A CHARMING AND FUN LITTLE FILM
Life’s a Breeze
***
Review by Justin T. Bowler
@IndyFilmTwittic
Imdb says… “Life’s A Breeze tells the story of a family as they search for a lost fortune around the streets of Dublin.”
In the vein of “Waking Ned Devine”, or “The Full Monty”, this is a charming little film that surprisingly trades more on it’s interesting characters and relationships rather than rich story. But, there certainly isn’t anything wrong with the story or with it’s hook. While the moviegoer may think (based on the trailer) the main character is in fact the larger than life oafish son, who still lives with his mother at forty years of age, they would be wrong. At its base, this touching little movie is about a teenage girl finding the value in her elder family members (especially her grandmother). Some might argue that the ending is not completely satisfying (but I believe only Americans would tend to come to that conclusion). International cinema, quite frequently, doesn’t yield to the perfect story structure that U.S. films tend to exhibit. While I will admit it is not completely conventional with its ending, if the ending had been changed to be wrapped up nice and neat with a cute little bow, then the film would have lost the intention of the filmmaker.
Almost across the board, the cast is great, but, the grandmother is exceptionally played by Fionnula Flanagan (or as Americans refer to her…fake Judi Dench) (Americans can only perceive about ten Irish actors at a time). The oafish son is charming and lovable in his ineptitude, played by Pat Shortt (Or as Americans refer to him…fake Nick Frost). Two other standouts are Eva Birthistle (or fake/younger/hotter Patsy Kensit) as the successful, yet superhot member of the family (every family has one member that is really attractive, and doesn’t fit in with the rest. Fake/younger/hotter Patsy Kensit is that member in this movie). Finally, as our young leading lady who goes through these trials to learn her important lesson, we have Kelly Thornton (or fake/younger Anna Kendrick).
Overall, this Irish indie film is charming and full of love. If you enjoyed “The Full Monty” and “Waking Ned Devine”, then this is one to find and enjoy.
3.5 out of 4 stars for Irish indie fans.
3 out of 4 stars for indie fans.
2.5 out of 4 stars for Americans.
Your indie film reviewer,
Justin Bowler
@JustinTBowler
@IndyFilmTwittic
“Life’s a Breeze” is in select theaters now, and is also available on iTunes.
What’s with the America-bashing?
Cruiser,
Two words: Satire