Rotten
While the film has many well-observed moments...it ultimately suffers from its relentless piling on of crises.
Frank Scheck, Hollywood Reporter
Black Irish
Two brothers, you can choose your dreams, but you can't choose family.
2007 · 1h 35m · R
Drama
Directed by
Brad Gann
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Black Irish
Overview
In South Boston, where Irish roots run deep and Catholic tradition reigns, two brothers face similar hardships but lead far different lives. While older brother Terry descends into drugs and crime, 16-year-old Cole vies to make the state baseball championships - but must struggle to withstand his brother's destructive influence.
Director and cast
- Brad Gann Director
- Michael Angarano as Cole McKay
- Brendan Gleeson as Desmond McKay
- Tom Guiry as Terry McKay
- Melissa Leo as Margaret McKay
- Emily VanCamp as Kathleen McKay
- Michael Rispoli as Joey
- Francis Capra as Anthony
- Finn Curtin as Coach Mahoney
- Scott Winters as Doctor
- Frank T. Wells as Father Magruder
Critics on Rotten Tomatoes
Top critics, in their words
31%
Tomatometer
Fresh
A small-bore Southie coming-of-age drama whose heart is just a bit bigger than its cliches.
Ty Burr, Boston Globe
Rotten
It's too sincere and thoughtful to be immediately dismissed. But it is terribly frustrating viewing: so much time and creative energy spent making a movie that, in one form or another, the audience has already seen.
Tim Grierson, L.A. Weekly
Rotten
Black Irish boasts many memorable scenes and fine characterizations but ultimately plays more like a series of snapshots come to life than as an organically satisfying story.
Los Angeles Times
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