60
For all its emphasis on working-class integrity, The Commitments is really Fame wrapped in streetwise packaging.
What are people saying?
What are critics saying?
88
Washington Post by Desson Thomson
Commitments, adapted by Dick Clement and Ian La Frenais from the Roddy Doyle book, exults in its own world. The characters, with their foibles and verbal joustings, are everything. There's something poetically sardonic in every sentence they utter.
100
Alan Parker's sexy, hilarious, exuberantly energetic new film, The Commitments, has so much rhythmic juice that it's nearly impossible to stay in your seat.
80
Chicago Reader by Jonathan Rosenbaum
This is probably Alan Parker's best film, in part because it's one of his most modest.
78
Austin Chronicle by Kathleen Maher
The movie isn't about the band, really; it's about having a chance when the cards are stacked against it. It's about climbing out. When they sing those great soul songs, it feels like a better world for everyone and that's how Parker manages to get us into his box with him.
50
Entertainment Weekly by Owen Gleiberman
As The Commitments goes on, you begin to weary of the one-note characters, who don’t so much converse as exchange arch put-downs.
50
Rolling Stone by Peter Travers
It’s the old Monkees trick: If you can’t find a band, manufacture one. British director Alan Parker (Fame, Mississippi Burning) lucks out. The dozen unknowns he’s chosen — ten with no previous acting credits — make a joyful noise and rousing company. Parker, however, hasn’t made much of a movie.
80
The film offers no message, no solutions, only a great time at the movies.
75
Chicago Sun-Times by Roger Ebert
The movie is filled with life and energy, and the music is honest. The Commitments is one of the few movies about a fictional band that’s able to convince us the band is real and actually plays together.