73
Metascore
23 reviews · Provided by Metacritic.com
- 100Washington PostHal HinsonWashington PostHal HinsonAlan 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.
- 88Washington PostDesson ThomsonWashington PostDesson ThomsonCommitments, 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.
- 80Chicago ReaderJonathan RosenbaumChicago ReaderJonathan RosenbaumThis is probably Alan Parker's best film, in part because it's one of his most modest.
- 80TimeRichard CorlissTimeRichard CorlissThe film offers no message, no solutions, only a great time at the movies.
- 80EmpireEmpireThis is an infectious musical story of rise-and-fall.
- 78Austin ChronicleKathleen MaherAustin ChronicleKathleen MaherThe 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.
- 75Chicago Sun-TimesRoger EbertChicago Sun-TimesRoger EbertThe 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.
- 60TV Guide MagazineTV Guide MagazineFor all its emphasis on working-class integrity, The Commitments is really Fame wrapped in streetwise packaging.
- 50Entertainment WeeklyOwen GleibermanEntertainment WeeklyOwen GleibermanAs The Commitments goes on, you begin to weary of the one-note characters, who don’t so much converse as exchange arch put-downs.
- 50Rolling StonePeter TraversRolling StonePeter TraversIt’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.