Good Luck

A very funny, laugh-out-loud movie. I checked Vincent D'Onofrio's credits after seeing this movie and realize I have seen him so many times in very good roles but this film really showcased his comedic talent. Good Luck told a good story about two totally different guys who really aren't so different after all. They captured the essence of how to give meaning back to your life, when you don't think things are going the way you thought they would. Don't miss this - it's one of the good ones out there! 3 out of 4.

I have to say, this movie made me laugh out loud several times...something I seldom do. I was working on a film with Vincent D'Onofrio...and because, only because I was curious to see what else he'd done, did I rent the video. The women at the video store gave me a print-out of his previous work. "Good Luck", is not a title that would have interested me at all if I'd been browsing. The next day, on the set of Steal This Movie, I mentioned to Vincent that I'd seen the movie. He asked me what I thought and I told him...great film, the title sucks. He laughed. Now I see here, that they must be struggling with the same issue. Also called, "Ox and the Eye" and "Guys Like Us"...two other brilliant titles (tongue planted firmly in cheek!). I suggest that you see this movie...and I'd also suggest that they re-name and re-release. What a shame for such a nice piece of work to swirl down the toilet because the title is not only bad...but has little feel of the film's energy.

GOOD LUCK is an entertaining, frequently very funny, and extremely well-acted film. Unfortunately, it can't quite make up its mind whether it wants to be a realistic depiction of the problems facing the disabled or a feel good film. The strong language and sexual situations make it the former--some of the more unrealistically upbeat scenes the latter. Still, it's a lot better than many films that get more publicity. And the acting is superb. Max Gail is wonderful in a small but crucial part. The late Gregory Hines is excellent, although there's something disconcerting about such a great dancer confined to a wheelchair (although that may have been the point of his casting). And look here--Vincent D'Onofrio in what probably is the most conventional starring role of his career. And he looks terrific, right from the film's start, when he's speeding along in a sports car. He's believable as a football star, and, as always, a terrific actor.

Can I recommend it? Definitely for D'Onofrio and Hines fans. It would also be a nice antidote to the usual sports film. It certainly deserves to be better known.

Wardicus

This is a fabulous "feel good" movie. I've probably watched this a dozen times and it's still a favorite to pop in the DVD when company comes calling. This movie never got the publicity it deserved so it's pretty much a surprise when I play it for guests. Then, everyone wants a copy. I probably would never have heard of it myself if my mom hadn't been an extra in it and (unlike one of the previous comments) she loved every minute of the experience - as well as the finished product. Part of it was filmed in Winchester Bay, Oregon where my mom had a gift shop. I love hearing all the "inside" stories she tells such as when she was on the outside patio in direct line of sight of the scene being filmed in the bar. She was under a light which highlighted her flaming red hair and it stood out too much in the scene. The director yelled "cut", then "kill the red hair"! At first, she thought he said "kill the red-head"!

This was one of the best movies I have seen in a long time. Two men, both handicapped as the results of freak accidents, journey together to compete in a river rafting competition. It focuses more on their bonding than the race itself, and that is what makes the film good. Rent it if you get the chance.

*** out of ****