Movie Review: Waking Ned Devine (1998)

Hello, all!

It is March, and what I always think of is St. Patrick's Day! And while all celebrations have been cancelled because of the coronavirus, watching movies in the comfort of own homes isn't cancelled! Therefore, I am reviewing an Irish movie that my family loves to watch. Enjoy!

My guarantee: On ALL of my reviews there are NO spoilers unless I give you warning. This is spoiler free!


Waking Ned Devine (1998):

'"Sometimes..."
"Sometimes, that's a good start."
In the town of Tullymore everyone is excited because someone won the lottery, but no one knows who it was. Two villagers, Jackie and Michael, decide to find out the lucky winner and become his or her best friend in order to get some of the money. They are finding no clues when things take a serious turn and they find themselves caught up in a few lies. They need the help of the whole town, but will they get it?
"You're a country boy, Jackie, do you think you can out-smart a man from the city?"

Genre: Comedy.
Length: approx. 91 minutes.
"Don't rush me."
Costumes: 7, there are several times where people aren't wearing anything, at all.
Script: 6, there is some swearing and name calling.

'"Have we won?"

"No, but I got my apple tart brought out to me."'

Crew:
Directed by: Kirk Jones.
Written by: Kirk Jones.
Starring:
Ian Bannen as Jackie O'Shea. "I've always walked my way around the hills and the fog."
David Kelly as Michael O'Sullivan.

Fionnula Flanagan as Annie O'Shea.

Susan Lynch as Maggie O'Toole.

James Nesbitt as Pig Finn.

Eileen Dromey as Lizzy Quinn.

Kitty Fitzgerald as Kitty.
Maura O'Malley as Mrs. Kennedy.
Robert Hickey as Maurice O'Toole.
Paddy Ward as Brendy O'Toole.

Adrian Robinson as Lotto Observer.
James Ryland as Dennis Fitzgerald.
Fintan McKeown as Pat Mulligan.
Dermot Kerrigan as Father Patrick.
Jimmy Keogh as Ned Devine.

'"Where are we going, Ned?"

"Into the light."'

Paul Vaughan as Narrator (voice).
Cinematography: 8, there are some fun things. The scenery of Ireland is gorgeous, of course!
Cinematography by: Henry Braham.
Music: 10, I don't know what it is about this score, but I love it! So, so, good!
Music by: Shaun Davey.
Quotes: 9, "Finish cleaning up those intestines."
Content: 5, this is where it gets a little sketchy. My main problem with one part of the storyline is that Maggie has a son, Brendy, but no one knows who his father is and is always asking. Things like, "It must be me!" or "You know it's me". The first several times I watched this it when right over my head and I didn't even notice it, but the last couple of times I have been surprised because I didn't remember that that was in there. Also, there is drinking, smoking (including a child smoking), suggestive material, and death.
Originality: 9, I admit that I have never seen another movie like it, and I probably never will!

'"Would I spend my time on this beach if I were a millionaire?"

"Ai, I believe you would."'

Good For: anyone looking for a comedy, for anyone who has lost someone.
Age Range: I've been watching it for a long time, I don't remember how old I was when I first watched. It is rated PG and I agree with that.
Overall Score: 7.5!
Bonus thoughts:
'"Do you understand it?"
"Not a word."'
This movie though a few things are a little crude, is so funny! Whenever I think of comedies, this one comes to the top of my mind. I have gone through phases where I didn't like the storyline, but overall I've decided that I like the message. This film probably isn't for everyone (I know that I was bored the first few times), but if you watch it and like it, you'll really enjoy yourself.


Now, if any of you have seen this, let me know because I have never met anyone who has! If not, does it sound like something you would like? Thanks for reading, everyone! Please stay healthy and take care of yourselves so you and your family don't get sick! Happy St. Patrick's Day in advance!

MovieCritic