Fatal Deviation

I think I read somewhere that this is the first Irish martial arts movie ever - I'm guessing it probably has the distinction of being the last as well. It stars James Bennett, who is Ireland's answer to Tonny Tulleners. His acting level makes Van Damme appear like Richard Burton but I am guessing he was hired more for his martial art moves. It does have to be said though that the fight sequences are absolutely ludicrous and the hero has a mysterious mentor who seems to be a magical monk from a forest. The film itself has been shot on video and, consequently, it truly looks appalling. Story-wise, like this genre in general, its generic in the extreme - its sort of like Kickboxer or something. Ultimately, it is kind of interesting seeing what an Irish martial arts action movie is like - it's sort of like a low end chopsocky flick...but worse. But fair play to them, they made a movie.

1998's Fatal Deviation is an Irish direct to video martial arts film written and starring tike sized fighter, James P. Bennett, im going to be frank, this movie is what I call "A beautiful failure" this movie is horrible in every facet, The acting, the soundtrack, the stunts, the story, the dialog, and the film quality are all at best laughable, but with all this ridiculousness it finds...zen if you will, much like other films in its category (at least to me) The Room, Troll 2, Hobgoblins, and The animated Titanic films, Final Deviation transcends horrible film making to the point that you are forced to enjoy it as you belt out laughing... I suggest everyone watch it but only if you are in the mood for a funny and down right silly time (its free on youtube).

Fatal Deviation (1998) 8/10 (for all the wrong reasons)

Before I seen this film my life wasn't worth living, I had lost my job, my girlfriend left me for my granddad and Im ashamed to admit, I was thinking about committing suicide.

A friend recommended I watch this, and I was sceptical at first, but it was the best thing I've ever done. This film taught me some life lessons that I have encompassed into my lifestyle. I now run my own company with a multimillion pound turnover, my girlfriend is a 19 year old model and I owe it all to this film.

Thank you Fatal Deviation, than you so much.

And thank you James Bennet, you are a modern day sage in the mould of Socrates with your wisdom.

Ultra-cheapo Irish martial arts movie, shot on VHS with amateurism running through it from head to toe. If the slightly threadbare Irish aspect of 'Father Ted' ever raised a smile then you should definitely give this a look.

There's nothing in this film that you could consider in any way professional or competent. The acting stinks, it's badly dubbed, the action scenes are arthritic, the dialogue feeble, the direction barely qualifies as such and the whole thing makes very little sense at all.

However.

I don't think I've ever seen anything quite as entertaining in my life, and not even in a "so bad it's good" sort of way. It's impossible to explain - but it works, it just works. A quite amazing movie.

There's rumoured to be a 10th anniversary festival this year in the village of Trim where it was made. If it pans out, I'm there - if only to meet the incredible James Bennett!

To call this just a film would be tantamount to calling Da Vinci just a mere artist or Scorcese an amateur.

I believe this film has the ability to change lives and should be introduced into School Ciriculums to combat drug-abuse, underage smoking and drinking and would also eradicate underage pregnancies.

The lessons learned in this has already made me stop smoking 100 Mayfair before breakfast, and I've even stopped drinking 3 bottles of Frosty Jack a day, which is around 20% of my daily requirement of Frosty Jack.

The lessons learned in this masterpiece, if viewed by our representatives in Parliament definitely has the power to stop wars and allow some form of united world socialism.

Bless you Shay Casserly, and Jimmy Bennet for introducing me to what can be accomplished with shared vision and a beautiful philosophy that underlies this masterclass of film-making.