This Movie is: Not Rated
In this movie we get to know two adorable Irish boys, Shane and Vincent. They are both hunting for a flat in Limerick. However, neither is having any luck finding anything decent that is affordable. Then they both stumble across the same two-bedroom flat, but neither can afford it on their own. So they decide to give it a shot being roomies.
Shane (Michael Legge) is twenty and was living with his mother. He wanted to live in the city to be closer to his civil service job at the Department of Agriculture. He really wants to be an artist, but couldn’t afford to attend art school. So now he is stuck in a job that he doesn’t like, but doesn’t know what else he can do. He is a bit low in self-confidence and can be shy, especially with girls. He is lonely and isn’t really sure where he fits in.
Vincent (Allen Leech) is in his final year at art school. He is studying fashion design. He is outgoing and fun loving. However, he’s a bit stressed out because he has to sit for final exams and prepare a collection for the graduate fashion show. Although, he doesn’t let that stop him from heading to the pub their first night in the flat and finding himself a guy for the night. After he finishes school his dream is to move to New York.
After some initial awkwardness they finally start feeling more comfortable around each other and start sharing stories about themselves and bonding as friends. Vincent even decides to help Shane out with the girls by making him over. Giving him a trendy haircut and dressing him in stylish clothes.
Unfortunately Shane ends up getting mixed up with Keith, the drug dealer that lives in their building. First doing drugs with him and eventually going to Dublin to pick up a “package” for him. He hopes the money he earns might make it possible for him to attend art school. However, as you might expect, things don’t go as smoothly as he hoped they would.
This is really a story of young people trying to find their own way in life. Deciding what is most important to them. Then figuring out how to achieve it. Sometimes stumbling along the way. It’s a very enjoyable story. Both Michael and Allen are engaging actors, and they skillfully draw you into Shane and Vincent’s world.
Some of my favorite quotes:
Vincent – “I mean it. If the next video is crap, I’m going to bed.”
Vincent – “If you must wear jeans, buy a label like Levi’s or Diesel or something, never … Top Brand or any other label that wouldn’t look out of place on a can of soup.”
Vincent – “Lip gel, totally addicted to the stuff. This one’s apple. Try some, it’s delicious.”
Shane – “No thanks, I’m trying to cut down.”
Vincent – “Two bottles of your finest Bud, please.”
Shane – “Bud. What are you doing? This is a special occasion. Two glasses of your cheapest sparkling wine, please.”
Shane – “F*ckin’ hell, Vincent, we’re strangers in our own home.”
Vincent – “Jesus Christ, how long have you been away from home? Weeks! And you turn into f*ckin’ Scarface.”
Vincent – “How’s the nose?”
Shane – “Nothing a little bit of reconstructive surgery won’t fix.”
Vincent – “You’re a f*ckin’ idiot.”
Shane – “I am. I am.”
Vincent – “I’ve got the Addams family for models.”
Shane – “It’s my wick and I’ll go out in flames if I want to.”
Jan
Following is additional information about the show that contains spoilers. If you don’t want to be spoiled don’t read any further.
What a wake up call, when Jerry dies at his retirement party after putting in 47 years at a job he didn’t like. How sad, he doesn’t even get to enjoy one day of retirement. Poor Shane is just devastated.
I was so happy when Shane finally realizes how stupid he had been and apologizes to Vincent. Then they work together to get Vincent’s clothes ready for the fashion show.
It was fun to see Shane on the catwalk modeling one of Vincent’s outfits. He looked so cute and just exuded confidence. Gemma (the girl he has a crush on) sure sees him in a new light after that.
