Directors: Lisa Barros D’Sa, Glenn Leyburn
Starring: Richard Dormer, Liam Cunningham, Dylan Moran, Jodie Whittaker, Andrew Simpson, Mark Ryder
Running Time: 94 minutes
Certificate: 15
Set against the real-life backdrop of political and religious unrest of late 1960s, and 1970s Northern Ireland, GOOD VIBRATIONS tells the true story of Terri Hooley’s creation of Good Vibrations records and the controversially situated record store he owned. Juxtaposing the feel of Northern Ireland at the time GOOD VIBRATIONS is bright, breezy and largely fancy-free.
Starring Richard Dormer as the legendary Hooley the film is loaded to the brim with fantastic tunes and nods to the era, but importantly it never forgets the troubles that blighted his store and his wish to develop the Belfast punk scene. The story is enhanced by a Glenn Patterson and Colin Carberry penned script packed with one-liners and laughs which keeps the heavy side of the story enjoyable, and may even educate those new to Northern Irelands history.
On the flip side there are a few troublesome patches particularly Hooley’s relationship with his wife. Whilst this is featured prominently early on, the fading out means an interesting and important element is merely touched upon instead of being explored fully. This is understandable given the largely celebratory nature of the third act, but more detail would have been welcome. Along side this there is an almost messiah feel to how Hooley is portrayed at times which does work, but when proceedings pause to look at the wider issue there seems a mild contradiction. But these are mute points and matter very little when you sit back and enjoy the film as pleasingly co-directors Lisa Barros D’Sa and Glenn Leyburn have put together a film full of warmth, history and love.
With tremendous performances from a winning, largely unknown cast GOOD VIBRATIONS is a real treat and a wonderful surprise in a year that has disappointed more than entertained. Simple direction, some cracking songs and a lot of laughs ensure it’s giving off good vibrations and even some excitations (sorry).
GOOD VIBRATIONS is released on DVD and Blu-ray 5th August
