I am confident I have already seen the recipient of the “Worst Film” medal, which will be awarded at the end of my St. Patrick’s Day Film Festival. I guarantee that no movie could be worse than Far and Away. I had heard that Tom Cruise puts on a terrible Irish accent, and it was pretty bad, but at least he tried to sound Irish. Nicole Kidman spoke in a generic accent, a cross between South Dakota and South Africa. Very odd.

Throughout the first part of the movie, I was never sure if it was supposed to be a spoof or if it was a serious drama. I invited my sister to watch with me, and a few minutes in, she commented, “I think Ron Howard let the interns make this movie.” Regan really wanted to quit, but I wouldn’t allow it. We watched all 140 dreadful minutes. My apologies, Regan.

I needed a palate cleanser after that, and the black comedy set in Dublin, Intermission, was just that. Fast-paced action with many interconnected storylines, Intermission is hilarious. You can’t go wrong with the cast, which includes Colin Farrell, Cillian Murphy, and Colm Meaney. Meaney was also in Far and Away, but I don’t hold that against him.

Here is the list of movies I watched over the past week, including links to movie trailers. I have more than enough movies to carry me through the weekend. It is nice when St. Patrick’s Day is on a Friday because I feel entitled to an elongated celebration.

• The Matchmaker (1997)
• The Dead (1987)
• Angela’s Ashes (1999)
• Shergar (1999)
• Celtic Journey Through Ireland (2008) – not a movie, more a travel and culture with great photography
• Far and Away (1992)
• Intermission (2003)
• The Wind That Shakes the Barley (2007)

I hope everyone has a great St. Patrick’s Day! I have The Secret of Kells up next, as recommended by BJ. I can’t wait!