It's 1987 Dublin. Neil McCormick (Ben Barnes) has rock star dreams. He secretly prevents schoolmate Bono from recruiting his younger brother Ivan (Robert Sheehan) so that he would play for him. A jealous and self-sabotaging Neil can only watch as U2 becomes a world dominating band. In London, Neil falls for their neighbor Gloria (Krysten Ritter).
Neil is not charismatic enough to support his prickish personality. He can be obsessive without being an arrogant prick. He can be jealous without being petty. There is a moment when Neil reveals the situation to Gloria. That is the Neil that the movie desperately needs. This Neil is not appealing. Ivan does balance him out to some extent and makes this story somewhat amusing. Despite Neil's annoying choices, the brothers' relationship is the key to the movie. Robert Sheehan should have more space to run. There are a couple of scenes where he could be better. It is compelling to know that these guys are not nobodies in Bono's climb. It probably needs an opening scene where Neil is writing the U2 bio. His writing abilities have to be highlighted more. Mostly, his prickishness really detracts from the fun of the story.
Neil is not charismatic enough to support his prickish personality. He can be obsessive without being an arrogant prick. He can be jealous without being petty. There is a moment when Neil reveals the situation to Gloria. That is the Neil that the movie desperately needs. This Neil is not appealing. Ivan does balance him out to some extent and makes this story somewhat amusing. Despite Neil's annoying choices, the brothers' relationship is the key to the movie. Robert Sheehan should have more space to run. There are a couple of scenes where he could be better. It is compelling to know that these guys are not nobodies in Bono's climb. It probably needs an opening scene where Neil is writing the U2 bio. His writing abilities have to be highlighted more. Mostly, his prickishness really detracts from the fun of the story.