Danny Deckchair

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.

Greetings again from the darkness. In this charming little comedy from down under, Writer/Director Jeff Balsmeyer takes us inside the lives of 2 people we really like and one ... well maybe not so much. The 3 lead actors are excellent in their roles, especially Rhys Ifan (Notting Hill and Once Upon a Time in the Midlands). Miranda Otto plays the parking cop who brings him back to life, while Justine Clark is tremendous as the glory seeking user that we have all met at least once. The story, while getting started in a very unique manner, settles into a traditional little romantic comedy for awhile. What makes this one a little different is watching the changes in the faces of the three leads. They each experience joy and heartbreak in their own way. This one deserves a look.

"Danny Deckchair" is a film inspired by a strange guy in the States who rigged up a chair with helium-filled balloons--and he took a trip that ended up getting him publicity AND in trouble with the authorities for unauthorized use of the airspace! Will things end up better for Danny in this romantic film?

When the film begins, Danny is a likable doofus. He is a bit of a hippie and free spirit and is quite content with his life in the Sydney suburbs. However, it's obvious to the viewer that Danny's girlfriend Trudy is NOT particularly happy with him and she's looking for something more in her life. In the midst of this, on a lark, Danny the doofus comes up with a silly idea--to see what will happen when he rigs up a lawn chair with balloons just to see if he really will be able to take flight. He and his friends are surprised and soon he's flying high over the city. But his flight is not a brief one and he ends up towards the interior of Australia- -in the small town of Clarence (about 2 hours from Sydney by car).

He lands in Clarence because his balloon is accidentally struck by fireworks. He nearly is killed and lands right in front of a nice lady, Glenda. Glenda, in a panic, tells everyone that this man, Danny, is a professor...her old lover from her college days. Well, at first folks have a hard time believing this, as Glenda is a bit of a spinster. But Danny goes along with this and soon both she and Danny come to like their little ruse...and so does the community, which accepts Danny like one of their own.

This ruse cannot go one forever. The news media has gone Danny Deckchair crazy and they talk about it non-stop on the television. There also are some complications, as Trudy now is having an affair with a TV newsman and Danny is soon in love with Glenda. What's next? See this cute film.

"Danny Deckchair" is a lovely romantic film. Most of it is because you really like the characters. They are well written and 'normal'. In other words, instead of the usual Hollywood style romance, the leads are pretty but they are more like real folks. Well made, cute and worth seeing.

Sitting down to watch this film, I didn't have incredibly high expectations but after watching it, I must say I was pleasantly surprised. It will not go down as a classic piece of film, but it was an enjoyable use of 90 minutes and I am pleased that I viewed it. The plot line is relatively simple, which arguably detracts from the film, but it has it's moments, such as the moment Danny launches into the air on his deckchair. This film is more likely to appeal to an Australian audience as they will be able to relate to more of the items featured (eg: AFL football), but this still has enough in it to appeal to those not familiar with Australian culture. Overall, I would recommend this Aussie film to all people looking for a good laugh. Enjoyable!

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.