Sometimes all it takes to forgive the shortcomings of a film is one or two compelling performances. They don’t have to be awards worthy or anything earth shattering, but one or two charismatic performers can make even the most by the numbers stories interesting to watching.
This is the case with the Irish film The Bachelor Weekend directed by John Butler.
A group of friends are forced into a bachelor geared weekend when the wife of the groom to be gets concerned over his behavior. After convincing his best friend to organize an outing, they find their simply, outdoor romp taken over by the brides brother, nicknamed “The Machine”. The camping trip goes array due to a number of reasons all of which are more catastrophic than the rest and all the while truths are learned, secrets divulged and friendships are tested in the fun, albeit predictable, film.
The film is noteworthy in being the one straight comedy that I’ve seen at this year’s Tribeca Film Festival-an oddity it seems in this particular outlet- and while it doesn’t deliver any knee slapping moments the energy of the six actors manage to lift the lackluster script.
The film does have two particular stars that are noteworthy. Andrew Scott (Sherlock) and Peter McDonald (Moone Boy) sell each and every scene they’re in, creating a genuine sense of camaraderie in the few moments they share one on one. McDonald is suitably a force of nature, having to play the stereotypical “macho” part. He lives and breathes by U2, has pure adoration and patriotism for his country, eats eggs raw and dives into freezing lakes just to make a point. He also however has been having a rough time at home and that bit of insight keeps the character from veering into caricature territory.
Scott is an actor that has for some time deserved heavy recognition. Known for his theater work as well as television he’s an electrifying presence no matter the role. From the deranged Moriarty to his character in The Bachelor Weekend who is a calm, slightly weary hearted man, he captures attention. His face has the uncanny ability to spell out everything that the character is feeling: enjoyment, panic, to heartbreak, we see it all. An actor’s best ability is to be able to clearly wear their hearts on their scenes. A scene involving a rendition of the song “Raglan Road” is a particular highlight as well as one that promises more depth than the film as a whole delivers.
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It’s okay for films to look no further than shallow entertainment. Some of the most enjoyable movies to sit down and watch do just that and do so successfully. We aren’t always wishing to see some hefty, emotionally manipulative movie and would rather laugh and enjoy whose performing. There are moments when Butler’s film seems to want to achieve more but the best moments are the more organic ones. The ones where the six men are sitting around the fire and trying to cheer up a friend, when they’re shopping for outdoors gear, when they’re laughing at another’s stories-those are the moments that connect us to a film.
It seems like the “in” thing to do in comedies currently is parade a bunch of men around who get drunk and screw up but as long as they give us some key performers who will either go all out with the comedy, provide some heart or both, I don’t mind them sticking around.
6/10
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