Be Good or Be Gone

I've just watched this film as part of the 2021 Dublin International Film Festival and it's a decent effort but despite the best efforts of all involved it's not great. It's pretty much what it says on the tin, a film about 2 cousins on temporary release from prison trying to avoid trouble but finding trouble at every turn. Watch it anyway, maybe you'll appreciate it more than I did.

Really surprised by this little film. Saw the review in The Guardian the other day and thought why not take a look. I thought it was much better than the 3-star review it received. No recognizable names in it at all but really well acted. Simple story and plot but done excellently well. As low budget films go this is brilliant. You'll be pleasantly surprised.

I totally enjoyed watching this movie a great self funded project which stands up on it's own with it's great characters and a good story. A movie that also captured the bare bones and pure essence of Inner City Dublin. A great debut for director Cathal Nally in his first feature and great performances from Les Martin and Declan Mills. Actors to watch out for in the future!

I watched this movie at DIFF, and from the start I loved its gritty exterior... only to fall in love with the HEART of it.

The characters are designed brilliantly, they are true to themselves, never changing their convictions, yet always adapting to their surroundings.

The premise is tried and tested, and the environment equally so, but that does not take away from the core message this movie brings across brilliantly.

Yes, there are rough edges, yes there are scenes that are tough to watch, but this movie is full of honesty, and that sets it apart from anything else.

This independently financed debut has a lot going for it. There is strong chemistry between the two leads, and the script is peppered with genuine inner city Dublin dialect that Roddy Doyle would be proud of. All the characters are believable, and despite the bleak moments (inner city drug addiction and criminal intimidation) the film has an energy about it, and sits comfortably between Adam and Paul (2004) and Between The Canals (2011). A promising debut that should lead to bigger things for all concerned.