Waking Ned Devine

Starring: Ian Bannen, David Kelly
Director: Kirk Jones
Genre: Comedy
Year: 1998
Rating: 3 / 5

Waking Ned Devine, a film whose Irish origins have elicited comparisons to The Full Monty, Britain's 1997 surprise hit, is one of the more off-beat, quirky movies to hit the screen at any point during the year. Directed by Kirk Jones, Waking Ned Devine is the story of one town's plan to collect the lottery winnings of one of its deceased residents. It seems that Ned Devine, whom the audience never sees in the living world, is so shocked by his good fortune that he dies immediately upon realizing his tremendous luck. It is then up to the townsfolk to ensure that his reward does not go unclaimed.

The film chronicles the lives of Jackie O'Shea (Ian Bannen) and Michael O'Sullivan (David Kelly), two life-long friends hailing from a town of fifty-two. Die-hard lottery players themselves, the two are elated to learn, via an Irish publication, that the winner of the most recent drawing is a resident of their own town. With only fifty-two persons in the village, Jackie and Michael decide to "get close" to all of the townspeople, so that the winner will be sure to include these two old friends in his eventual generosity. Naturally, a comedy of errors ensues as the two drop pound after pound on unsuspecting country folk.

After an unsuccessful dinner party of the home of Jackie O'Shea, the duo deduce that Ned Devine, the only resident not in attendance, must be the lottery winner. When they attempt to visit him, however, they find him long-since deceased, winning lottery ticket in hand. The problem here is that Ned Devine has a habit of writing his name on the back of his tickets, thereby hatching a plan for the would-be gold-diggers. If one of them could pose as Ned Devine, the two of them could collect all of the money for themselves...

If one can come to accept the slightly absurd premise, this movie can be quite enjoyable fare. Along with the humor that permeates the entire script, there are some rather touching moments between the old friends, whose friendship seems to be even stronger than the allure of countless riches. Susan Lynch and James Nesbitt provide an entertaining subplot as Maggie and Pig Finn, an affectionate couple that cannot seem to get things sorted out long enough to build a life together.

The film showcases some magnificent Irish landscapes, many serving as a backdrop for the lottery official's eventual arrival. Even more impressive, though, is the film's soundtrack, full of feel-good material and Irish tunes. The closing number in particular will surely leave the viewer soaring. Minus a little senior citizen nudity, this film is one that can be enjoyed by men and women of all ages. A tale of an easier life, of friendships that have stood the test of time, and of the healing power of laughter...

Cast:

Ian Bannen..........	Jackie O'Shea
David Kelly..........	Michael O'Sullivan
Fionnula Flanagan..........	Annie O'Shea
Susan Lynch..........	Maggie
James Nesbitt..........	Pig Finn

Certification: Rated PG for nudity and language.
Running Time: 91 minutes.

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