Red Roses and Petrol (2003) User Reviews

I heart the music...

[chelsiegraumann · 7/10 · 6 October 2009]

While I don't agree with all the comments stating that it was a fantastic movie, it did have some very good moments to it. I thought the cinematography was lacking in many areas where it could have been very creative. I felt like I was watching the play, not a movie with endless possibilities of angles and lighting. However, I was unexpectedly drawn into this dysfunctional family where nothing was as it seemed. There was some good laughs and heartfelt moments, but the best for me was the music. With sounds of Flogging Molly and Susanna Hoffs in the background, it created a perfect mood throughout, transporting me to the streets of Ireland. This is definitely a soundtrack I will be purchasing when it comes out.

great film - strong job by Malcolm McDowell

[jojomogir · 14 November 2005]

I saw this film at the Westwood Film Festival in L.A. and I was blown away.

Red Roses is the kind of film that *should* be getting made these days: strong characters, seamless writing, great performances. Malcolm McDowell plays an admired but flawed Irish patriarch, whose three children and loving wife (elegantly played by Olivia Tracy, who is gorgeous) reunite at his wake and come to terms with their not-always-rosy relationships to him and each other. We come to know McDowell's character Enda Doyle only through videotapes he has left, which doesn't diminish his screen presence one bit – he is as riveting here as he was 35 years ago in A Clockwork Orange. As the alcohol flows, the family's dysfunction is gradually revealed until eventually we understand why none of Enda's university colleagues or local pub companions has chosen to join the family at his wake. The standout performance here is by Max Beesley as the prodigal son Johnny - with a presence reminiscent of a tougher Ewan MacGregor he could be MacDowell's real-life son. He nails the hard exterior formed by years of compensating for his father's tough love. Heather Juergensen (Kissing Jessica Stein) out-Irishes her real Irish counterparts (no distracting accents here), and Susan Lynch and Greg Ellis are both strong and convincing as the favorite first-born sister (though no angel, she) and her awkward boyfriend dancing as fast as he can to please everyone.

A central story point is the role of a mysterious beautiful girl known to have kept company at the university with Doyle (Catherine Farrell – yes, Colin's sister). Has the mother been unaware all these years of Enda's indiscretions, or has she chosen to live in denial just to survive? This subplot is expertly played out as the film unfolds.

Red Roses and Petrol is an engaging, if sometimes gut-wrenching, portrayal of a real family coming to terms with real issues. Go see it if you can.

Seven characters - each acting in their own play

[JaneED · 4/10 · 16 November 2003]

Saw this yesterday at AFI and came away disappointed in this screen adaptation of Dublin playwright Joseph O'Connor's play. There is some good casting, particularly with Malcolm McDowell and Max Beasley - they look like they could be father and son. However, I never felt much chemistry between Malcolm McDowell (Enda) and Olivia Tracy (Moya), and she seemed to be too youthful to be his wife!

This ensemble piece frequently felt like seven characters acting in their own version of this play, with many soliloquies rather than engaging dialogue. The writers burdened their actors with trying to bring life to these 2-dimensional characters. Dialogue or scenes often didn't ring true - like when Enda does his impression of Elvis or when Moya can't explain to her daughter what more there is to marriage.

Scenes were long and empty, almost as if trying to stretch out the limited substance. Character development was shallow and fell short on insight. I don't feel I got the emotional payoff in the end for some of the more intense scenes - instead it felt manipulative. Technically, there were continuity and questionable editing issues, which weakened the movie.

Bottom line - it didn't have a consistent ring of authenticity about it!

Thoroughly enjoyed the film

[flickfan180 · 9/10 · 6 May 2008]

I recently saw this film at a special screening. I didn't know what to expect but was ultimately very happy that I attended the event. The story about a dysfunctional family rings true, as the relationship between siblings is portrayed in a very believable way. I really enjoyed the acting by the entire cast. I especially liked seeing Malcolm McDowell playing such a different type of character. It should also be noted that the soundtrack was very good, especially my introduction to "Flogging Molly" and it's always nice to hear new songs by Susanna Hoffs of "The Bangles". Even though the film had a few slow spots, overall, the film was very moving, yet not overly sentimental.

Stiff, Unrealistic, Pretentious

[lucyramon · 1/10 · 4 February 2004]

Unbelievably poor screen adaption of Joseph O'Connor's play is a candidate for WORST FILM OF THE NEW MILLENNIUM.

Full of cliches, unbelievable situations, cardboard characters. AND SO TOTALLY BORING!!!!!!

Nothing about the situation, the characters, rings true.

In short, don't waste your time.

A MAJOR DISAPPOINTMENT!

Great family drama

[ay24 · 8/10 · 3 June 2008]

I like indie films. They are unique, have deep stories, interesting background and the themes are usually not common like big budget movies or it makes you think about something afterward. This is one of the film that makes you think about the theme afterward. I saw this film at a private screening little while ago. I heard that they are going to be opening in this June and I am excited about it. The film contains family tension, confronts problems and morals surrounding a father's death and aftermath. It also showed how death actually brought about the truth and reckoning/realization to the lives of the individual family members. It reminded me that my family is important to me. Also, Malcolm McDowell is a wonderful actor and has great impact and depth when he delivers his lines.

