The Young Offenders

This film tells the story of two teenage boys, who do not see much of their futures in their respective single parent families. One day, they hear about a big shipment of cocaine being washed ashore about 160km from where they live, they set off to find a bag of cocaine that will change their lives forever.

"The Young Offenders" is a surprisingly sweet film despite their teenage delinquencies. It tells Jock's dream of having a different life, and he acts upon it and pursue his chance of getting a new life. It is the American dream but located in Ireland. The other boy is very good natured deep in his heart, as we can see in more than one occasion in the film. The story is inspiring as well as funny, and there is quite a bit of thrill at the end too. I enjoyed it a lot.

This film is true to the essence of Cork and depicts its salt of the earth characters. Being from the city there was an extra layer of appreciation as a viewer: when the shipment was cast into the ocean a bale did go missing. I'm sure there were individuals who sought a fortune like the protagonists do in this film.

I was skeptical of watching the film as I was expecting it to be drawn out, filled with obvious one liners. I was happily surprised to discover I was wrong, the film creates two lovable rogue characters who are aware at times of their failings. No cheap jokes here, the dialogue was to the point without being obvious. I didn't expect the direction the film took, and am happy to see that the film is internationally well received, winning awards in LA, Texas and London.

If you are unsure, watch the movie trailer. Comedy gold with a tongue in cheek view, beautifully shot along West Cork. Don't take the characters as true representations of Corkonians, as this is a comedy. All aspects of this film are seamless: editing, dialogue, location, casting and soundtrack. Fantastic film, refreshingly not the typical Irish cinema most would expect from Ireland.

Alex Murphy and Chris Walley play two of the most endearing characters I've ever seen, sure they are misguided but they are also incredibly sweet. The film shows what life is like for single parents, people who are living in difficult circumstances, abusive parents. Quite dark subject matter, but the film had me laughing consistently throughout.

I loved Dominic MacHale as the pseudo villain, and without giving any spoilers his "redemption" is lovely. The story is silly, but reportedly based on real events which is interesting. Hilary Rose as Conor's mother is fantastic. For what was, I'm assuming a very low budget, it is technically well made and nicely shot.

Just an all round well done comedy.

Having watched the TV Series first and fallen in love with Conor and Jock's escapades, I finally got around to watching the film. While it is still still fun, outrageous and cringeworthy (in a good way), the film isn't as good as the series. The characters feel slightly more 2 dimensional . If I had seen the film first, I doubt I would have wanted to watch the TV series. It's still an OK film and a good length, at less than 90 minutes and you can see the green shoots of what the TV show was to become.

I expected some comedy, but this was hilarious fun. There is pace and action not dissimilar from Guy Ritchie movies. It reminded me of Lock Stock and Two Smoking Barrels on a much lighter tone and probably twice as funny.

I absolutely loved the stylised but down to earth storytelling, and the narrative. I hope the director/writer come up with more stylised comedy like this. It is not filled with gratuitous violence. It is definitely recommended viewing.

I have given it an enthusiastic 9 because I have not laughed so much in a while. It would have still been a 7 if I laughed 50% less!!