Les lutins sauteurs

For Saint Patrick's day when I was in first grade (I'm now in college), our teacher decided to show us this movie in class. I still remember certain scenes vividly because I had awful nightmares for years after watching it. The nastier mythical creatures that come with the leprechauns from Ireland absolutely terrified me. Over the years, I described the movie to friends in an attempt to locate it, but they all met me with blank stares. I finally found it today when I did a google search. I haven't seen this movie since first grade, so I can't comment all that much on it's overall quality or scariness from a more adult perspective. However, I would strongly recommend against showing this movie to children who might be more easily frightened.

It's great fun to watch and it will bring you many laughs. It is an all-star cast who play their characters with great talent. This film should have been a box office smash. I have seen the film many times with my family and on my own, each time I watch it I never get tired of the fascinating storyline.

Michael Dennehy lives on a piece of land in Ireland that is the underground home to leprechauns and fairies. He gives tours of his land and ignites the imaginations of those who visit the farm about the fairy folk. His son, John, however, has moved to Denver, where he lives with his wife, son, and daughter. Knowing he will inherit his father's land, John is making plans to build an amusement park on the leprechauns' turf. John flies his father to America for a visit. In reality, however, although he wants to see his dad, John is planning to begin a survey of the land. The fairy folk want none of it and sneak in the old man's luggage on his trip to the new world. There, it is the mythical folks job to convince John and his family that they exist and that their land can not be disturbed. Not an easy task, this one. This is a nice family movie, especially for elementary aged children who can appreciate the slightly more sophisticated plot. The fairy folk are very tiny but cute and all of the actors do their parts quite nicely. The settings are definitely a plus since we get to view the beautiful Ireland and the mile high city. One caution is that there are some scary images involving the darker mythological creatures who also have made the trip across the ocean. However, a finger on the fast forward will pass these scenes by quickly, if a child starts to wimper. All in all, this a nice family friendly film, certain to perk up interest in the folklore of Ireland and to put a smile on the faces of those who sit down to watch it.

I remember being rather embarrassed about requesting this movie at the local video store; not exactly a macho title, is it? But really, how could I resist a team up between Ted "Subspecies" Nicolau and Sylvester "Doctor Who" McCoy? What an inspired combination.

Of course, both of these entertainment titans have done better. It's a shame that Nicolau hasn't been picked up by mainstream Hollywood, or at least TV (HBO, maybe?), because he can direct really moody movies and squeeze some decent imagery out of tremendously low budgets. I'd like to see him cut loose on a production that actually has money in it. As for McCoy, well, he's perfect to play a leprechaun (he's often described as "puckish"), but this is a far cry from starring in his own BBC TV series. He's not the greatest actor in the universe - he gets by on personality more than talent - but I'd still like to see him do more.

As for the movie itself, it's fun family stuff. Some clever effects, some duff ones (the leprechauns are pretty obviously puppets in many shots). Though it's ostensibly taking place in Ireland, the castle is actually Romanian - the same location from Subspecies! Gotta love those cost-cutters at Full Moon.

Much as I enjoyed watching this film the one fire fly in the ointment for me was the fact the film was not made in Ireland / UK as the enclosure act of 1833 showed the countryside was in Europe as did the east European style Castle. The film was shot in Rumania.

John Bluthal as the lead character and his family plus the little people are excellent as was the special effects. It was thrilling, exciting and entertaining for this 71 year old and will be for all ages. I am not deaf but admit the husband and wife Doctors had me guessing what they said with their strong accents. The comedy team of Leprechauns James Ellis (Z cars) and Sylvester McCoy (Doctor Who) where the highlight for me.