Love of the Irish

7.1 stars.

This story is nestled right in there with 1000 other Hallmark stories. It doesn't stand out particularly, there is nothing substantial in the story that makes me think I want to return to watch this anytime soon.

The acting is pretty good, nice to see a return of Moira Kelly. The setting is in Ireland, there's a lot of scenery, and it feels cold, it is during the cold season after all.

It's a story of a woman who is down on her luck, so to speak. She works odd jobs while trying to land a prominent role in any major ballet show. She and her mother live in New York. Her mother (Kelly) has never known her real mother, all she knows is that her real mother lives in Ireland. Mother and daughter set out on a journey to Ireland. Most of the movie is in Ireland. It's somewhat fun, partially interesting, a bit entertaining, but nothing spectacular.

This movie has a lot of the formula stuff in it, but they seem to have a little different flavor to them. Fiona gets an audition rejection and Helen's shop is flooded, so it's time to go search for their roots. The obstacle to the romance and the climax both fit the mold of so many other rom/coms, but with a slight twist after the die is cast.

The way the issue of the birth-mom was handled seemed a little strange. The mom found Helen and wrote her a letter. I don't recall any discussion of how Helen was raised or ended up in America. Still, this part of the story is the hook for the movie.

Fiona considers herself about as unlucky as can be and evidence seems to support that (except for darts). Making part of the story about Fiona actually chasing luck is an unusual story angle. There is almost a mystical quality to this part of the story.

The epilogue ends abruptly. It sure seems like something more was intended.

I enjoyed this Hallmark movie, as I love Ireland and love watching any movie filmed there. I do get annoyed at the cliche Hallmark formats but this one had a bit of a different angle. Moira Kelly was great and I haven't seen her in anything since the Cutting Edge, so of course, she looked older to me. The one thing that bothered me the most was the ending. The final scene was just abruptly cut off, as if the editors knew they were running out of time, and just edited it mid-scene. Otherwise, I enjoyed the rest of the movie for what it was-a heartfelt, fun romp looking for love and luck in Ireland.

Is this the best movie ever? No. Does the story line have a bunch of missing pivotal points? You know it. Does everyone in the movie look like they are related to one another? Absolutely! Would I watch this movie again? Nope! Am I glad I watched this movie? Yes! Only cause I watched it with my mother and everytime anything remotely romantic, sweet or cute happened she said "oh my"! Clearly, the target audience is the 60+ women (of which I am not). So ya if you're a male in your thirties this may not be for you; but if you are male in your thirties and find it amusing to see your mom get excited over the tinest thing, then this is totally your movie.

Note: while everyone looks the same, I double checked they are in fact not related.

The movie *Irish Luck* offers a story rooted in Irish themes and family bonds but stumbles in key areas that prevent it from reaching its full potential. While the lead actress delivers a commendable performance, several shortcomings in her portrayal detract from the overall experience.

The lead actress faces an uphill battle due to the film's poor styling choices. She is burdened with a wig that resembles a toupee, an unfortunate decision that undermines her character's grace and appeal. The beauty of a woman's hair is a cornerstone of her presence, and especially for a character tied to themes of romance and dance, this lack of attention is glaring. To make matters worse, she performs only a single spin throughout the movie-hardly befitting a story supposedly centered on her as a dancer. Additionally, her wardrobe, dominated by jeans, feels entirely out of place. A more romantic and thoughtful choice of attire could have brought elegance and emotional depth to the character.

Despite these flaws, the film finds its saving grace in the mother of the dancer. The actress playing this role is exceptional, embodying sweetness, sensitivity, and reason amidst deeply emotional moments. Her character, searching for her biological mother, serves as the emotional anchor of the film. Her nuanced performance captures both vulnerability and strength, bringing much-needed authenticity to the story. She is the true heart of the movie, her presence elevating the narrative and leaving a lasting impression.

It's worth noting that while the lead actress remains talented, she started her career a decade ago with such promise, and now she needs better support to shine. The issues with her styling and underwhelming choreography are not her fault but rather a failure on the part of the production team.

In conclusion, *Luck or love of the irish* is a mixed bag. While the lead actress does her best with what she is given, the poorly chosen wig, uninspired wardrobe, and lackluster choreography hinder her character's impact. However, the film is redeemed by the exceptional performance of the mother, whose depth and grace carry much of the emotional weight and ultimately save the movie from mediocrity.