Sing Street

BRYCE **1/2
"Sing Street" is not the type of movie I would normally be drawn to, but it's been receiving so much buzz this year that I figured I would give it a go.  After seeing it, I'm not quite sure what all the fuss is about.  It's a moderately charming, music-driven, coming-of-age story set in 1980's Ireland.  Some admittedly catchy, 80's-style original songs add some spunk to the proceedings, but the overall story doesn't do a whole lot to stand out from the litany of similar films.  The relationship between the protagonist and his older brother is pretty compelling, but virtually every other relationship in the film left something to be desired.  Even the love story, the centerpiece of the film, felt a bit juvenile and shallow.  I think the filmmakers were relying on the audience's ability to recall what it was like to be young, bright-eyed and in love, and I didn't (completely) take the bait.  Maybe I'm just a prude, but I don't think the universal praise is justified.  It's a decent movie, just not among the year's best.