Movie Review: Celtic Thunder: It’s Entertainment (2010) directed by Michael Watt
This, I think, is the first “concert film” I’ve reviewed under this program of going through all my old DVDs. Celtic Thunder is a singing group that formed in 2007 and still tours, though with several changes in personnel. (Ryan Kelly is the only one who’s been in the group all along.)
Unlike some more “arty” concert films I’ve seen, this is just the songs. The stage is meant to evoke an old-fashioned bandstand in a park, with various benches and flowerbeds serving as scenery in songs.
For most of the show there’s little distinctly Celtic about it, and “thunder” seems an overstatement. It’s mostly pop rock with a small orchestral arrangement backing them. Reminded me a lot of when I used to listen to “contemporary” radio, without the commercial interruptions. They’re not bad songs, and competently sung, with the fellows trading off solo parts. George Donaldson does have a noticeable Scots accent.
The Celtic part comes in at the end, with the jig “Lough Swilly Railway” allowing the orchestra to show off, especially the lead fiddler. And then the closer, “Ireland’s Call”, with the fellows in kilted suits and singing of Irish patriotism.
My DVD copy also came with a “making of” feature, “The Story So Far”, which has some standard musician interviews and backstage footage.
It’s a decent enough concert, something to put on the television after a family holiday meal, when no one needs to be paying much attention, and you need something other than a football game.
