Review of Jimmy's Hall (2014) by Alan W — 11 Jun 2014

Competently made, this sincere film is educational and historically worthy while the feel is lyrical and reflective. However, while the film doesn't lack dramatic tension (because there is), it also can feel a bit flat, especially during the last third of the film, where staying true to the events it is depicting comes at the expense of a more audience friendly and satisfying ending.

There are, of course, pros and cons in how much artistic license one should use between inflating events to get a (cheap) thrill (see: Argo) and the honesty in depicting the real truth, but this probably isn't the place to do that.

I would simply say that I am glad to have seen this film and learnt a bit more about Irish history, and at a mere 90 or so minutes, it definitely won't outstay its welcome. But ultimately, it is more a film to respect and admire than to enjoy.

File next to 12 Years A Slave.