Posts Tagged ‘Good Fortune’
July 24th, 2009 | 
Author: Tonight I had the very good fortune to be invited to a private event with Mr. ” Lord of the Rings ” himself, Peter Jackson . It was the latest in a series of cool happenings that also had me catching an early screening of ” District 9 ” — the upcoming Jackson-produced sci-fi flick that already feels destined to change the face of genre filmmaking. “It cost thirty million dollars,” Jackson said to audible gasps in a function room at a Comic-Con hotel. Not that you could tell watching the movi
Rutledge Ave., Charleston, S.C. For much of my life I felt like what my brother Jim likes to call a “Cultural Nomad”. Every time I moved I started over completely with little overlap of friends or family. I finished high school in India, and my family had returned there. I was alone in Canada and by some happy stroke of good fortune was accepted into the Nursing program at Ryerson University in Toronto. It was during the time nursing schools were being absorbed into universities but I found a
A deadly peril has come upon us, which only great hardihood shall turn aside. But in this matter numbers will avail little; we must use cunning, and hope for good fortune… For I do not believe this Dragon is unconquerable, though he grows greater in strength and malice with the years. I know somewhat of him. His power is rather in the evil spirit that dwells within him than in the might of his body, great though that be… So says Turin, son of Hurin. A dragon — no, a Dragon — needs slaying.
When local wag Jackie O’Shea (Ian Bannen) discovers that one of his neighbors in the village of Tulaigh Mohr is a lottery winner he sees a chance to share in the wealth. Things get complicated when Jackie and his pal Michael O’Sullivan (David Kelly) discover that the winner, Ned Devine, died of shock at the very moment he learned of becoming a millionaire. Undaunted, Jackie and Michael dispose of the lucky stiff and hatch a plot to impersonate him and claim the prize. Soon the whole village is involved and the plot rapidly thickens.
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
User Ratings and Reviews
5 Stars Celebrate life!
The Waking of Ned Devine is a celebration of life as seen through the eyes of friends in a small Irish town off the coast of Ireland. The twists and turns of the plot will have you convulsing at times as the
small town comes to terms with their good fortune and loss simultaneously.
As the story races to it’s conclusion, the frantic music of the fiddler
parallels the “fortunes” of the town grinch. An extraordinary slice of
Irish life and humor magically captivating us willing participants. You’ll
cheer at the end of this masterpiece!!!
5 Stars In my all time top 10
Keeping this short, WND is one of the funniest, most charming and clever movies I have ever seen. You can watch this 5xs and still laugh just as hard as first time. Perfect family movie. If you haven’t seen this, you’ve missed out. This movie crosses generations and cultures, and how many can say that these days?
10*s Forget the five
4 Stars Oh, that someone will speak this highly of me after my funeral…
To say this movie is funny is just not saying enough. It speaks of Irish traditions, human nature, the good , the bad and the funny, and gives you the nervous jitters as to what is going to happen next.
But, the ending scene with song will bring tears to your eyes or at least a lump in your throat. The tune is “Celtic nostalgic” and the words are humbling.
We loved this movie!
5 Stars movies came quick
I had my movies, which were new and still in the packaging, in a quick, timely manner.
5 Stars Love the Irish? Then you’ll love Waking Ned Divine!
A funny, sweet, and totally Irish story that always leaves me smiling for days, no matter how many times I watch it!
A bostonian widow moves with her kids to the country. Studio: Buena Vista Home Video Release Date: 01/12/2007 Starring: Hayley Mills Burl Ives Run time: 108 minutes Rating: G Director: James Neilson
User Ratings and Reviews
5 Stars Charming “Summer Magic”
Get that warm “Summer Magic” feeling! This is one of those films that you can view at any time or at any age. Hayley Mills is especially charming and Burl Ives and Dorothy McGuire are just a few in the rest of the superb cast. Get this DVD and watch it some Sunday evening. It will perk you right up!
5 Stars Classic Disney! Just Flitterin!
Disneyland has graciously adopted the fine tune of “Flitterin” from this motion picture, and with good reason. It’s Disney Main St. USA starring none other than the Disney Studios prodigy, actress Haley Mills in one of her best films for Disney. With many fine supporting cast in Dorothy McGuire, Deborah Walley, and Burl Ives singing some very agreeable songs. “Ugly Bug Ball” is one of them. There is absolutely nothing wrong with this movie, and the only squabbles I can think of would stem from nitpicking any dvd production values.
The plot is simple, an upper crust family must find a suitable place to live after a huge fallout with their good fortune, and investments. Haley Mills, as Nancy the daughter, comes to the rescue by doing some early homework, and contacting a potential house for very conveniant rates in a country town. The elegant country house, however, is owned by an out of towner who has placed it under care of Burl Ives. Meanwhile, a cousin comes to visit the family fixing up the house, with Haley Mills constantly bringing up the fact that the real owner might come back to kick them out. Deborah Walley plays the fine acting cousin of Julia, who is an upper crust snob with very well taught manners. The inner house conflict between Haley and Deborah make up quite a bit of the interior of the movie while the house is undergoing reconstruction. Finally, the homeowner does eventually make it back in time for a halloween party, that fictitiously commemorates his deceased mother. And his mother is still alive!
Needless to say, the original homeowner is a suave handsome gentleman who falls for the vibrant Haley. Fine movie for the entire family, which is what Disney is all about.
5 Stars Haley Mills movies
Received right on time!! In great condition. The 2 movies I ordered are gifts and I cannot wait for the person to receive them this week. Will use this seller again, no problem. 
5 Stars Fun Charming Movie
This is a delightful charming, fun movie. I enjoy it everytime I see it.
5 Stars Summer Fun
This is one of your typical “feel good” movies from Disney with Hayley Mills. Having grown up in this genre of movies, this is one of the favorites. Good family flick!