Latest news with #TheDevil'sOwn
Tom's Guide
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Tom's Guide
Netflix just got this forgotten action-thriller with Brad Pitt and Harrison Ford — but there's a problem
Netflix has confirmed its slate for June 2025, and among the many new originals and library titles added to the streaming service this month is 'The Devil's Own.' Never heard of it? It's an action-thriller from 1997 that stars Harrison Ford and Brad Pitt, the latter sporting a pretty iffy Northern Irish accent to boot. Considering its star power and on-paper gripping tale of deception and undercover criminal dealings, it sounds like the perfect recipe for a forgotten movie that will earn a deserved reprieve via its re-emergence on Netflix U.S. However, there's a slight problem here ... let's just say the movie has been largely forgotten by the passage of time for a reason. It's not exactly great. It's not all bad, but there are some pretty significant drawbacks. If you've spotted 'The Devil's Own' in the 'new on Netflix' section this week, and want to know a little more about this '90s movie, here's the scoop on why it's not quite a must-watch, but might still be worth streaming in a pinch. Opening quite literally with a bang, 'The Devil's Own' sees IRA member Frankie McGuire (Brad Pitt) leave behind his traumatic past in Belfast, Northern Ireland, during the height of The Troubles to travel to New York City. Adopting the alias, Rory Devaney, Frankie isn't in the Big Apple for a spot of sightseeing or to build international ties; he's come to America to purchase a cache of missiles to ship back to Ireland to help his allies fight back against the British forces. Staying at the home of Irish-American cop Tom O'Meara (Harrison Ford), who is unaware of his true identity, Frankie's clandestine mission becomes increasingly complicated as he brushes shoulders with the mob. And there's also the persistent danger of his true motivations being uncovered by Tom. Even as somebody with a huge bias towards anything related to Northern Ireland (my entire family hails from the region), I just can't deny the overall spotty quality of 'The Devil's Own.' It's very much a movie of two halves. The first portion stands out as genuinely quite compelling, with Pitt's arrival in NYC and attempts to conceal this identity drawing you in, and his developing relationship with Ford's O'Meara is an early high point. Sadly, the action-thriller starts to creak under the weight of its increasingly outlandish narrative as it crawls towards its conclusion. The climax gets bogged down in too many illogical twists and turns, with characters making frustrating decisions that seem born out of narrative convenience rather than because they make sense in the moment. It's also a shame the movie doesn't play more with expectations by asking you to consider who the villain of the piece really is, or challenge you to consider how far somebody can justifiably go to fight for a cause they believe in. On the flip side, at least the performances are generally strong. Brad Pitt is in his full '90s swagger, delivishly handsome, and with enough (Irish) charm to convince those around him of his innocence. Harrison Ford is a great foil, a straight-edged police officer looking to do the right thing, but struggling with the morally grey world around him and his own misplaced loyalty to his hot-headed partner. Both actors have been in better movies, but are solid here. The movie's critical reception matches my pretty lukewarm stance. 'The Devil's Own' holds a poor 37% score on Rotten Tomatoes, and while viewers are kinder, only by a small margin, rating it 41%. So, it's not exactly a '90s flick that can be considered a cult classic. I do think the movie's critical score verges on a little harsh. It's by no means a terrible movie, just a forgettable one with some clear flaws. But if you choose to watch, you'll find enough positives not to feel it's a total washout. There are undoubtedly better action-thriller movies on Netflix already (such as the recent addition 'The Town'), but if you have a desire to see '90s Brad Pitt and an ever-so-slightly less grouchy Ford on screen together, 'The Devil's Own' will hold your attention throughout. Even if it does test your patience a bit. Meanwhile, if you want to browse Netflix's full list of new additions this month, here's a guide to everything new on Netflix in June 2025, which covers all the movies and TV shows you'll want to add to your watchlist in the weeks ahead. Watch "The Devil's Own" on Netflix now
Agriland
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Agriland
Telling the story of the potato through music, song, and dance
