The Luck of the Irish

I remember watching this film with my family when it first premiered on the Disney Channel. I must have been in 6th or 7th grade and I remember having a blast with it. It had a nice blend of comedy and fantasy and became my new favorite Disney Channel movie. I revisited it today and was pretty let down after 7 years or so passing by. This isn't the same movie! Don't get me wrong, I still like it had a fun time watching it but it's strange how we love movies as kids and then revisit them as adults and find that they weren't so great after all.

I liked Ryan Merriman in this because he was just some kid that no one knew about. Much better than the garbage he was in, Final Destination 3 and The Ring Two. The other actors weren't very good but they didn't ruin the movie for me. The story is silly Disney fun about a kid who loses his family's lucky coin and experiences a ton of bad luck while trying to steal the coin back. Sounds like a blast, doesn't it?

I would only recommend this if you're a fan of other Disney channel movies. It gets a 6 from me because it's fun to watch but I'd give it a 4 compared to other movies. You decide For yourself!

I found this movie to be a major let down. I was thinking it would be something good like the 13th year but It was bad. The plot wasn't very good, and they did not really explore Kyle adjusting to his Heritage. The actors were good, I suppose, although someone who is almost 18 playing a 12 or 13 year old is rather odd. The best part about this movie were the special effects which were rather good considering what would probably be a rather limited budget. I've seen better, but at the same time I've seen worse (I.E. Motocrossed)

2020: From start to finish, this movie carries you on a wild wide of imagination and fantasy, with an outstanding plot, real characters, and a message you;ll never forget. Not to mention the stellar effects and choreography. It should be the cornerstone of every family movie library. An outstanding binding of true American patriotism and respect for cultural heritage has nee before been achieved to this extent. Watching this masterpiece of cinematography has been an experience I will never forget. 10/10, would recommend, watch with your family and everyone you know. Get those up, the world need to know the story of Kyle O'Relliy/Johnson!

Updated 2021: After watching this masterpiece for a second time, I couldn't help but be astonished at the earth-shatteringly realistic depictions of the colorful Irish culture. From the time honored tradition of cobbling, to the plethora of wonderful Irish recipes involving potatoes. Truly a great educational resource for those wishing to learn more about Irish culture. Especially those exciting games, boy did they look fun! And while all this was happening, they still managed to keep Kyle's character uniquely American. As a Clevelander myself, I couldn't help but admire the beautiful blend of the two unique cultures. Again, an absolutely must watch, and now a favorite St. Patrick's Day tradition!

Updated 2022: Third times a charm (get it!)! This movie truly never loses it's cultural significance, especially now in a time so divisive and full of hatred. So many people would do well to learn the message this movie so artistically and touchingly expresses. Looking at you Putin. These core American values should be taught and learned by all, for they are crucial to a good society. Nothing would ever go wrong in a society truly American. Kyle's acceptance and prioritization of his American values over his heritage is a powerful example we all should follow. Truly inspiring, this movie. I've never seen anything quite as remarkable as this.

Now if anybody is thinking that Disney studios got the rights to remake the famous Twentieth Century Fox classic that starred Tyrone Power, put those thoughts aside. This film is about yet another Disney Channel teenager whose inquiry into his roots for his high school heritage day leads to all kinds of problems.

Poor Ryan Merriman has the decidedly unethnic last name of Johnson and as far as he knows his family hails from Cleveland. He doesn't know that his maternal grandfather is the head of Emerald Isle potato chips and further that he's a leprechaun. Which makes mom one too and Ryan a mixed breed that can be volatile.

When his lucky coin's been stolen from him that he's had since he was a kid by bad leprechaun Timothy Omundson, it's time to get in touch with grandfather and get the coin back.

One similarity with the 1948 classic is that a leading actor played a rather stooped version of a leprechaun in both films. Cecil Kellaway got an Academy Award nomination in the older film. Here Henry Gibson plays the leprechaun potato chip tycoon where in his factory it's required to speak with a brogue.

It's a Disney Channel film so don't expect too much from it. The cast is pleasant enough and easy to take. You can be sure to see Luck Of The Irish on the Disney Channel come Paddy's Day.

This was by far the best "Disney channel original movie" ever. It is funny, good plot, and a great cast. The special effects were kind of corny but so what. This movie is a great family movie and I could watch it 20 times over before I get bored. A personal favorite.This movie is a thousand times better than Cadet Kelly and 10 times better than The Even Stevens Movie but not as good as Get A Clue. A funny, clever, lighthearted movie. Even teenagers will like this movie and that is saying something. This movie probably could have made a lot of money if it had come out in theaters, because Herbie fully loaded did and if Herbie can do it than the Irish sure can. This movie also teaches you a lot about Irish heritage and if you watch close enough you can learn some stuff.10/10