Working at Blockbuster, I glanced upon the title vaguely while running movies and decided to give it a shot. Within the first 10 minutes of the film, I had become enraptured in the Austrailian culture that engrossed the film. It only got better from there.
The story is strong--not too sappy or emotional, yet still rich in contrasting emotions transcending any particular genre of film (save action).
The actors also were very strong in there respective roles. Ryhs Ifans (Danny Morgan/Deckchair) played the laid-back/riveting Danny beautifully (totally believable). Miranda Otto (Glenda) also did a wonderful job playing the shy parking officer who fell in love with the "alien" from the sky.
I would definitely (and have done so) recommend to anyone just trying to chill out with a movie for an evening and walk away refreshed.
Plot summary
Based on a true story, the tale of a cement truck driver named Danny, whose long awaited vacation is cancelled thanks to his scheming girlfriend, Trudy. Danny escapes his grim life in suburban Australia and blasts into the skies in a chair tied with helium balloons. A mighty thunderstorm blows him clean off the map, and spits him out far away over the lush green town of Clarence. In this new town, he rockets into the world of Glenda, the town's only parking cop. While the media back home becomes obsessed with the story of his disappearance, Danny gets to reinvent himself in this new town, and in his great adventure, he discovers a true soul mate in Glenda. Fate catches up with him eventually, as Danny's true identity is revealed and Trudy--now a tabloid celebrity--comes to the idyllic town to claim Danny and drag him back to Sydney. Danny, however, is a changed man; he's discovered what it means to be happy and has found a new self-worth.
Uploaded by: FREEMAN
December 03, 2023 at 06:27 PM
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Surprisingly heartwarming story
Very fun, feel good film
When I walked into the theatre, it was spotted with very few people wanting to see the film, and most had just walked in because of the interesting title, but everyone left the theatre laughing and joking with one another. I have never seen a movie which inspired me to smile so much, and feel so good afterward. The scenery was amazing, the story was innovative, and Rhys Ifans was an extremely lovable character. All in all, a very good film, and definitely worth seeing. Danny's character was very charismatic, and his views on life can relate to everyone who has just wanted to get away. I especially liked the way he interacted with his friends and the people around him. By the end of the film, you really feel like you have a new friend in a strange way. Anyways, I would describe this as a Notting Hill/Bridget Jones/ Muriel's Wedding combination, with a little Whale Rider for spice. It gives new hope to the Australian film making industry.
Finally a romantic comedy a guy can watch
This little movie was very refreshing from the usual romantic comedy machine that Hollywood cranks out just to make a few bucks from romance novel loving ladies.
Here's the point: it was a little funny, it was a little romantic, it was a little dramatic, and it was fun to watch. The acting isn't overdone and really makes you get in with the characters. I took a few points off for the editing, sometimes it jumps around a little too much, but for me it wasn't too distracting since everything else made up for it.
Following the romance story of a guy that falls from the sky in a woman's backyard - doesn't it sound intriguing?
If you like the genre, definitely a different, refreshing pick - and one that guys can watch without regret. But if you're not in the mood for a little romance story, save it for another time.