The People's Review of Angela's Ashes
stephen
score = None
As it is with all movies based on books the movie never comes close to
protraying the feelings and emotions of the characters in the book.But you
cannot complain if the film contained everything in the book it would be a
very long film.My advice is read the book if you haven't already.
Erin
G. score
= 70 I
read the book and couldn't put it down. I have been waiting for the movie
for some time now. I liked the movie, but like they say...the book is always
better. I think everyone did a good job at portraying the characters. Lorene
score = 70
Kept pretty faithful to the book, but would be hard to follow for someone
who hasn't read the book. The real heartbreaking poverty that's
described in the book is hard to portray on the screen. A lot of the
humor as well. I'm still glad the movie was made. Judith
Evans Hanhisalo
score = 100
This is a movie about hope, love and, eventually, triumph. Beautifully
acted, especially by Robert Carlyle. Angela's Ashes is not flashy
and has no explosions--just real people and real truth. BlarneyOne
Wonderfully faithful to the book!!! Episodic (as it had to be) and
uniformly well-acted...I found it to be a beautiful rendering of an
individual who coped (and succeeded) despite terrible odds!!! A "must
see!!!" Prof.
Malcolm McGonigle
score = None
I would recommend that you pick up a history book and real a little about
Ireland before you write your summary of this movie... Apart from your
reference to a famine in 1935 in Ireland, your review is worthwile and
informative. Yours, Prof. M. McGonigle Unknown2
score = 90
From a Torontonian Canadian to an American/Irishman, Thank you Mr. McCourt
for allowing us into your life story. Thoroughly enjoyable and
inspiring. Andy
Woods
score = 50
This film was rich in texture but poorly put together as a garment. irishrn3@aol.com
score = 90
The movie was very emotional... My father says its his life story.. if it
is .. i can understand why my father has always been so serious... its a
movie filled with pain and poverty... it shows children living in a
horrible situation. I think this family can own the title of most
dysfunctional. but with all this dysfunction.. Frank McCourt comes out as
someone who fights back... He doesnt do what his father did.... He doesnt
sit back and watch his life go by.. he lives it... It's a
great story and a great movie... though very dark, depressing and full of
Irish rain!!!! I dont know how they didnt all die of pneumonia
always in the damp...... Go see this movie and buy the book.. its a great
read.. If you have irish in your family history.. it will hit a small part
in your heart. mobo16
score = 80
The film captures the heart of the book. The gammut swings from the
total devastation of the poor of Limerick, Ireland to the hilarity of the
schooling back to the incredulous rearing of a family with no food, father
or structure. Angela(really)
score = 100 I
am currently reading the book and I am not yet finished, I cannot
put it down. it is leaving me with a strong appreciation for
everything i own. I cannot wait to see the movie. Excellent All
around. Well written. Tom
Moran
score = 40
This movie was just awful! It contained none of the magic of the book,
falling flat and uninspired at every juncture. And failed to follow
the book in all too many instances. For God's sake Malachy was Frankie's
OLDER brother! The group masturbation scene was just too much to take.
In the book the matter was discussed in a more appropriate and normal
context of a boy growing into post-puberty with the natural inclination to
arouse himself. But four boys masturbating together against a stone wall
while peering out at sheep in a pasture? Close ups of their strained
faces? This was not in the book. Frankie took to the pasture for
masturbation for the privacy it offered, not with friends for a borderline
bestiality inspired circle-jerk. Where was the New York Italian family?
The sweet New York Jewish lady? The Protestant friend to whom Frankie
would bring his lunch, and in his hunger one day ate it and blamed the
loss on a marauding dog? Where's the sweet girl from the hospital
who died? Where was the boy who ate his mustard laden sandwich in
front of Frankie without ever offering a bite, and who later died? Where
was the Protestant/Catholic issue? The little Protestant girls so
clean and well fed, skipping rope without a clue that they were doomed?
What about the father's hatred of the British? Where was the
priceless scene at the train station, with the Irish men being given lunch
money, only to spend it getting drunk prior to the train leaving.
And the boy's being paid to wheelbarrow the passed out drunken men back to
the train? Why were Malachy, Sr. and Angela portrayed as such physically
beautiful people? I imagine they bathed once a month or so, had poor skin
due to malnourishment and cold, and had not a tooth in their heads. Where
was the beautiful melody of the Irish accent? Some characters even
stopped speaking with Irish accents all together. Miss this movie if you
can, and reread the book. murphy
score = None
Mc Court's writing was most able, and the movie could hardly follow.
Author Mc Court could be blamed for copying -avoid the nasty P word, cause
I'm unsure how to spell it. If you are a fan of 'Ashes' get the
short stories of Frank O'Connor and read FIRST CONFESSION. You will
see too much coincidence between both writings That's the source of the
word "TIS". Now we also can learn where McCourt had some
sex included to please the publisher. And, the peeking at the naked
sister of a playmate... the playmate never had a sister, we now learn.
Finally what mother would live in a urine soaked brothel with kids
dieing about her, and later make noisy sex with her kids in the same room?
Really, finally, McCourt condemns Catholicism every opportunity; if it was
not for his church he'd now be taking his dirt nap. Nikki
Ruddy
score = 90
I thoroughly enjoyed Angela's Ashes. It made me realize how lucky I
am and how happy I am to live in a god, stable home. The acting was
great, especially the acting of Michael Legge. A must see! For more reviews click here |