Renowned Irish musician and producer Tommy Hayes' latest project, 'The Garden Where The Praties Grow' is a cinematic story of the potato and its lasting impact on Irish culture told through traditional Irish music, song, and dance. The premiere of the film will take place on July 1 hosted by the Blas Summer School at the Irish World Academy, University of Limerick, launched by Professor Helen Phelan. Admission is by invitation and free to students and faculty. There will also be a screening in Glór, Ennis, Co. Clare on July 15. Admission is €8:00. Potatoes in Ireland The poignant Irish story of the potato is explored in this compelling documentary, which intertwines the cultural significance and history of 'praties' in Ireland. Through traditional Irish music, viewers journey through the struggles and resilience of a nation profoundly shaped by the tragic event of the potato famine. They discover how the potato, once a staple of daily life, became a symbol of both hardship and hope, resonating deeply within the Irish identity. Well known as one of the greatest bodhran players of all time, Tommy Hayes has been at the forefront of traditional Irish music for over 30 years. In a career that has exemplified diversity, he has performed and recorded with most of the great names in traditional music and beyond. Tommy has been a member of a number of ground-breaking groups during his career, including Stockton's Wing, Puck Fair with Brian Dunning and Mícheál Ó Domhnaill, Altan, Liam O Flynn and the Pipers Call Band, and the Eileen Ivers Band. He was the original percussionist for 'Riverdance' and has performed on more than 400 albums. In the world of film, Tommy has played on numerous film soundtracks, among them 'Titanic', 'The Devil's Own', 'Rob Roy', 'In the Name of the Father', and 'The Field'. He is also a music therapist. Under Tommy's guidance, 'The Garden Where the Praties Grow' features music, song, and dance that is deeply rooted in Irish folklore and tradition, preserving their legacy through an intimate and immersive recording process. Joining Tommy in the stellar line-up band are some of Ireland's finest musicians, including: Karan Casey, singer and pipes/flute; Mick O'Brien, harp and concertina; Michelle Mulcahy, singer and flute player; Colm O'Donnell and Carl Corcoran on keys/vocals; and Fergal Scahill, fiddle; Siobhan Butler, dance; and Pat Quinn on guitar and vocals. Interwoven throughout these performances are interviews with organic potato growers and experts in biodiversity and sustainability, offering a broader perspective on the cultural and historical impact of the potato on the Irish psyche. Tommy Hayes and Anthony Hughes on location Filmed and directed by Anthony Hughes, a cinematographer with a background in fine arts, photography, and sculpture, the documentary set out to be visually rich. Filmed over three days in the original building of the founders of the Irish Seed Savers, Co. Clare, Anthony's keen eye for composition and storytelling shapes the film's striking visual aesthetic, and captures the depth and emotion of the story. Combined with Anthony's artistic approach to filmmaking is Tommy's understanding of the cultural significance of the music.
Irish Daily Star
30-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Daily Star
Brad Pitt set to film new thriller in Ireland
A number of exciting projects are reported to be filming in Ireland this year, and locals should keep their eyes peeled for A-list celebrities. Hollywood actor Brad Pitt is joining the cast of The Riders, a film created by Edward Berger and adapted from a novel by Tim Winton of the same name. Being that the 1994 story is predominantly set in Ireland, as well as other parts of Europe, fans immediately wondered whether filming would also take place on Irish soil. And it seems likely, as Deadline reported that the movie will begin production early next year and shoot 'in multiple locations across Europe.' Read More Related Articles Melania Trump shows true colors with 3-word command to Donald at Pope's funeral Read More Related Articles Trump is 'overwhelmed and distracted' after 100 days as POTUS, expert says The story of The Riders follows Fred Scully, who purchases a dilapidated farmhouse in Ireland, to conclude two years of traveling Europe. Scully plans to settle there with his wife, Jennifer, and his daughter, Billie. While Scully renovates the old cottage, while Jennifer goes to Australia to liquidate their assets, with Billie accompanying her. Scully is shattered when his 7-year-old daughter returns home from Australia, and his wife is nowhere to be found. In the novel, Scully and his wife buy an old cottage in Ireland (Image:) Deadline wrote: 'There is no note, no explanation, not so much as a word from Jennifer, and the shock has left Billie speechless. In that instant, Scully's life falls to pieces.' Scully will of course be played by Brad Pitt, but there is no word on who will play his wife or child. However, it was revealed that Gladiator director, Ridley Scott, is set to produce the film along with Michael Pruss. The Riders is set to be an explosive film, full of mystery and thrill. It remains unclear what part of Ireland might be the backdrop for the movie. In the movie, Scully and Billie will travel through Europe, searching for Jennifer, which will inevitably lead to filming in various locations. Pitt is no stranger to Ireland and has spent time there in the past. He filmed several scenes for the 1997 movie The Devil's Own in Co Louth and spoke about his love for the country. 'I do love it [Ireland], it's so beautiful,' he said in an interview with Today FM in 2023. 'I actually would love to have a spot there one day.' Next month, Pitt stars in a new F1 blockbuster with Irish actor Kerry Condon. The actor reportedly had a hand in creating the biggest Netflix series of the year, Adolescence. Pitt's production company Plan B Entertainment helped to make the series. For the latest local news and features on Irish America, visit our homepage here .
