of difficulties for both of them.
In a country with a rigid homophobic and Catholic tradition of which it has come to grips with Cowboys&Angels is a delightful film about the Irish gay scene. The leads give natural and sincere performances and for gay audiences and a few straight people I recommend this film.
- bkoganbing
- 13 दिस॰ 2015
- परमालिंक
Despite it's good intentions this movie is completely pat. It's writing is absolutely obvious, and the "surprises" are utterly tragic attempts for moral or social or cultural redemption or something, or nothing.
It's just a piece of . . .
The writing at times devolves into such cliché that it is almost unbelievable that the actors could say such lines with straight faces. The actors, by the way, are the best part of it all, poor things. My heart goes out to them for having to suffer through the dialogue. They should be given awards for making this "After School Special Movie of the Week" seem life-like. Sadly in the end it just doesn't work, it's dead on arrival. Avoid this one at all costs.
It's just a piece of . . .
The writing at times devolves into such cliché that it is almost unbelievable that the actors could say such lines with straight faces. The actors, by the way, are the best part of it all, poor things. My heart goes out to them for having to suffer through the dialogue. They should be given awards for making this "After School Special Movie of the Week" seem life-like. Sadly in the end it just doesn't work, it's dead on arrival. Avoid this one at all costs.
Flat-mate wanted: apply within. So begins the sweetest straight-gay friendship in recent memory. Shane is a lost and lonely 20 year-old civil servant from the suburbs; he's adorably hetero and has no sense of style. His new roommate in the big city is Vincent, a hot young fashion student, queer, innately stylish, full of life, surrounded by friends, and able to pick up a hot daddy in ten seconds. For Shane, Vincent unlocks buried artistic dreams and a burning need to embrace the adventure of youth. For Vincent, Shane is...well...he's a makeover project, inside and out. And soon enough, he's in serious trouble. Filled with just enough confidence to make just the wrong move, Shane falls in with two drug-dealing thugs downstairs, and things get dangerous fast. As he spins out of control, Vincent flinches from the monster he's created. But the flat has thin walls, and even at their worst, Shane and Vincent never stop listening for each other. Refreshingly, writer/director David Gleeson's vision of this friendship transcends all that we've come to expect from a gay-straight relationship onscreen. The warmth and youthful optimism that emerge from this duo is positively infectious, and Michael Legge and Allen Leech effortlessly bring to life one of the rarest kinds of love. Gleeson's production is polished and lyrical; like Shane's clothing designs, Cowboys and Angels is colorful, bold and exhilaratingly alive.
"Shane" (Michael Legge) is a country bumpkin who has got a job working for the government but who is fed up commuting from his rural home. Whilst he's at the letting agent, he sees a flat that he can't afford but could possibly share with another interested party. He's already, briefly, met "Vincent" (Allen Leech) but now they seem destined to share a new home. "Vincent" is his exact opposite. An outwardly gay, stylish and creative design school lad who pretty much takes over the place. A bottle of wine and some shared school trip memories start to cement their friendship and swiftly require "Shane" to up-convert his wardrobe. That might prove a little easier to fund when he discovers that the lads downstairs like to peddle some drugs. They promise him some easy cash to be their mule and, well naturally that course isn't going to run smoothly for him or his new, uninvolved, flatmate. When a disaster strikes and some menacing individuals start to keep watch on their building, things could be getting quite dodgy for the pair just as "Vincent" must put on his diploma-earning catwalk show. Can they sort things out and stay out of jail - or worse? To be honest, the story becomes a little too far-fetched but it's kept alive by two really quite engaging performances from Legge and Leech that screams bromance at you. It's also a film that showcases just how profoundly life has moved on in an Ireland where being gay is no big deal for many, though it also shows is just how prevalent the drug culture has become, too. The dialogue, especially from "Vincent" is amiably sarcastic and the whole film, aided by a few scenes from best pal "Gemma" (Amy Shiels), exudes a confidence and likeableness that raises a smile and effortlessly passes ninety minutes. The conclusion is all a bit rushed but it's still worth a watch.
