Tag: Saoirse Ronan

Movie of the Week: ‘Brooklyn’

Jeff Mitchell

“Brooklyn” (2015) – Saoirse Ronan shines in a beautifully-filmed movie about a young Irish woman starting a new life in the bustling streets of New York City while struggling with the emotional pulls of home in County Wexford.  Along with Eilis’ (Ronan) homesickness, writer Nick Hornby pens several amusing and warm moments with her boarding housemates and a new love interest, and with the film’s throwback vibe to pictures of yesterdecade, “Brooklyn” is the most graceful and lovely cinematic experience of 2015. “Brooklyn” was nominated for three Oscars: Best Picture,…

‘The Seagull’ does not take off and fly

Jeff Mitchell

“The Seagull” – “It’s hot.  It’s quiet.  No one does anything.  Why does no one do anything?” – Irina (Annette Bening) After experiencing “The Seagull”, a film adaption of Anton Chekhov’s play, one might ask Irina’s question about the movie itself.  Sure, the A-list cast members – Bening, Saoirse Ronan, Elisabeth Moss, Corey Stoll, Billy Howle, Brian Dennehy, and Mare Winningham – do something.  More than something.  They bring their acting A-games to director Michael Mayer’s picture, but the uninspired and sometimes muddy visuals match the pedestrian pacing, and the…

‘On Chesil Beach’ refreshingly strays from typical romance themes

Jeff Mitchell

“On Chesil Beach” – “Actually, I’m a little bit scared.” – Florence (Saoirse Ronan) “I think I am too.” – Edward (Billy Howle) Chesil Beach, a natural barrier made of pebbles, stretches for 18 miles in Dorset along the English Channel.  This thin landmass of small rocks looks delicate from the air, but Chesil Beach is not an environmental wonder that just materialized overnight.  It has a solid foundation with eons of history. Edward and Florence, in their very early 20’s, get married and then honeymoon at an inn next…