On Broadway
posted March 14, 2008 10:15 AM
Broadway offers some genuinely charming moments
Film about working-class Bostonian who takes up the storytelling traditions of his ancestry is warm and affectionate. Balanced, if uneven, small film offers some genuinely charming moments and a view of the value of storytelling that’s both meaningful and timeless. Platform releasing may move slowly at first, but given some good marketing, this film could attract a loyal following.
After his uncle dies unexpectedly, Jack O’Toole (Joey McIntyre—yes, of New Kids on the Block) is inspired to write a play about the wake. However loving, his family doesn’t immediately offer Jack support, first reminding him of his duties to his wife and then bearing down upon his responsibilities to the family carpentry business. The words that sting the most come from Jack’s father, who undercuts Jack’s potential to be anything but a working stiff.
Jack’s brother Mike (Mike O’Malley) is a priest. Mike shows some occasional dissatisfaction with his job (something the carpenters in the family never demonstrate), and in a related vein, he’s the most understanding and supportive of Jack’s plan. After conventional methods of mounting a play fail, the local pub (located on Broadway, hence the title) offers their stage to the playwright to launch a performance of the story, entitled God Willing. Following a long legacy of Irish plays about mourning mounted in that most communal public setting, the Irish pub, these second-generation Irish immigrants recreate, without models, a tradition centuries old in their own home in Massachusetts.
It’s pure indie-genre fare, with its cast of stock characters (the crass family friend, the aspiring artist, the curmudgeon) and its occasionally self-reflexive moments about art. But among the occasional moments of predictable dialogue the film offers some truly sweet parts that feel like a return to the indies of the early ’90s, when regional cinema still felt fresh and full of purpose. On Broadway quietly responds to this loss of intimacy and chasm that grows between regional works and their more mainstream counterparts (ironically) as the subject of these differing film products grow more and more similar. The conclusion of the film is something of a call to arms for audiences as well as filmmakers, seeking to find that communal experience that plays (and sometimes movies) can provide, if only they aim to do so. And you barely notice the film stars the youngest New Kid on the Block. Not enough evidence is available, however, for me to say he has all the right stuff.
Distributor: Picture Park
Cast: Joey McIntyre, Eliza Dushku, Mike O’Malley, Kortney Adams, Will Arnett and Amy Poehler
Director/Screenwriter: Dave McLaughlin
Producers: Lance Greene, Charlie Harrington, Dave McLaughlin and Kris Meyer
Genre: Dramedy
Rating: Unrated
Running time: 100 min.
Release date: March 14 (Boston)
10 Comments
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Ercamo5 said:
Had the pleasure of seeing this movie in Dedham last night. One of the nicest films I have seen in a long time. It is sweet, funny and one that I could actually enjoy with my kids. Reminds me of Waking Ned Devine. If you have the chance to see it, go. You won't be disappointed.
March 15, 2008 1:00 PM
frankgrimes@verizon.net said:
I loved this movie, loved the message, the acting, the humor, the poignancy, the intimacy, the music... everything about it. Don't miss this movie!
March 15, 2008 3:10 PM
elena rosas said:
ONE MARVELOUS EXPERIENCE TO SEE A HUG PRODUCTION and anexcellent thriller movie an of course its for all family, i saw the movie at dedham, so sweet!!! i love the performance of joe mcintyre it so amazing!!! i can wait to see the movie and own one dvd to keep it in my collection
i hope theres more producton like this one
congratulations to all productions
and go to see the movie you gonna love it !!!
and you wont regret watching
bye
god bless you all
March 17, 2008 2:26 PM
rich kane said:
I have seen this movie at the film festival (In Porthsmith nh. It won the festival.
This film captures the core of the boston irish.
This is how we feel at wakes, families are strained and here they come together, A truly inspiring movie, written by a great writer.
Hope to see move movies from heart like this one,
Rich Kane
March 17, 2008 3:44 PM
Kimberly Gretton said:
I've seen this film 7 times over the past year and could see it 7 more!! AMAZINGLY wonderful!!! :-) I say it's OSCAR WORTHY people!!
March 17, 2008 6:30 PM
Sinead M. N. said:
This was a wonderful movie. It was refreshing to enjoy a movie with no violence, profanity or nudity. I grew up in an Irish family, so many of the characters were familiar to me. And their humor was perfect. It has been a while since my husband and I laughed out loud at a movie. But from the same movie came tears and memories. I wish good luck to Dave McLaughlin and all the people who put this movie together. It is truly a gem. I can't wait to see it again.
March 18, 2008 6:31 PM
Susan Filbin said:
I first saw On Broadway at it's premier in Somerville, and had to wait almost a full year to see it again. It's no surprise that it has won award after award.
This film is my history! I grew up in Boston, and although not Irish myself, these are my memories as well. Unlike all the other movies about Boston, this really is Boston, it's people, it's neighborhoods, it's culture. It's nice to see we are not all made up of Kennedy's and criminals.
On Broadway, was funny, poignant, real, and very moving. The characters are true, not superhero's or villains. The dialog true, yet funny and touching.
I too, can't wait to own a copy of this movie. But I promise I will be seeing it again very soon. I will be bringing all my friends and family with me. That may take several trips.
At a Q & A with David McLaughlin and Lance Greene I heard about the heart and soul they have put into this production, and it's release. I didn't need to hear it to know it. Hollywood doesn't control everything we see, we have a say as well.
Thank you to everyone who put this together. Well done!
March 19, 2008 1:00 PM
matt benedetti said:
If you have a fire in your belly, you will find the how in your head."
On Broadway is one of those rare films that stays with you long after you leave the theater. Writer/Director Dave McLaughlin has created a poignant movie that captures the essence of Boston neighborhood life without the guns and bad accents. More than a Boston movie though, On Broadway is a story of hope over doubt with strong performances on both sides of the camera.
The authentic depiction of working class Bostonians conveys a familiarity with the daily struggles of the neighborhoods and a respect for the audience. Crisp writing and superb acting leave the audience feeling as if they are watching the story unfold in the next room. The cast is comprised of Boston natives who naturally understand their characters and seem perfectly suited to their roles. Lance Greene is particularly impressive in a supporting role and look for his star to continue to rise.
On Broadway is an intelligent film worthy of the highest acclaim. Go see this movie.
MB
March 21, 2008 4:03 PM
West Road said:
Saw the movie last weekend and I loved it. I suggested to a bunch of friends that they should check it out. Everyone who took my advice ended up sending me emails thanking me for letting them know. I didn't write it but heck I'll take credit for a good recommendation. One of my friends even got to see a Q and A with the director and the producer who said that word of mouth is their best advertising. Lucky for them I have a big mouth. Go see it and tell your friends.
March 23, 2008 7:15 PM
Clare Connell said:
What a great movie! The characters are so well-developed and so many parts hit home for me. Especially if you're an Irish American from Boston (but even if you aren't), you will alternately laugh and cry during this movie. It's an amazing piece of work, which is all the more impressive when one hears the story of how it came to be - through so much hard work and dedication on the part of so many, and in spite of the many obstacles that had to be overcome. Congrats Dave on a job well done!!!
March 27, 2008 5:07 PM