- CinemaSerf
- 20 फ़र॰ 2025
- परमालिंक
I popped the DVD into my PC just to see what this film looked and sounded like - and was immediately wrapped up in the visuals, the story and especially the sound. Even with a modest 5.1 speaker system I was amazed - it's hard to imagine a bigger or better experience in a cinema. Ninety minutes later I logged onto IMDb to sing its praises.
I like that the script is very tight - yet allowing space for the characters to breathe. You can't help trying to second guess how they'll develop, because there's enough divergence to counter predictability - meaning that it all makes good reasonable sense and is very satisfying.
The surround sound mix is just one of the attractions - and as well as being morally sound (very homo and hetero friendly) it's damned fine entertainment.
I like that the script is very tight - yet allowing space for the characters to breathe. You can't help trying to second guess how they'll develop, because there's enough divergence to counter predictability - meaning that it all makes good reasonable sense and is very satisfying.
The surround sound mix is just one of the attractions - and as well as being morally sound (very homo and hetero friendly) it's damned fine entertainment.
- agnesefiducia
- 28 जुल॰ 2005
- परमालिंक
- reeves2002
- 4 सित॰ 2007
- परमालिंक
Now here's the right way to do a drama/comedy involving Ireland's drug scene. (Makers of Headrush, take note!) Shane is so young and fresh-faced that we instinctively want to take him on our lap and give him a big hug--even though he's 20. His mother gives him a religious medallion and frets as he moves into a flat in the middle of Limerick. And she's right to. Shane is a lost soul looking for something and/or someone to belong to. His flatmate Vincent, on the other hand, is très cool and seems to have everything under control. We think we know where things are heading, but not everything happens quite exactly the way we expect. Being a movie, things move in a clear arc and do end very tidily, but still this film gets at some real truths about what life is like for young Irish men these days. What seems strange for an Irish movie is its sense of optimism and its celebration of people finding themselves. Shane is played by Michael Legge, whose previous experience playing a Limerick character was as one of three actors to play the young Frank McCourt in Angela's Ashes. Here he makes a very convincing transformation from insecure youth to newly found self-confidence. Allen Leech is likewise convincing as Vincent, who does a queer-eye-for-the-straight-guy number on Shane. Also on hand are David Murray, playing a more menacing version of his character in Flick, and Frank Kelly, managing to erase his "Father Jack" image as Shane's co-worker who symbolizes the dead end of a safe path through life.
This breezy comedy-drama marks an assured feature film debut for David Gleeson, who traces his interest in film back to his childhood in the Co. Limerick village of Cappamore, where his father ran the local cinema. Set in present-day Limerick City, his film stars Michael Legge, who played the teenaged Frank McCourt in Angela's Ashes, but it offers a very different view of the city to the rain-sodden misery of McCourt's early life - and to its Stab City image as the alternative murder capital of Ireland.
The emphasis of this warm, engaging movie is on the friendship that develops between two young men who agree to share an apartment for economic reasons. Shane (Legge) is a shy with girls and already bored with his job as a civil servant, and Vincent (Allan Leech) is a flamboyantly dressed, openly gay fashion design student. Shane's journey of self-discovery is charted with wit and insight in Gleeson's sweet-natured movie, which neatly resolves the potentially awkward moral dilemmas it raises. There is an appealingly natural chemistry between the charming lead actors, and a touching portrayal of a disillusioned older civil servant by Frank Kelly.
The emphasis of this warm, engaging movie is on the friendship that develops between two young men who agree to share an apartment for economic reasons. Shane (Legge) is a shy with girls and already bored with his job as a civil servant, and Vincent (Allan Leech) is a flamboyantly dressed, openly gay fashion design student. Shane's journey of self-discovery is charted with wit and insight in Gleeson's sweet-natured movie, which neatly resolves the potentially awkward moral dilemmas it raises. There is an appealingly natural chemistry between the charming lead actors, and a touching portrayal of a disillusioned older civil servant by Frank Kelly.