Tomorrow is St. Patrick’s Day and everyone will be out wearing green (or pinching those who aren’t) and it’s no different here at Click! Today, we gathered the lads and lassies and put together some of our favorite Irishy moments in film to celebrate the patron saint of Ireland. It’s said he drove all the snakes out of Ireland, which makes him ultimately responsible for Anaconda. And, for that, we thank you.
Dinah
The Commitments
If you want to confuse and delight people at your St. Patrick’s Day party this year, spin The Commitments soundtrack. “What’s with the Aretha and Otis? Where’s the U2? Where’s the Dropkick Murphys?” they’ll wonder (assuming they have limited knowledge of Irish rock. Most people do). Because no one expects the music that sounds like it’s bleeding soul could have come out of Dublin, and yet that’s the beauty of The Commitments. In 118 minutes you watch a band come together, be amazing, fight, and ultimately fall apart, and it’s equal parts hilarious, poignant, and brilliant. Most of all, because they exclusively cover badass soul classics, it totally rocks. When they finally get “Mustang Sally” right, it’s kind of shocking. The “Try a Little Tenderness” finale will break your heart—the band is too volatile to last, but the music is so beautiful it will last forever. Because the best thing about The Commitments is that while the band falls apart and the movie ends, we still have the soundtrack to be our comfort. And, of course, to confound our friends for many St. Patrick’s Day parties to come.
Mac
The Boondock Saints
My favorite Irish lads are the MacManus twins from The Boondock Saints. Two brothers righting wrongs in their Boston neighborhood through vigilante justice while being chased by Willem Dafoe in one of his quirkier roles. While fairly juvenile, it’s infinitely rewatchable and sports some inventive violence and hilarious bits of dialogue, including an excellent scene where the brothers argue about the benefits of needing a rope as part of their vigilante arsenal.
Emily
Waking Ned Devine
Quick-witted, clever, fun, full of Irish charm, and life –describes not only this film, but the characters in it. (Well, except Ned). This movie makes me smile and long for a quaint village life. Set in a lovely Irish village near cliffs so beautiful I could sit and ponder the meaning of life for days and never tire of looking out to sea, even through torrential rain. Everything about this movie makes me wish I was Irish. So raise a glass to Ned, Slainte.
Julie
Rudy
I grew up watching Rudy alongside my dad and brother, and in the 257 times we watched this beloved underdog-story full of heart and determination, we would always find ourselves inevitably drenched in tears. Sports fan or not, this movie speaks wholeheartedly and honestly to anyone who’s ever dared to dream big. The scene where Charles S. Dutton’s character, ‘Fortune’, convinces Rudy not to quit in reminding him that he’s “five feet nothin’, a hundred and nothin’”, makes me feel like I can do pretty much, anything. And, of course, that glorious final scene. A stadium ringing to the brim with chants of “Rudy…Rudy”. Rudy running on the field. Rudy sacking the quarterback, and being lifted on the shoulders of his teammates. No, I am not crying. (Yes, I am) Go Fighting Irish!
Dre
Circle Of Friends
Circle of Friends made such an impact upon my first viewing during my adolescence! Sure, I went to see it because of clean-cut cutie Chris O’Donnell, but the unlikely girl getting the guy scenario certainly had its appeal as well. Minnie Driver’s extra pounds for the role of Benny are LONG gone, but I still get the heeby jeebies every time I see Alan Cumming on-screen after his portrayal of the skeevy Sean Walsh. I bought this one as a previously viewed VHS from Blockbuster. It’s time it made it to Blu-ray, no?
“I know I may look like a rhinosarous, but I’ve got quite a thin skin, really. So just be a bit careful with me, or I’ll flatten ya.” – Minnie Driver as Bernadette ‘Benny’ Hogan
Tyler
Kill The Irishman
Based on true events, mob enforcer and Irishman, Danny Greene, was a local hero and the first man to successfully stand up to the Cleveland mob. When Greene cuts his ties to the mafia and begins moving in on their territory, the Cleveland mafia places a large bounty on Danny’s head. In the summer of 1976, 36 bombs went off in a turf war that eventually crippled the Cleveland mafia. This movie has a pretty legitimate cast (Christopher Walken, Val Kilmer, Vincent D’Onofrio, & Ray Stevenson) and is a new must-see for St.Paddy’s day.
Jackie
Once
That famous Irish charm is in full force with this modern day musical. Set on the streets of Dublin, a street musician and a Czech immigrant create songs together throughout a memorable week as a unique love story unfolds. The film features the hauntingly beautiful song “Falling Slowly” which won the Academy Award for Best Original Song.
Scott
The Leprechaun
As Click’s resident Horror Geek, I have to go with the Leprechaun films (especially the original). Warwick Davis’ performance as the evil, menacing Leprechaun and the way the films balance comedy and horror is just perfect. Don’t believe me? Well, I actually sat through all six of them in one marathon session!
Haley
The Luck Of The Irish
I grew up surrounded by Disney Original movies and thus loved all of those corny and terrible hits – Zenon: Girl of the 21st Century, Smart House, Johnny Tsunami, and of course, The Luck of the Irish. Not only did Ryan Merriman’s terrible Riverdance make me fall head over heals at 13, but it made me understand that the Irish truly had it all…strong families…potatoes…and gold. Lots of gold.
Kim
In Bruges
I loved the comedic timing of Colin Farrell and Brendan Gleason…it was a dark film with a dash of humor. And Colin wasn’t hard to look at either!
Tommy
The Town
I’m Irish. I’m a male. I’m from New England. I’m a Red Sox fan. Right now, you’re thinking: “You know, you would probably love a movie about a bunch of tough Irish guys from Boston who plan a heist on Fenway Park!” Ok, so maybe you weren’t thinking that. Regardless, The Town is my favorite Irish movie. It has it all. Bank robberies, shootouts, romance, police raids, car chases, you name it. This is one of those rare movies that you can’t help but root for the bad guys. During one of the bank robberies, I found myself cheering them on. “Yea! Shoot that innocent person! Steal that money that people worked hard for! Drive like a madman and endanger peoples lives!” So either I have issues, or this is just a smart, well crafted flick. I’m gonna go with the latter, even with my obvious hometown bias.
