[A] rollicking rags-to-rags story.

| Dec 27, 2023

The Commitments is very well realized but requires a specialized audience. [Full review in Spanish]

| Dec 12, 2022

The Commitments is possibly Parker’s most personal film, his own working-class origins in the north London borough of Islington paralleling those of his characters.

| Original Score: 3/4 | May 24, 2022

At base The Commitments is about the common experiences and emotions that unite us.

| Oct 24, 2021

The locations have a certain grimy reality. The musical sequences are downright combustible, exploding off the screen. And the cast -- young and inexperienced as they are -- manage to convey poignant believability.

| Original Score: 2.5/4 | Aug 17, 2021

Filmmaker Alan Parker does a superb job of instantly luring the viewer into the deliberately-paced proceedings...

| Original Score: 3/4 | Mar 28, 2020

It is fun, warm, moving, lively -- an altogether enjoyable film.

| Jul 19, 2018

Joyous '90s musical-drama has lots of profanity.

| Original Score: 4/5 | Sep 6, 2016

Memorable, lingering in one's mind after it has ended. Perhaps, in the end, it's a tad wiser than it initially lets on.

| Original Score: 2.5/4 | Aug 29, 2016

| Original Score: C | Sep 7, 2011

It's a relaxed, colorful creation, remaining true to rascally human behaviors while respecting the unifying power of music. Downright irresistible.

| Original Score: A- | Aug 16, 2011

The film offers no message, no solutions, only a great time at the movies.

| Aug 20, 2008

Does a remarkable job of balancing a feel of lower-class life with the sheer exuberance the music brings.

| Jun 6, 2008

Full Review | Original Score: 4/5 | Apr 6, 2008

This typically slick but largely enjoyable Alan Parker offering is the story of the rise and demise of a young Irish soul band.

| Original Score: 3/4 | Mar 10, 2008

Director Alan Parker's story of a band of young Dubliners playing American '60s soul is fresh, well-executed and original.

| Mar 10, 2008

Sharply written and executed with real verve, this is an enduring and enjoyable comedy-drama that showcases some great performances both on and off-stage.

| Original Score: 3.5/5 | Mar 10, 2008

This is probably Alan Parker's best film, in part because it's one of his most modest.

| Mar 10, 2008

Foul-mouthed, fast-talking and very funny, this is Parker's best to date.

| Jun 24, 2006

Full Review | Original Score: 2/5 | Oct 15, 2005