Sorry for the OT thread, but thought some might be interested. I just saw Jim Sheridan’s new movie “In America” and well, it was really brilliant. Although it probably sounds like an “Angela’s Ashes” rip-off, I assure you its not. I actually think its a better movie than AA anyway. Actually, I’ve never seen a Sheridan picture I didn’t like. “In the Name of the Father” got alot of attention, but I also thought his follow-up “The Boxer” was really great, although it seems like that one flew under alot of radars. Anyway, if you’d like to see a good movie, go rent “In America.”
On a related note. I find myself wondering how Sheridan’s movies (and others like Angela’s Ashes) go over in Ireland? Or among recent Irish immigrants. He dances on the edge of the political in some of his movies (most obviously in “In the Name of the Father”) but alot of the significance of that is lost on us Americans. Now that I think of it, I wonder if Sheridan is really making movies primarily for an Irish audience. Even, “In America” has less for the Irish-American to identify with than something like “Angela’s Ashes.” But in any case, I think Sheridan’s work transcends any particular “Irish” label. Its really his strong story and character-driven approach that I think makes his movies so brilliant, regardless of what accent the actors have. Eh, enough OT rambling for now.
James
