Common (2014)

The Worst Film Ever

hyped garbage

best movie i've ever seen.

There is, somehow, an interesting story here, as well as some good acting. There are also some good scenes

Jimmy McGovern, the man who wrote Cracker and Hillsborough, again gives us a powerful piece of television. McGovern's writing can be somewhat grim at times but is always challenging and thought provoking.The scene at the very end between the two mothers, and the brief clip of the young boy in his cell with the sun pouring in through the window, was incredibly powerful, add in that beautiful song that sadly does not seem to be available to purchase or listen to anywhere but in this drama. Poignant.

'Common' is the story of four boys who go out to get pizza and come back suspects to a murder. This premise was more than enough to get me interested, and the film did not disappoint. Not only is Nico Mirallegro absolutely adorable as the innocent and scared character of JohnJo, but the telling of the story - the WHOLE story - is wonderful. You see the aftermath of the murder from every perspective - the mothers of the boys' involved, as well as the mother of the murdered boy. It's impossible to know who to root for. Everyone, maybe? This is just one of those films that leaves you questioning who the real villain is, right up until the very end. I'm one of these people who tries too hard to see the meaning behind a films making, but this time? I was too swept up in the story to really see what all this was about. A real and subtle political message wrapped in a great plot, with amazing actors and everything you could really want from a film.

Having raised three boys of my own, I found this movie very interesting and plausible when it comes to young men going on a group-ride for take-out. Most times they do not always communicate their intentions and thoughts as a group, but enjoy the togetherness of adventure. The driver 'Johnjo' is the driver and very naive and stoic as to the wait time in the car as the others go inside. The morale for me and most parents that might watch this, is to instill in our children that you can be a product of the circumstances that may develop in a group venture without your knowledge. The 'Joint Enterprise' legal entrapment they face is they all played a role in a tragic death that occurred in the small take-away restaurant. I loved the two female mother roles and found them so authentic and heart-wrenching. The key for me was the variations of innocence in each of the passengers and after watching the movie you will make your own determination as to it all coming down to being aware of the personalities you hang out with.

While lacking some back story and giving a few "where did that come from?" moments, overall "Common" is a consuming piece of drama. I was sucked in the moment I started watching. The moral and legal implications of the actions portrayed brings several issues to the fore. However, some of the video clips at the very end are, in my opinion, preachy. They could take away from the viewer's ability to make up their own mind about the law as it stands.Still, as a production, the direction was confident, the cinematography was sublime and the acting, especially that of the two female leads was nothing less than award-worthy. Highly recommended.