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Our second film has become something of a cultural signpost about the longevity and legacy of 1950s and 60s soul music! Directed by Alan Parker, 1991's "The Commitments" chronicles the rise and fall of something of an anomaly: An Irish Soul band! Jimmy Rabbitte (Robert Arkins) has decided he wants to found, and manage, an Irish soul band. The only problem: Finding enough quality musicians to staff the band, and then keeping the peace between them! He recruits guitarish Outspan Foster (Glen Hansard) and bassist Derek Scully (Ken McCluskey) out of another band where they're languishing playing pop tunes. He also recruits keyboardist Steven Clifford (Michael Aherne), alto saxophonist Dean Fay (Felim Gormley), drummer Billy Mooney (Dick Massey), and female backup singers Bernie McGloughlin (Bronagh Gallagher), Natalie Murphy (Maria Doyle Kennedy), Imelda Quirke (Angelina Ball), and lead vocalist Deco Cuffe (Andrew Strong). His last addition is an veteran trumpet player, someone who played with many of the original soul artists and acts, Jimmy "The Lips" Fagan (Johnny Murphy). Unfortunately, sparks fly almost immediately as Jimmy seduces the three women, and Deco's attitude alienates everyone else in the band. It's a race to see if they can overcome their differences and find their own soul before the fractures in the group grow too large for them to continue! Plus, the three reveal which two films they'll be reviewing next as they pay tribute to actor Graham Greene, who passed away on September 1st, 2025.

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This week (and next) we're looking at films about music bands. We're starting off with a film that starred an actual rock legend, alongside (at the time) a rising star! Written and directed by Paul Schrader, 1987's "Light of Day" follows the lives of two working-class siblilngs, Joe Rasnick (Michael J. Fox) and his sister Patti (Joan Jett), trying to eke out a living while still finding time to embrace their love of rock 'n roll music. Unfortunately, the two siblings are at odds about their parents, Jeanette (Gena Rowlands) and Benjamin (Jason Miller). Jeanette is seriously religious, something her husband has adopted as well, which sits fine with Joe but has alienated Patti from her mother. Meanwhile, Patti is trying to balance being a mom herself with her desire to perform music, with the music winning out, leaving Joe to pick up the pieces, including taking care of his nephew. Will the two find a way to keep music in their lives amidst all the other turmoil and trials they're continually experiencing? Also starring Michael McKean, Thomas G. Waites, Cherry Jones, and Michael Rooker!

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The second film in our tribute to Terrance Stamp, who passed away on August 17th, 2025, is a story of a father trying to find out the truth about his daughter's death. Directed by Stephen Soderberg and written by Lem Dobbs, 1999's "The Limey" follows Wilson (Stamp), who is recently out of prison in England, traveling to Los Angeles to investigate the death of his daughter Jennifer (Melissa George). One there, he tracks down Jennifer's friend Ed (Luis Guzman), who sent him the newspaper clipping about her death. Luis tells him what he knows, about Jennifer's friend Elaine (Lesley Ann Warren) and her long-term boyfriend Valentine (Peter Fonda). Wilson begins to follow what clues he has, and ends up at one of Valentine's parties. There, he manages to take out one of Valentine's bodyguards who tries to forcibly eject him from the party. After a confrontation with Valentine's right-hand, Avery (Barry Newman), Wilson and Luis start to plan out how to take Valentine down. But, as with most plans, things don't go quite as intended. Also starring Joe Dallesandro and Nicky Katt. Plus, the guys reveal two films about the ups and downs of being in a professional music band they'll be looking at for the next pairing!

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We're pausing our list of pairings for a couple weeks in order to pay tribute to a great actor who passed away recently. Terrence Stamp left us on August 17th, 2025, but what remains is a filmography of amazing performances, two of which we're going to spotlight. First up, what is likely his most well-known role! Directed by Richard Donner and Richard Lester, 1980's "Superman II," Stamp plays General Zod, leader of the recently freed criminal Kryptonians. Zod arrival on Earth, along with the man-hating Ursa (Sarah Douglas) and the mute beat Non (Jack O'Halloran) coincides with Superman's (Christopher Reeve) decision to give up his power in order to be with his love, Lois Lane (Margot Kidder) full-time. While they're together in the Fortress of Solitude, the three evil Kryptonians subjugate the entire planet. It's only when Lex Luthor (Gene Hackman) arrives to visit them in the White House that they learn the son of their jailor, Jor-El (Marlon Brando) is also on Earth. This sets up a world-shaking conflict, but how will Superman prevail against three beings as strong, or maybe even stronger, than himself? Also returning for this sequel are Ned Beatty as Otis, Valerie Perrine as Eve Teschmacher, Marc McClure as Jimmy Olsen, and Jackie Cooper as Perry White!

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