Waking Ned Devine

Waking Ned Devine

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DVD Cover Information

• Condition: New
• Format: DVD
• Closed-captioned; Color; Dolby; DVD; Letterboxed; Widescreen; NTSC

Movie Reviews of Waking Ned Devine

Movie Review: Warm, Insightful Comedy
Summary: 5 Stars

In the small (make that VERY small) community of Tulaigh Mohr (Tullymore), someone is holding the winning ticket from the last Lotto game, but of the fifty-eight or so good souls currently residing in this picturesque village by the sea, no one has yet come forth to claim the substantial prize. And, of course, it's led to speculation by the keenest minds from amongst the population, at the forefront of which is none other than himself, Jackie O'Shea (Ian Bannen), along with his good friend Michael O'Sullivan (David Kelly), who are determined to get to the bottom of it all. The raging question issuing from the Blarney Stone and flowing over into the local pub where it remains adrift like a raft of mystery atop every pint, is why hasn't the lucky sod come forward?

Well then, it's up to Jackie and Michael to find out, isn't it? `Tis. And so, in the spirit of "community," they set out to find the winner, and the sooner the better; all the quicker to latch onto whomever it is and convince him (or her) that better friends than Jackie and Michael the Maker Himself never put on the good, green earth. But who could it be? Maggie (Susan Lynch)? Pig Finn (James Nesbitt)? Or even old Ned Devine (Jimmy Keogh), who come to think of it hasn't been seen lately. And when Ned doesn't show up to a get-together at Jackie's house, catered by wife, Annie (Fionnula Flanagan), for the most likely winning-ticket-holding-suspects, Jackie decides to pay old Ned, good Ned, a visit; it just may be that there, at Ned's, Jackie will uncover the secret of this mystery. Or so he hopes.

Kirk Jones has put together and delivered a film that is fun and funny, but more than that, it's a story filled with Puck-like spirit that comes at you with a twinkle in it's eye, a wink and a sidelong glance. More than anything, though, this is a character study that penetrates to the very heart of the human condition, with all it's flaws, foibles and peccadilloes; but it's permeated with a warmth and generosity of spirit that enables you to fully embrace these rascals, even as they're poking you in the ribs until your sides are sore from laughing. Overall, it's an assemblage of memorable characters and unforgettable scenes that Jones serves up on a silver platter of good will, harmony and, most importantly, a sense of everlasting hope.

In one of his final roles, Ian Bannen absolutely shines as the rascally Jackie, a "character" of a character, who underneath it all has a heart as big as they come. Bannen lends a bit o' the devil to Jackie, but never lets you forget the true nature of the man within, which may not be of an entirely altruistic bent, but neither is there a drop of malice to be found in his veins. And it's what makes his portrayal so convincing; what we see is a man who is human, not a saint, maybe, but one who definitely won't be turned away from the Pearly Gates when the time comes. It's a lively performance in which Bannen exhibits a love of life and living, and it makes Jackie O'Shea an honest and very real character.

And once you've seen him, you're never going to forget David Kelly as Michael O'Sullivan. He's a lovable, Capraesque kind of character who is what he is; with Michael, what you see is what you get, and Kelly brings him vibrantly to life. His "motorcycle ride" alone is worth the price of admission for this one, a scene that will be emblazoned in your memory forevermore. It's a first-rate performance from a terrific character actor, and along with Bannen's, it makes O'Sullivan and O'Shea a real pair to draw to.

Adding to the merriment, as well, is the always delightful Fionnula Flanagan as Annie, a woman Irish to the bottom of her soul, a kind of kindred spirit to Maureen O'Hara's Mary Kate Danaher in "The Quiet Man." She gives her Annie spunk, and a nature that complements her Jackie effectively.

Also giving noteworthy performances are Susan Lynch, as Maggie, and James Nesbitt as Pig Finn; two more characters you're not likely to forget anytime soon.

The supporting cast includes Maura O'Malley (Mrs. Kennedy), Robert Hickey (O'Toole), Paddy Ward (Brendy), Eileen Dromey (Lizzy) and Dermot Kerrigan (Father Patrick). A refreshing comedy filled with some real insights and genuine humor, "Waking Ned Devine" is like a breath of fresh air in a world often choked with L.A. smog. It's a rare, entertaining treat to be savored and enjoyed again and again. And that's the magic of the movies.

Summary of Waking Ned Devine

This film has been compared to The Full Monty, but it lacks the vein of desperation that added depth to that film. Instead, Waking Ned Devine is closer in tone to classic British comedies like Whisky Galore!, with its cast of eccentrics gleefully conspiring to outwit the authorities. Those with a low tolerance for twinkly eyed Irish charm might be tempted to steer clear, although the movie is saved, for the most part, by its central performances. Bannen is superb as an old man who is clearly hungry for any excitement he can drum up and David Kelly is remarkable as his scrawny sidekick. Kelly has had a long career as a character actor in film and television, but here he has a chance to really let loose. His naked motorcycle ride is a marvelous set piece and in all of his other scenes his twitchy, perfectly timed performance quite simply steals the movie. --Simon Leake