“The Bridges of Madison County” review by Maolsheachlann

The Bridges of Madison County (1995) The Bridges of Madison County is far from being a great movie, but it’s very nearly a perfect movie—in its own way. What it does, it does very well indeed, and it wisely doesn’t try to do any more. Its virtue is its simplicity; this is a film about […]

“The Dukes of Hazzard” review by Maolsheachlann

The Dukes of Hazzard (2005) Jessica Simpson. That, in two words, is why this cracking film never got the credit it deserved. I’d never heard of Jessica Simpson before I went to see it—in fact, I’d barely heard of the Dukes of Hazzard TV series—so it didn’t prejudice me in the slightest, or stop me […]

“Trading Places” review by Maolsheachlann

Trading Places (4/5) Hey, it’s Christmas again! And as we all know, Christmas is a time for… Well, Christmas is a time for everything, isn’t it? It picks up traditions, customs, institutions and insanely catchy songs like a kid’s dropped lollipop picks up fluff. Don’t get me wrong; I love Christmas. Along with steaming mugs […]

“Dead of Night” review by Maolsheachlann

Dead of Night (5/5) None of the new releases lured me into the cinema this week, so—since I’m also conscious that I haven’t given full marks to any film yet (and I’m unlikely to do so in the foreseeable future)—I thought I would look at an old classic, 1945’s Dead of Night. I believe that […]

“Dinner for Schmucks” review by Maolsheachlann

Dinner for Schmucks (4/5) It’s often been said that going to the movies is a religious act. And, for me, there is an element of truth in that. No, I’m not blasphemously suggesting that the cinema should replace church, synagogue or mosque. That’s a horrific thought. But, since I was a kid, the cinema has […]

“Grown-Ups” review by Maolsheachlann

Grown-Ups (4/5) Confession: I sobbed several times during this movie. Confession: I love Adam Sandler’s brand of big-hearted buffoonery. Chances are, you’ve already decided, based on those two confessions, whether my four-out-of-five rating is worth taking seriously. Most critics pasted this movie. I wonder if they’d already decided to hate it before they took their […]

“The Expendables” review by Maolsheachlann

The Expendables (3/5) The Expendables is a film that will delight twelve-year boys, and anyone who is willing to become a twelve-year-old boy for its running time. It’s the kind of film that isn’t quite complete without a detailed analysis afterwards in the school-yard. But even if that isn’t an option for you, you can […]

“Salt” review by Maolsheachlann

Salt (4/5) Don’t you miss the Cold War? The threat of nuclear annihilation might not have been such fun, but at least you knew where you stood, especially when you walked into a movie theatre. It was all so simple. The Americans were the good guys. They were for capitalism, freedom and God. The Russians […]

“Cinema Paradiso” review by Maolsheachlann

Cinema Paradiso (3/5) Salvatore is one of those loud, perpetually grinning, mischievous movie kids who are just crying out to be slapped. He lives in a dusty Italian village, the sort where women breastfeed in the cinema, all the men wear cloth caps and all the old women wear headshawls. The village folk like to […]

Maolsheachlann’s movie review introduction

Maolsheachlann O’Ceallaigh is a work colleague of mine, whose exceptional writing skills I always envied and admired. I promised him this valuable WeekendBase piece of land for his movie review writing, under the condition that “Cinema Paradiso” review comes in first. So, Maol, good luck and I look forward to “work” with you on this […]