Passed Away

Great film. One of the best I've seen about families, especially lots-of-sibs families; especially lots-of-sibs Irish families. Have been a fan of Bob Hoskins and Maureen Stapleton since forever and no one could have been better in these two roles. Also a fan of Peter Riegert since Crossing Delancey. What a cutie, and perfect in this one as always. Nancy Travis was absolutely precious and the sane one (sort of a surrogate daughter to the deceased) in this clan. Also became a fan of Pamela Reed tonight. Oh, and the banjo pickin' by Jim Corr, demonstrating again the magic of familiar music, especially folkloric, to bond people together. If you're Irish, this scene alone is worth the price of admission. And one more - David Futterman. Only on the screen the last ten minutes, yet nonetheless, very memorable.

No dull moments and a definite pick-me-up after five episodes of Home Land today (yes, it's great, but emotionally strenuous). Just what I needed and I recommend it highly. Thank you, Movie Channel, for airing it.

"Passed Away" is the sort of movie that you could easily walk by in the video/DVD store and not notice. But you should notice it, and then watch it. This is actually a very clever movie. It looks at how this family has to deal with their problems following the father's death. Although Bob Hoskins is listed as the star, no single character really dominates the movie. We get to see the issues faced by everyone, and the movie leaves it up to the viewer to decide what to think of the various characters.

So this is one that I recommend. You won't be disappointed if you take the time to check it out. Also starring Peter Riegert (Boone in "Animal House") and Tim Curry.

OK, there may be some material that is questionable as to whether its funny but all in all Passed Away is a very good movie. And the cast is top notch. Maureen Stapleton as the family matriarch is sweet, funny, and wise -- reminiscent of her role in Johnny Dangerously. William Petersen is wonderful as the well-meaning but empty-headed brother. Bob Hoskins, Pamela Reed and Frances McDormand give solid performances as the rest of the family. The jokes and barbs fly as the characters deal with the sudden death in the family and the twists each of their lives has experienced. Anyone with a quirky family will find Passed Away well worth the viewing.

When Jack Scanlan, the head of a "normal" Irish family dies suddenly, everyone turns to the oldest son, Johnny (Bob Hoskins) to be the new family decision-maker. Everyone is having their own issues and power struggles within the family. All the family believe Johnny can take over for Dad; however, Johnny can't handle the sudden pressure and decides that it is time for a mid-life crisis. Mayhem ensues as all the problems come to a head at Jack's wake. Before Johnny can handle the family's problems he has to come to grips with his own problems and accept his new role in the family.

A crackerjack cast helps to make this film a fun watch. It's not unusual for comedies to be about dysfunctional families, but with an above average script, and with appealing characters, one can sit back and happily conclude, the family depicted here, is more messed up then is mine. Of course, we get a happy ending, but how it's going to get there is not so obvious. One of the better comedies of the 1990's.