Title: Scoop This!
By
David “The Critic” Evangelisti

Review of the Irish film, “Waking Ned Devine”:

Plot Summary:

Jackie O’Shea, a resident of the tiny Irish coastal village (population 47) of Tully More, discovers that one of his neighbors has won the lottery — the question is who? It takes some serious effort, but Jackie figures out that the lucky person is none other than Ned Divine. Unfortunately, it turns out Ned is in no position to collect the jackpot — because he’s dead, clutching the winning ticket in his hand. The jackpot total is nearly 6.9 million Irish pounds. So, Jackie and his best friend, Michael O’Sullivan, try to figure out a way to share in Ned’s good fortune — after all, Ned would want it that way (this comes in a humorous dream to Jackie). But things get a lot more complicated than either Jackie or Michael could have anticipated.

(Running Time: 91 minutes)

MY REVIEW:

Simply put, “Waking Ned Divine” is a “golden nugget” from the land of the Leprechaun. Half way through the movie, I found myself salivating for a pint of Guinness (which I normally despise) to get in the spirit of things. I mean the stuff tastes like one month old, lukewarm, bitter coffee. Regardless, there are many splendid things about this film including, but not limited to, the beautiful scenery, humorous dialogue and unique characters.

There were two characters that I was especially drawn to. First, is Michael O’Sullivan (David Kelly), a timid little man who makes you want to laugh simply by his appearance and goofy mannerisms. Second, is Lizzy Quinn (Eileen Dromey), a nasty little troll who cruises around on her battery-powered chair cart and spreads ill will to the other town folk. I found myself praying that she would get what was coming to her before the conclusion of the film.

This film was such a pleasure that it makes me wonder why we can’t get more films like these occupying screens at our local multiplex. Instead, we are forced to choke down films such as “Insert crummy Sharon stone space movie here”, “Chucky Part 12”, “Virus” and other recycled horse dung that falls into the ever- so-tired commercial action blockbuster genre. I know I’m reaching, but all I ask is that more Americans give films like “Waking Ned Divine” a shot rather than saying “Hum, Rambo 15” or “Waking Ned Divine”…tough call.

On a similar note, I swear to God, if I see one more trailer emphasizing “BASED ON A TRUE STORY”…I will go “postal” or take a walk off Suicide Bridge. Well, excuse my dramatics (I am known for it), but I won’t be a supporter of the overly concerned studio executives who expose me to this continual influx of rubbish. While AMC Theaters are better than other chain theaters, they still clog their screens with several blockbuster pieces of rubbish films occupying two or three screens at one theater. Where is the diversity? OK, I’m not oblivious I realize this is a business about profits. And yes, maybe an independent has to make a ton more money at the box offices to get out of the “red”, but does that mean we are forced to suffer and can’t see some occasional independent quality films as well?

Maybe I need to move to Europe, or maybe I should spend my paycheck at Tower Video’s foreign section. Who knows? I suppose I wish our audiences could learn a little more from European filmmakers.

Well, I suppose it is time for me to step off my soapbox and “slow it down to a cool boil”. So, until next month this balcony is — sealed like a zip lock!