Just couldn't do it right

[socalcarli · 2/10 · 24 May 2007]

I was excited to see this premiere. "Irish", "Malcolm McDowell", and "Dramedy" were things that attracted my attention. I was thrilled when my friend invited me to the preview. What was good? The music, the setting, and Malcom's acting, although he looked pretty ridiculous in a bow tie at his librarian's desk reciting poetry to the video camera.

Sadly, the drama was overwritten then overacted. It became annoying and quite unbelievable. Pretty soon it was "God, please just get me away form these people!!!" - like a bad telenovela or midnight cat fight, I'm not quite sure.

The "big secret" was really just a small one, and one that everyone would have been much happier if it hadn't been kept a secret. The son was an unbearable ass. The older daughter cycled from screaming to purring continually. I don't know why her fiancé stayed with her (or why most people stayed in the theater).

I did however, learn where Keith Richards got the "I snorted dad's ashes" story...

Enjoyed the film.

[pdietz · 2 December 2003]

I enjoyed the film. The casting was perfect, I especially enjoyed the performances of Heather Juergensen and Max Beesley. I was entertained by the story and moved by the characters. The director did a fine job translating a story for the stage to the screen. If you belong to a family you'll relate to this film.

More than meets the eye

[Mommabear2 · 8/10 · 1 May 2008]

I recently viewed a screener of this title and was pleasantly surprised. I'd also seen Joseph O'Connor's stage version and thought it translated well to film, even if it was a bit dialogue heavy. Of note is that while the story is set in Ireland, the dysfunction displayed by the Doyle family seemed universal and the pain of losing a loved one all too real.

The lighting seemed a bit dark, but Malcolm McDowell's grin brightened the screen. Stand-out performances by Max Beesley and Heather Juergenson and thumping music by Flogging Molly will make this indie worth a look.

Don't miss this one...

[tmndz · 9/10 · 3 June 2008]

I caught this film at a festival some time ago and was very impressed. Being a smaller budget movie I was surprised by how well done it was, both production and performance wise. visually the film has a dark appeal that really reflects the theme of a family coping with the loss of a loved one. Director Tamar Simon Hoffs accomplished the challenging task of turning a play into a film, and created a wonderful on screen dynamic while not compromising the integrity of the plays theme. Another aspect of the film that I enjoyed was it's ability to balance dark comedic elements while maintaining a strong message, something many movies fail to achieve. Although it may not have elaborate sets and an abundance of A list Hollywood actors, Red Roses and Petrol is a great film and shouldn't be missed.

Surprised this is not rated much higher

[offdwallnotdrack · 10/10 · 23 June 2009]

I love dysfunctional family dramas, but only when they're done well. Many are not, simply because I don't buy the fact that it's a real family and they never seem to have that natural family connection and it just never sells me. Maybe it's because I'm European myself, and can relate to this kinda family more, but I bought this hook, line and sinker. The acting was amazing, and the banter between siblings was so spot on, I was really impressed. It felt like the director really put care and love into this project. It's not a mind blowing piece of cinema, but it's definitely a heartfelt and actually pretty fun movie. It's definitely worth a watch, oh and it has a great soundtrack! Flogging Molly FTW!

two words: MAX BEESLEY

[domachick · 10/10 · 28 January 2008]

**** Spoiler**** I saw this film early at a private screening and I must say I was impressed. I've seen Joesph O Connor's play and I thought the film embodied the overall feeling of the play. Being Irish myself, I thought it was very interesting to see how the film portrayed Irish culture. I especially loved the familiar accents and Irish dancing. Malcolm McDowell's character was very insightful and he definitely reminded me of my father haha. The pub scene with the mother reminded me of the pubs back at home, especially all the colorful folks hanging out there. I recognized Heather Juergensen from Kissing Jessica Stein and it was nice to see her in such a different film. However, my favorite was definitely Max Beesely! He's so handsome and I'm already a fan from watching Hotel Babylon so of course one of my favorite scenes was when I got to see him without his shirt on! And the most memorable scene was he snorted the ashes! I was in shock! I just could not believe it--- it was one of those things that was so crazy it was even a little funny! In addition to the cast and well-written script I found a new band to add to my ipod because Flogging Molly's music added that extra touch to the film. Overall I would say it was a good film and I'd recommend it if you're anything like me.

saw this film and enjoyed it

[talkmuchbrit · 8/10 · 10 September 2008]

I would just like to reply to the previous negative comment that was made about this film. I happen to love Malcolm McDowell and I think this film is one of his best works, not stiff and pretentious at all. I think it was a great adaptation to Joseph O'Conner's play, which I also happened to see a few years ago when I lived in Boston. I was able to relate to the plot a lot because I come from a family, although not Irish, that is dysfunctional in a way as well. I think others have a good opportunity to relate to this film too because it is full of genuine emotion. There was also a good number of Flogging Molly songs which was really enjoyable to hear especially in the dancing scene in the family's backyard.