A Brilliant Conflict

When a movie has you begging for it to end not even half way through it's pure crap. We've all seen this movie and this characters millions of times, nothing new in it. Don't waste your time.

This movie feels like it was made purely to piss off people who want good shows

It's a good bad... and worth a popcorn matinée. While it's easy to lament what could have been...

See Vinnie Jones using the worst and most unlikely Irish accent ever committed to screen. Also see a highly predictable plot and stereotyped list of totally unbelievable characters - dumbed-down for Americans? - romp through a film you'll pray ends quickly. And what's with the American cars parked at the Gypsy site? Is it supposed to be Ireland or the USA? Vinnie Jones as a bare-knuckle boxer? Gimmie a break. It's as if he's trying to reprise Brad Pitt's role in Snatch, but giving it the Vinnie treatment IE. "I can't act but I'm famous enough to can get your film made."

Strength and Honor is a story of hope and personal triumph, and in this world filled with Matrix-wannabees, B-level comedy full of toilet humor, and 300 million dollar glitz, it's refreshing to find a film with no gratuitous sex, gore, or profanity. This film has such a strong and simple theme, you won't have a feeling of apprehension taking your 13 year-old daughter to see it (and she'll probably hug you on the way out of the theater). To put it in a single phrase, this movie is what good film-making is all about. Director Mark Mahon has woven an inspirational piece of cinema, and this candid reporter is better for seeing it. Be it karma or sheer fortune, I was able to meet and talk with Mr. Mahon, who also wrote and produced Strength and Honor. I found him to be just as rare and honest as his film is. It was obvious that I had stumbled upon one of those unique and spectacular individuals that make one ask, "I wonder what he'll do next?" (Mahon is working on his next feature 'Freedom Within the Heart', slated for 2009) Keep your eyes-peeled folks, because if Strength and Honor is any indication of what Mark Mahon can do his first time out the cinema gate, we are bound to be thrilled with his future endeavors. He's a storyteller – one to watch…and keep watching.

If you have not seen Strength and Honor, you are missing a great movie. You do not have to enjoy boxing or action movies to enjoy this one. There is something for everyone... it is a must see! If you aren't used to them, the accents can take a little while into the movie to get used to. However, once you understand them, you get a better feel for the characters and pick up the common words thrown around throughout the movie and what they mean.There is a lot of drama, suspense and action in this movie. If you do no have a tear or two after viewing, it would be a shock to me. EXCELLENT movie, that's all I have to say.

I saw Strength and Honour last night. I expected a lot and was let down. I walked out of the cinema talking about some faults it had. I slept on it and when I woke up I realised that there was so much more wrong with this film. I think it was the worst film I saw this year. It is set and filmed in Cork, Ireland (my hometown) so I really want to say it was amazing. It was just a massive letdown. It wasn't even a movie that was 'so bad it's good/funny', it was just a horribly acted, poorly written piece of clichéd rubbish. I applaud that the 1st time Director Mahon has put his heart and soul into this and I must admit the film is beautifully shot, but how this movie got produced is beyond me. I think that he should get some help with writing from a Hollywood veteran because his idea was good. I hope his next film about Brian Boru starring Leo diCaprio will be much better. This film simply deserves the Razzie for worst film(for being oblivious to how bad it is) and worst performance(by Madsen). Madsen is a great actor, but this role was not for him. It pains me to say it, but Strength and Honour is a stinker that should be avoided at all costs. I hear there's a sequel in the pipeline...but I have a question...why?