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| Chris O'Dowd |
"Sapphires" bristles with electricity
Inspired by a true story and based on the 2004 play of the same name, the musical dramedy "The Sapphires" is a familiar but heartwarming rags-to-riches tale with a great cast and even better music. Set in Australia in 1968, Aboriginals and musical talents Cynthia (Miranda Tapsell), Gail (Deborah Mailman), Julie (Jessica Mauboy) and Kay (Shari Sebbens) are discovered by Dave (O'Dowd), a good-humored talent scout with a kind heart, very little rhythm but a great knowledge of soul music. All are drawn closer together in unexpected ways as they discover their talents and the price of fame. "The Sapphires" shimmers with soul and fun and delivers one of the better films of 2013 so far. Based on a true story of co-writer Tony Briggs and directed by Australian actor Wayne Blair, the Australian production is well-acted, if not overly familiar; think of "The Commitments" mixed with "Good Morning, Vietnam" with a splash of "Dreamgirls." It's also well-acted by "Bridesmaids" O'Dowd in his first starring role along with Australian actress Mailman as the tough-talking leader of the group, who was also in the original stage production. The other girls, including Sebbens and Tapsell in their feature film debuts, and especially Australian pop singer Mauboy, also shine; you'll hear some energetic '60s R&B tunes, including "I Heard It Through the Grapevine," "I Can't Help Myself (Sugar Pie Honeybunch)" and a personal favorite, "I'll Take You There." Though the film touches on some relevant issues such as war and race, including images of the Vietnam War, Martin Luther King and Bobby Kennedy, "The Sapphires" works best when it's focused on the musical numbers and the humorous moments, well-played by O'Dowd in a breakout role. You'll also want to stay over until the end to real the real-life inspirations for The Sapphires, with enough tissues handy just in case. Though "The Sapphires" (already a big hit in Australia) may appeal most to music-lovers, there's enough energy and soul to go around for most. Both the film and its soundtrack are worth checking out.
Wes's Grade: B+
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