Danny Deckchair

"Danny Deckchair" tells of the adventures of a young concrete truck driver who decides to tie a bunch of helium filled balloons to his deck chair to soar aloft. His plan is to take shears with him to cut away one balloon at a time thereby making his descent. Instead, he leaves the shears behind and the balloons carry him to a new life and a new love. This sweet, cute, fun little flick from down-under is a fresh and creative new addition to the much over worked romcom genre. With lots of heart and unpredictable predictability, "Danny Deckchair" should be an enjoyable watch for those who don't mind a little schmaltz with their romantic comedy fare. (B)

I just finished watching Danny Deckchair....so everything is fresh. Of course its not something you spend three years dissecting, arguing, and comparing. Its a light, full-hearted film meant to make you feel good about life and love and all that stuff. What I loved about it was that it was all that stuff and not such a big production! The initial premise was so outrageous that it was unbelievable but the rest, well it could be measured with a yard stick.....maybe a yard pole. If you didn't enjoy it......well maybe your cynicism has become more than a hobby.

Whose idea it was to cast Rhys Ifans as an Australian? Apart from Danny's cringeworthy accent and the implausible motivations of the main characters, the plot was full of holes.

How is it that a bearded man arrives in a small country town, has his photo plastered all over the media as the 'balloon man', and yet not one single person recognises him? Why does he wholeheartedly support some dopey local politician, only to turn on him at the last minute for some completely unbeknown reason? The girl he falls for is so completely neurotic that we can see he's in for a life of misery, yet he seems hell-bent on spending the rest of his days with her. In the middle of all this, some strange character who looks like Oscar Wilde's gay lover ends up being a nude life-model for a bunch of slavering housewives - where did that come from?

Character development? Interesting dialogue? This film had none of that. But, come to think of it, there was ONE redeeming quality: I hardly recognised any of the cast, apart from Rhys and Miranda Otto. At least this was a departure from the normal practice of filling the cast with the same tired old ocker hacks that have featured in every film and TV series ever produced in this country.

Very disappointing. Rhys, stick to your Welsh accent, it's so much better. 3/10

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.

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.