Good , But It Is Overrated By Some

Excellent but underrated film

Boring, over-political, tech fuzed mess

It is interesting even when nothing much happens, which is for most of its 3-hour running time. Read full review

*May contain subtle spoiler*I am not usually one to enjoy such emotional films, but since I like the work of Colin Morgan, I decided to give this one a shot. It was phenomenal. Colm Meaney was also brilliant in this film. It's a movie that all parents should have their teens watch to show them what drugs can do to a person and the heart-wrenching end result.You could see how the two main characters helped the other change somewhat... even just a slight amount. Colin's character showed Colm's character how to break out of the routine he strictly followed. A perfect example of this was when he took "Fred" out in the car for a quick drive. And when "Fred" tried to get "Cathal" to exercise and become more responsible.I enjoyed the added humour and the contrast between humour and intense emotional scenes. Colm and Colin worked incredibly well together.A wonderful film I recommend to anyone, just have a box of tissues handy.

PARKED is such a remarkable and emotionally raw film; and Colin Morgan and Colm Meaney are Brilliant in their portrayal of the characters Cathal O'Regan and Fred Daly. It is a moving character-study. The first time I watched PARKED, it left me completely emotionally drained. It took me days to recover to a point were I could function in my day-to-day life. So much of this movie reflected parts of my own life once, so it hit me very close to home. This film has reminded me to not just exist ~~ but to LIVE!!! There is a scene where Fred and Cathal are sitting in the car overlooking Dublin and Cathal asks Fred if he has ever seen the actual moment when that leaf breaks from it's branch; if you don't know the outcome of the movie, I think this is the most telling scene. The allegory is simple and so breathtaking. And so incredibly sad. What kills me the most is the beauty lost in this young man. This is him, not only acknowledging that nothing lasts, but also him capable of recognizing and bringing out the most precious moments, seeing beauty and fragility in life. As fleeting as his own. Cathal's struggle with himself and the despair in his soul is indicative of many of whom go through this challenging arena called life.

Parked (2010) staring Colm Meaney (Fred Daly) and Colin Morgan (Cathal O'Regan) is a interesting but moving film about two men who never move at all.Fred Daly (Meaney) is a homeless man in his 40's who lives in his car. He has a very simple life and is not that sort of street scum you'd expect. He meets a younger homeless boy; Cathal O'Regan (Morgan) who is more or less definitely that street scum you'd expect. It's an unusual couple who just help each other out in staying alive and don't ask for much. The troubles they come across though; with drugs, women and money, bring them close, but they end up being pulled apart by the exact same things that brought them together.This movie is what I like to call a "montage movie". I love montages because they hold so much more meaning than dialog. Parked is full of it and I think 65% of this beautiful movie is montaging. Hence the title I give it of "montage movie". I think the produces and writers decided to use the least amount of dialog possible so when there is dialog, its brilliant. Colin has the most hilarious lines and Colm's character is so wise. They fit together so well; I love, love, LOVE the chemistry between them. (but not in a gay way) they work so well.Another thing I wanted to touch on is the beautiful filming and camera shots. This is the reason I'm OBSESSED with this film. Far off shots in the distance with a simple ambiance of calming music, composed particularly for this film (MONTAGING!). Ugh its just SO brilliant.The ending is quite sad and I cried but they may be to do with the fact I'm in love with Colin Morgan! It sums it all up pretty well though and there wasn't a moment which I didn't love. This movie is on my list of "things you must see before you die" and I've crossed it off so now you need too also!-hjl

A very moving film - a credit to the producers Ripple World and to a very talented cast. The story follows Fred Daly (Colm Meaney), an introverted and marginalized middle-aged man who returns to Ireland and ends up living in his car. He befriends a young homeless junkie, Cathal (Colin Morgan) and the two find comfort and a glimmer of hope in their low-key friendship.Meaney gives a superb performance, walking the tightrope between sentimentality and cheap laughs without ever falling into either trap. He plays a man clinging to the last vestiges of normality, whether it be watering a plant or brushing his teeth, - a drowning man by the sea, clinging to the smallest pieces of debris to stay afloat. Morgan, best known as Merlin in the TV series of the same name, shows huge promise as a big screen actor.Well written by Ciaran Creagh whose theatre background has given him a good ear for dialogue. Directed with elegant understatement by Darragh Byrne and with some beautiful photography from John Conroy including cinematic landscapes that lifted it away from potential TV-style relentless grimness.If there is a single word for the movie, it is uncompromising. It takes a hard, unblinking look at lives on the margins but manages to retain its characters' humanity. I watched it at the LA Irish Film Festival 2011 and there were more than a few tears shed in the audience, which again is a credit to the film-makers in a world where shiny things and explosions usually dominate. For sure it is a slow burn, but all the more elegant for that. Full of sadness and pathos, but leaving the door open for a final sliver of hope to shine through. Bravo.