UPDATE: Now we have an even larger number of guests for the SING STREET Q&A. Writer-director John Carney is still on board, as he's bringing with him many of his cast membesr, including Ferdia Walsh-Peelo (who plays lead Cosmo), Lucy Boynton (his crush), Jack Reynor (Cosmo's brother), & Mark McKenna (band mate). And the Q&A will end with a music performance, so that should be nice becuase the music in this film is extraordinary.
As a result of this switch, the date of the screening has changed as well, to Monday, April 18 at 7pm. If you already entered the contest, and the new date works for you, you don't have to re-enter. If you can't make that date, let me know, and I'll take you out of the running. Now read on…
Writer-director John Carney has made several films over the years, but for some reason, it’s his works about the process of creating music that have touching and stuck with people the longest, beginning with his groundbreaking film ONCE that blurred the lines between fiction and non-fiction, and it was all the better for it. Three years ago, Carney struck a different kind of gold with the infectious and charming BEGIN AGAIN, with Mark Ruffalo, Keira Knightley, and Hailee Steinfeld. Both film feature soundtracks that have been on endless rotation in my home for years.
But there is something about his latest film, SING STREET, that cuts right into my heart and soul. Set in Dublin, Ireland during the 1980s, the film is about a boy named Cosmo (Ferdia Walsh-Peelo), who escapes his strained family life by starting a band, with the hope of becoming good enough to move to London. He does this for the love of a girl, but his journey through the various styles of ’80s music (thanks to a touching music education from an older brother played by Jack Reynor) is what sets this film apart. The boys in the band—all school mates—listen to Duran Duran, so they write a Duran-ish sounding song; they listen to The Cure or Depeche Mode or even Hall & Oates, the use elements of those sounds in their original music. It’s like Carney reaching into my teenage brain and threw it up on the screen. It’s a joyous journey, a great love story, and a slap in the face at the establishment. You must see this.
And, big surprise, I have seats for an early Chicago screening of SING STREET. As an added bonus, writer-director John Carney will be on hand for a post-screening Q&A as will may of his cast member, including Ferdia Walsh-Peelo (who plays lead Cosmo), Lucy Boynton (his crush), Jack Reynor (Cosmo's brother), & Mark McKenna (band mate). Here’s how to win…
I have a limited number of seats to an early Chicago screening of SING STREET for Ain’t It Cool News readers on Monday, April 18 at 7:00pm at a theater in Chicago (the exact location will only be given to the winners). Here’s how to win…
To win, send me an email at SingChicago@aintitcoolmail.com (please note the new email address) with the subject line “Boy Starts Band” (exactly like that). In the body of the email, I need your full Name, if you are bringing a guest (each winner may bring ONE, confirmed guest--if I think you gave your extra ticket to someone trolling for free tickets at the theater, you won't get in), and the answer to the following question: “What is your favorite movie soundtrack, and why?” When I say soundtrack, I mean a collection of songs; not favorite score. They don’t have to be all original songs, just the best collection of songs found in a movie. I need a film title and a detailed reason for your choice. Keep your responses BRIEF--no more than 100 words (no matter how tempted you are to go over the limit). Best answers (as judged by me) win, and you'll hear from me within 24 hours, so keep checking your email.
Although this is not an exclusive Ain't It Cool News event, winners’ seats will be reserved until 30 minutes before showtime (meaning 6:30pm). The venue is deliberately overbooked to guarantee a full house for our guests. If you can't arrive by 6:30pm, don't enter this contest. If you show up at the last minute, there is no guarantee that your seats will be good or together. If there's even the slightest chance you or your guests will have to back out of attending or arrive late if you do win, don't enter. If you have a job that might make you late or unable to attend, or an ill/pregnant relative, or a temperamental significant other, or a scratchy throat, do not enter. And the 24-hour-notice-to-cancel rule is done. If you win and don't show up, the Black List is your new best friend.
Good luck, everyone! And thanks to the The Weinstein Company for giving us this very cool screening and bringing these awesome guests to Chicago.
