Adam y ellas

On the face of it, it seems a little much that a no doubt sexy guy will attract females like a magnet including three sisters, one of their brother's girlfriend - and the brother - but it could well happen I guess. That in essence is roughly the plot, so if that appeals you'll probably like the film - it's reasonably well cast, adequately acted, nicely filmed and moves along at a fast pace. But if that plotline sounds too superficial, you can't stand seeing an E-type jaguar painted pale blue and aren't overly excited by Dublin as a setting, then you'll probably find it a bit ho hum. The promise of lots of appealing sex scenes will also be disappointing - certainly there is some action in that department but filmed very prudishly. However, Irish films are a rarity so that may be enough in itself to tempt a viewing.

A lot has changed in Ireland in the last twenty years, and there's little of the old Oirishry on display in this film, which is set instead against a backdrop of posh department stores and stylish cafés. A glib, celebratory tone underpins what commences as a run-of-the-mill romcom, before the plot starts to venture into more unorthodox territory. But the film never really dares to take sides, and a weak conclusion suggests that all the tastier material should be reconsidered just as part of the froth. The result is an odd film, with all the flaws of a feel-good movie, but which doesn't actually make you feel good in the end.

In some ways this is an incredibly refreshing film. In it's acceptance that lust and promiscuity are normal facts of life and not something that lead to a lifetime of suffering and possibly eternal damnation, it's almost unique in Irish cinematic history. Seeing a film so free from the historical and religious baggage that shackles most Irish films can also be a bit disconcerting, like seeing one of the nuns that taught you in school wearing a mini-skirt and fishnet tights.

Set far from the traditional Irish mise-en-scene in Dublin's trendy Temple Bar area, it features Stuart Townsend as a benign Irish cousin to Jack Nicholson in _The Witches of Eastwick_, who plays on the desires of three beautiful sisters for his own ends. Far from being a scheming Casanova, he's a likeable character who does nothing more than tell a few tall tales to aid his seductive techniques, and who helps people come to terms with themselves rather than cosign them to a life of guilt by doing so.

This film is like Stembridges earlier film, Guiltrip, turned inside out. It's bright, urban-based, modern, and shows signs that Ireland is finally developing a mature attitude to Sexuality.

I plodded toward the multiplex against my will, my girlfriend dragging me along as we went. '...but whyyy???' I moaned. 'Shut up with ya, we're going to see it, ya big ejit!' my girlfriend snapped. My reluctance to see 'About Adam' was based on previous experiences of experiencing Irish-made films, they were all the same - poor little, thatched cottage family living in repressed little ol' Ireland in the midst of poverty - boring! However, I actually really enjoyed 'About Adam' - with proper distribution and promotion - this could be a huge hit across Europe and the USA. 'About Adam', for a thankful change, shows Ireland how it really is - modern, stylish and prosperous. The people in the film aren't weeping throughout the entire film because their potato patch is unproductive, they are just like ordinary, modern Irish people - well, we don't all go sh**ging our fiance's entire family - but other than that it's real. The film is very witty and entertaining, if only a little slow at some parts. Kate Hudson has a surprisingly good Irish accent and Stuart Townsend is a well-cast star with a bright film throughout the film industry, here and abroad. 'About Adam' is a very positive and encouraging leap forward for the Irish film industry and is an example of how more Irish films should be made in the future - we're sick of dwelling in the past - it's the positive present and bright future people want to see. 'About Adam' bears more of a resemblance to 'American Pie' and 'Road Trip' than to 'The Field' and other such films. All in all, a good show. I encourage all, European, American, Australian etc, to see this film - not just because I'm Irish, but because it is a genuinely enjoyable, funny movie.

"About Adam" is a cheerful pentangle, helped along by a charming young cast, unpredictable quirkiness and Irish blarney.

Kate Hudson, in what was her first film role, shows off her Mom's smile to good effect.

Frances O'Connor is atypically frenzied. And so on.

All inspired by a lovable, enigmatic rogue whose sensuality turns on at least three sisters and a brother.

The song choices are surprisingly conservative traditional pop, culminating effectively in Peggy Lee.

(originally written 6/15/2001)