Review of Waking Ned (1998) by Matthew R — 21 Dec 2010

Surely everyone has pondered on what life would be like if one won the lottery.... In the quaint Irish town of Tullymore, an elderly pair of jokers, Jackie (Ian Banner) and Michael (David Kelly), discovers that one of the villagers has won the National Lottery's First Division. There's a problem though -- the villager in question is dead. That's when the two charming old scoundrels, concoct a scheme for posing as the deceased lotto winner in order to collect the prize. Of course this involves getting the entire village to go along with the scheme, and that is where all the fun begins.

Although it is not exactly a hilarious film, there are moments where you will genuinely laugh. The first scene in particular when Ian Bannen wants his apple tart brought to him whilst watching the lotto results - hysterical. But it is also a heartwarming film, the perfect feel-good entertainment. Bannen, Kelly, and Fionnula Flanagan are the main stars; Bannen in particular is outstanding; striking just the right balance of humor and poignancy. However, the real star performer is Eileen Dromey as Lizzie Quinn, a cantankerous wheelchair-bound old woman, with no friends except her cats (and perfectly happy for it to remains the same). Everyone will recognize someone they know in the old bat, and her unbelievable rudeness will leave you laughing more with shock than anything. In the end, Waking Ned Devine is one of those charming and funny movies that you just can't help liking, great acting and witty dialogue propels this film.

Story: B.

Acting: A.

Direction: B+.

Visuals: B.

Overall: B+.

***1/2 out of 4 stars.