The Independent
23-02-2025
- Entertainment
- The Independent
Rob McElhenney reflects on ‘humiliating and terrible' experience on Brad Pitt and Harrison Ford film
Rob McElhenney has reflected on the 'humiliating' experience of being cut from his first feature film. The Always Sunny in Philadelphia star and co-creator has had a fair few setbacks when it comes to his film career, having been cut out of last year's box office smash hit Deadpool & Wolverine. According to McElhenney, however, that was far from the worst experience he has had. In an interview on Sean Evans' popular Hot Ones series, the actor, 47, shed some light on the low points of his career – naming his experience on The Devil's Own as the worst. Released in 1997, the thriller film starred Harrison Ford as an Irish-American policeman and Brad Pitt as an IRA extremist. McElhenney was around 18 years old at the time. 'Not even close, by a country mile: getting cut out of The Devil's Own,' McElhenney said. 'That was one of the most humiliating and terrible experiences of my life because it was my first acting job in a movie. I got to do a scene with Harrison Ford, I got to do a scene with Brad Pitt, I got to do a scene with Julia Stiles, Rubén Blades – all these incredible actors.' The actor went on to explain that he was not properly informed that his scenes had been cut, and only realised when he did not receive an invitation to the premiere. 'Then the movie is coming out, and I notice I don't get an invite to the premiere or the friends and family screening, but I'm still just starting out – I'm like 19 or something, 18, I'm thinking, 'Oh, it'll be fine,'' he said. 'Of course, for a year, I'm telling everybody I got this movie; nobody believes me because I hadn't worked at all doing anything else. 'And then, we go to the movie – all my friends, everybody, my family buys tickets – and I'm just not in it at all.' He continued: 'They cut me completely out of the movie, didn't give me a heads up, nothing. They were all A-players and I was a D-player on the ground. I wasn't even a player, I was on the editing room floor.' The Devil's Own went on to receive mixed reviews from critics, with famed film critic Roger Ebert saying that it displayed 'ignorance of the history of Northern Ireland', though he praised the performances by Pitt and Ford. The film has a paltry 37 per cent rating on the review aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes. McElhenney went on to make his feature debut the next year, starring in 1998's Oscar-nominated film A Civil Action with John Travolta. He remains, however, best known for It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia, which is due to return for its 17th season – making it the longest-running live-action US sitcom ever. McElhenney is also the showrunner and star of Mythic Quest on Apple TV, and co-owner of the Wrexham football club with Ryan Reynolds – with whom he stars in the docuseries Welcome to Wrexham.
Yahoo
23-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Rob McElhenney reveals he was cut from The Devil's Own
Rob McElhenney has recalled one of the major low points of his acting career. The It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia star revealed his role in the 1997 crime thriller The Devil's Own ended up on the cutting room floor. Last year, Ryan Reynolds announced he was "mortified" to cut McElhenney's Deadpool & Wolverine cameo because "the sequence wasn't working" but his Welcome to Wrexham co-owner has revealed this isn't the worst cut he's taken. Talking about The Devil's Own on US talk show Hot Ones he explained, "That was one of the most humiliating and terrible experiences of my life because it was my first acting job in a movie. I got to do a scene with Harrison Ford, I got to do a scene with Brad Pitt, I got to do a scene with Julia Stiles, Rubén Blades - all these incredible actors." The late '90s film followed a police officer (Ford) who takes in a young house guest (Pitt), only to discover that he is an Irish Republican Army terrorist on the run. "The movie's coming out, and I notice I don't get an invite to the premiere or the friends and family screening," McElhenney continued. "But I'm thinking, 'Oh, it'll be fine.' And then, we go to the movie - all my friends, everybody, my family buys tickets - and I'm just not in it at all. They cut me completely out of the movie, didn't give me a heads up, nothing." McElhenny is currently starring in the Apple TV+ hit series Mythic Quest.
