Red Roses and Petrol

I recently saw this film at a special screening. I didn't know what to expect but was ultimately very happy that I attended the event. The story about a dysfunctional family rings true, as the relationship between siblings is portrayed in a very believable way. I really enjoyed the acting by the entire cast. I especially liked seeing Malcolm McDowell playing such a different type of character. It should also be noted that the soundtrack was very good, especially my introduction to "Flogging Molly" and it's always nice to hear new songs by Susanna Hoffs of "The Bangles". Even though the film had a few slow spots, overall, the film was very moving, yet not overly sentimental.

Unbelievably poor screen adaption of Joseph O'Connor's play is a candidate for WORST FILM OF THE NEW MILLENNIUM.

Full of cliches, unbelievable situations, cardboard characters. AND SO TOTALLY BORING!!!!!!

Nothing about the situation, the characters, rings true.

In short, don't waste your time.

A MAJOR DISAPPOINTMENT!

I would just like to reply to the previous negative comment that was made about this film. I happen to love Malcolm McDowell and I think this film is one of his best works, not stiff and pretentious at all. I think it was a great adaptation to Joseph O'Conner's play, which I also happened to see a few years ago when I lived in Boston. I was able to relate to the plot a lot because I come from a family, although not Irish, that is dysfunctional in a way as well. I think others have a good opportunity to relate to this film too because it is full of genuine emotion. There was also a good number of Flogging Molly songs which was really enjoyable to hear especially in the dancing scene in the family's backyard.

While I don't agree with all the comments stating that it was a fantastic movie, it did have some very good moments to it. I thought the cinematography was lacking in many areas where it could have been very creative. I felt like I was watching the play, not a movie with endless possibilities of angles and lighting. However, I was unexpectedly drawn into this dysfunctional family where nothing was as it seemed. There was some good laughs and heartfelt moments, but the best for me was the music. With sounds of Flogging Molly and Susanna Hoffs in the background, it created a perfect mood throughout, transporting me to the streets of Ireland. This is definitely a soundtrack I will be purchasing when it comes out.

I saw this film at the Westwood Film Festival in L.A. and I was blown away.

Red Roses is the kind of film that *should* be getting made these days: strong characters, seamless writing, great performances. Malcolm McDowell plays an admired but flawed Irish patriarch, whose three children and loving wife (elegantly played by Olivia Tracy, who is gorgeous) reunite at his wake and come to terms with their not-always-rosy relationships to him and each other. We come to know McDowell's character Enda Doyle only through videotapes he has left, which doesn't diminish his screen presence one bit – he is as riveting here as he was 35 years ago in A Clockwork Orange. As the alcohol flows, the family's dysfunction is gradually revealed until eventually we understand why none of Enda's university colleagues or local pub companions has chosen to join the family at his wake. The standout performance here is by Max Beesley as the prodigal son Johnny - with a presence reminiscent of a tougher Ewan MacGregor he could be MacDowell's real-life son. He nails the hard exterior formed by years of compensating for his father's tough love. Heather Juergensen (Kissing Jessica Stein) out-Irishes her real Irish counterparts (no distracting accents here), and Susan Lynch and Greg Ellis are both strong and convincing as the favorite first-born sister (though no angel, she) and her awkward boyfriend dancing as fast as he can to please everyone.

A central story point is the role of a mysterious beautiful girl known to have kept company at the university with Doyle (Catherine Farrell – yes, Colin's sister). Has the mother been unaware all these years of Enda's indiscretions, or has she chosen to live in denial just to survive? This subplot is expertly played out as the film unfolds.

Red Roses and Petrol is an engaging, if sometimes gut-wrenching, portrayal of a real family coming to terms with real issues. Go see it if you can.