The Most Fertile Man in Ireland

Eamon Manley (Marshall), a 24-year-old Irish Catholic virgin, works in a dating agency, while silently dreaming of melancholy funeral parlour worker Rosemary (Clarke). Following a night of (heavily protected) passion with a good-time gal, the geek discovers that, in these times of male infertility, his sperm could "impregnate a stone".

Now in demand from infertile couples the length and breadth of Ireland, and backed by a test tube-eschewing Catholic Church, he soon makes a packet with colleague Millicent (Gallagher) - until paramilitary headcase 'Mad Dog' Billy Wilson (Nesbitt) decides Catholics are outbreeding Protestants, and forcibly recruits him for a 'numbers war'.

"The Most Fertile Man in Ireland... is Coming!" chortled the teaser posters, belying a severe case of coitus interruptus. Originally due for release in September 2000 (the film was made back in 99), a number of ill-fated distribution deals put the kibosh on The Most Fertile Man In Ireland, until director Dudi Appleton's debut finally reached third base in Ireland in 2002 - a year later in the UK.

Based on late-night conversations between scriptwriter Keeble and pals about "what it is to be a man", this was originally intended as a dark satire about a messiah-cum-superhero in present day Belfast - morphing into a lightweight, if uneven farce about a man who's anything but. On the plus side, Marshall, star of Middle England's favourite sitcom 'My Family', does imbue his (admittedly one-note) role with a winning mix of gormless pathos and knockabout good-humour, ably supported by Nesbitt, in full-on panto villain mode.

Predictably, the complex issue of the Troubles is reduced to a mere comic backdrop (represented by alternating portraits of the Pope and HRH, indicating Eamon's visits to Catholic or Protestant households), jarring with the screwball romance. Also a sombre third act sits uneasily with previous hi-jinks, investing its cast with unexplored depths. Nevertheless, an interesting premise from a first time director, showing plenty of promise.

I have to say I enjoyed this film much more than I expected to. I watched it because I wanted to see what else Kris Marshall could do and I think James Nesbitt is usually very good.

This is a funny film which manages to entertain beyond what the plot suggests. The various subplots (which I won't give away for those who have yet to watch) and moral dilemmas widen its appeal greatly.

The Most Fertile Man in Ireland clearly shows Kris Marshall's talent for other roles beyond My Family and Murder City and gives good insight into his acting range.

Not a masterpiece by any means but a funny film that deserves to be seen by more people.

I found this film very funny and easy to watch, I suppose really it would be classed as a romantic comedy. Its all set in Belfast and perhaps the fact that that's where I'm from is what made it appeal to me so much. Its a great story which incorporates many facets of life in Belfast without being heavy going, rather it pokes fun at them. The majority of the cast certainly sound as if they are from N.Ireland, although the lead role is an English guy - but his Belfast accent is pretty good, and definitely doesn't detract from the film at all. I was surprised by the low ratings others have given this film and can only guess that they didn't get the Belfast humour in it.

OK its not brilliant BUT.

Its a black comedy aimed at the British sense of humor. Me well i am Scottish and thought some parts were really funny.

Others will comment on bad lighting, bad direction, bad script. well i am not commenting on that. The film was good enough to warrant my recommendations. The concept in itself is hilarious and the whole Catholic & protestant divide made funny in places.

The end is SOOO predictable but welcomed.

In the end no Hollywood Budget, No bangs no severe twists but worth looking at anyway.

Dont take it seriously. It's a fun movie. Have a laugh and forget about the world for 90 minutes