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.

Too call this film an Oscar winning performance is an understatement. Bennett has the qualities of a master, more agile than Bruce Lee but with the funny bone of Jackie Chan. From moon kicks to standing on logs he can do it all. From a young age he was trained in one of the finest schools in Europe, the school of Bennett in Trim. His dad was a master of the sport and has always been proud of his son, he is now and he was then. His first and only film "Fatal Deviation" reached box office success with packed out shows in his home town of Trim. Hes his own stunt man and cos of his recklessness his friends dubbed him "Johnny Square Ass". Hes so crazy he even did his own car stunt in which he nearly died, yes hes that mental! So crazy in fact that after the stunt he gets out and laughs, what a guy!!

My friends and I have watched this over 50 times minimum and still watch it bi monthly. It is without a doubt my favourite film of all time and a piece of Irish film history, way better than your Michael Collins or any other wannabe Irish movie. If your looking for authenticity well then look no further.

This film makes me proud of my country..

It makes me sad that the guy down below that gave this piece of brave film making a 1/10, obviously s/he just doesn't get the films plot and insane action. Its probably not Hollywood enough for him but if you can appreciate a film for its roaming shots of rural life, tricky martial art stunts, harrowing love interests and som eof the finest acting this side of the world, well then take a seat, open your eyes and set your mind to stun.

(p.s: the priest can still be seen roaming the church grounds but only "after training").

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)

This is a home movie masquerading as an action movie. I couldn't watch it, but some of you may like it. the quality isn't low budget, it's no budget. I scanned through it and there are scenes where the sound is almost totally gone, and many scenes with really really boring stuff going on in what appears to be vacant cheap apartments. It might have a good story, but I guess I'm too spoiled by professionally made movies. How much more can I say about a movie I couldn't watch? If your a friend of these people you'll probably be slamming the "NOT HELPFUL" button now. I understand that everyone wants to be a movie star, but how the people making this could have deluded themselves that anybody besides friends and neighbors might want to watch this is beyond me.

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!