Is Rooney Worth Watching?
Answer: Maybe not, Rooney is likely a skip if you enjoy Comedy movies.
It features a runtime of 88 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.
Rooney Review
Last updated: January 11, 2026
The Premise
Released in 1958, Rooney enters the Comedy genre with a narrative focused on The life of James Ignatius Rooney, a Dublin rubbish collector during the week and a Gaelic sportsman at the weekends. Under the direction of George Pollock, the film attempts to weave detailed character arcs with visual storytelling.
Cast & Performance
The film is anchored by performances from John Gregson, Muriel Pavlow, Barry Fitzgerald. While the cast delivers competent performances, the script occasionally limits their range.
Technical Mastery & Style
From a technical standpoint, Rooney offers a competent presentation. The cinematography uses a distinct visual palette that aligns well with the tone. The sharp editing keeps the narrative moving at a brisk pace, maximizing the impact of the key sequences.
Social Impact & Cultural Context
Beyond the narrative, Rooney resonates with current cultural themes in the Comedy space. It stays within the established boundaries of its genre, providing exactly what core fans expect without reinventing the wheel.
Where to Watch & Streaming Info
As of January 2026, Rooney is available in theaters worldwide. For streaming audiences in the US, UK, and India, look for availability on major platforms roughly 45-60 days after the theatrical release. Don't miss the high-definition experience provided by premium large format (PLF) screenings.
Narrative Arc & Plot Breakdown
The plot of Rooney centers on a unique premise within the Comedy landscape. The life of James Ignatius Rooney, a Dublin rubbish collector during the week and a Gaelic sportsman at the weekends. The second act serves as a major turning point, leading to a climax that fans of 1958 cinema will find fairly predictable.
Ending Explained & Sequel Potential
The ending of Rooney has sparked significant debate on social media. It signifies the ambiguous resolution of the main plot thread. Given the current box office momentum, discussions of a Rooney sequel or a wider cinematic universe are already gaining traction.
Final Editorial Verdict
Final verdict for Rooney (1958): with an audience rating of 5.5/10, the reception has been divisive. It is a recommended for fans of Comedy, Drama, Romance cinema who appreciate attention to detail.
Parents Guide & Age Rating
Rooney has not been officially rated yet. However, due to its genre classification (Comedy, Drama, Romance), viewers should expect romantic content.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 5.5/10, and global collection metrics, Rooney stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1958 cinematic year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Rooney movie hit or flop?
Rooney has received mixed reviews with a 5.5/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is Rooney worth watching?
Rooney is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Comedy, Drama, Romance movies, but read reviews first.
What genre is Rooney?
Rooney is a Comedy, Drama, Romance movie that The life of James Ignatius Rooney, a Dublin rubbish collector during the week and a Gaelic sportsman at the weekends....
Explore More Verdicts
More with John Gregson
View full filmography
People Also Ask (FAQs)
Is Rooney movie hit or flop?
Rooney has received mixed reviews with a 5.5/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is Rooney worth watching?
Rooney is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Comedy, Drama, Romance movies, but read reviews first.
What genre is Rooney?
Rooney is a Comedy, Drama, Romance movie that The life of James Ignatius Rooney, a Dublin rubbish collector during the week and a Gaelic sportsman at the weekends....
Is Rooney family friendly?
Yes, Rooney is suitable for family viewing as it falls under the Comedy, Drama, Romance genre.
Where can I watch Rooney?
You can find streaming options and availability for Rooney on popular platforms. Check movieMx for the latest updates and reviews.
Who is the main cast of Rooney?
Rooney features a talented cast. Check our "Top Cast" section to see the full list of actors and the characters they play in this film.
How long is the movie Rooney?
The runtime and duration of Rooney are available in the movie details section. It's a gripping story that keeps you engaged from start to finish.
Critic Reviews
John Gregson turns in quite an amiable performance here as the eponymous Dublin bin man turned athlete. By day, he collects rubbish whilst at the weekends, he plays the lethal game of the "hurley" - and it's this that draws the attention of local bigwig "Doolan" (Liam Redmond) who helps him to find better lodgings. Safely ensconced, he meets "Maire" (Muriel Pavlov) who lives with her ailing, elderly, grandfather (Barry Fitzgerald) and his rather grumpy daughter "Mrs. O"Flynn" (Marie Kean). Can he make good on his sporting promise, survive all the familial discord and get the gal? It's very un-Catherine Cookson, this - but that just demonstrates a little of the versatility of an author who could update her stories as the need called for it. Despite being as English as the Thames, Gregson - maybe not so well when drunk - is engaging as the charming Irishman and I rather liked Kean's contributions as the stern "Miss Gulch"-esque woman who certainly never has an half full glass! Sure, it's all pretty predictable, but it serves as a nice reminder of late 1950s Dublin, and offers a watchable family drama that is characterful and well paced.