After Paddy's Day, a gentle weekend may be in order. If that's your plan, we recommend you head to the cinema to see a little movie called Sing Street.

Set in Dublin during the economically miserable 1980s, 'Cosmo' is forced to leave his fancy school to attend the Christian Brothers on Synge Street due to his parents' money woes. After a truly terrible first day, he spots a beautiful girl outside the school and attempts to impress her with the fact that he's in the band. It works, but that then necessitates the forming of a band...

If you haven't seen the trailer just yet, watch it below.

Unconvinced by that little taster? Then here are eight reasons we think you should check out Sing Street this weekend.

1. It comes from the writer/director of Once and Bachelors Walk

The name John Carney mightn't ring a bell, but he's the guy who brought us romantic musical drama Once (2007), TV comedy-drama Bachelors Walk (2001-2006), and most recently Begin Again (2013) with Mark Ruffulo and Keira Knightley.

If you're familiar with his previous work, you can easily see the similarities in tone and humour to this one. And if you liked Once's soundtrack, you'll eat this up... 

2. It's filled with great Irish talent

Sing Street showcases the serious wealth of talent this country has to offer, starring Aiden Gillan (Game of Thrones, Love/Hate), Jack Reynor (Transformers: Age Of Extinction), Maria Doyle Kennedy (The Commitments), as well as Bachelors Walk alumni Don Wycherley and Keith McErlean.

The youngest cast members are truly remarkable though (Ferdia Walsh-Peelo, Ben Carolan, Mark McKenna, Percy Chamberuka, Conor Hamilton, Karl Rice, and Ian Kenny), for some it was their first time acting, or at least their first film, but they still managed to give spot on performances.

3. Jack Reynor steals the show as Brendan

If you walk away from the movie with a favourite character, it'll more than likely be the lead's big bro, Brendan. Having dropped out of college of his own volition, the long haired stoner spends his time educating his younger brother on music, girls, and life's great mysteries in general.  

4. It's feckin' hilarious

While it's got dramatic moments aplenty, Sing Street is first and foremost a fun movie. Between band members with peculiar animal fixations, the misconceptions of '80s Dubliners towards black people, and attempts to throw an American prom-style dance in a Christian Brothers' assembly hall, you'll spend a good portion of the 1 hour and 46 minute runtime suppressing your chuckles. 

5. The '80s soundtrack is terrific

Lovers of the decade of shoulder pads and big hair will adore this film, in particular the soundtrack, which includes Top Of The Pops favourites like Duran Duran, A-ha, Hall & Oates, Spandau Ballet, The Cure, and many more. 

I mean, what movie hasn't been improved immeasurably by the addition of 'In Between Days'?

6. The original music is even better

There are some seriously catchy tunes in here, ones to rival 'Falling Slowly'. Our personal favourite has to be 'The Riddle Of The Model', and you can watch the scene where we first hear the tune below (although if you'd prefer not to spoil any of the movie for yourself, best to skip it).

7. If you loved The Commitments, you'll love this

The comparison was inevitable really. Two movies set in '80s Dublin, all about getting a band together during a serious economic depression. Think of Sing Street as The Commitments meets School Of Rock. 

8. It's wonderful to see Dublin act as a setting for such an uplifting film

Irish movies tend to veer towards the maudlin, but Sing Street is a genuinely uplifting film set in Dublin during a grim moment in recent Irish memory, a moment not unlike the present. It offers the audience a bit of hope, a bit of fun, and promises that there's always an escape from the bad times. 

Ultimately Sing Street isn't a great Irish movie – it's a great movie in general. More like it, please. 

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