Love of the Irish

7.1 stars.

This story is nestled right in there with 1000 other Hallmark stories. It doesn't stand out particularly, there is nothing substantial in the story that makes me think I want to return to watch this anytime soon.

The acting is pretty good, nice to see a return of Moira Kelly. The setting is in Ireland, there's a lot of scenery, and it feels cold, it is during the cold season after all.

It's a story of a woman who is down on her luck, so to speak. She works odd jobs while trying to land a prominent role in any major ballet show. She and her mother live in New York. Her mother (Kelly) has never known her real mother, all she knows is that her real mother lives in Ireland. Mother and daughter set out on a journey to Ireland. Most of the movie is in Ireland. It's somewhat fun, partially interesting, a bit entertaining, but nothing spectacular.

This movie has a lot of the formula stuff in it, but they seem to have a little different flavor to them. Fiona gets an audition rejection and Helen's shop is flooded, so it's time to go search for their roots. The obstacle to the romance and the climax both fit the mold of so many other rom/coms, but with a slight twist after the die is cast.

The way the issue of the birth-mom was handled seemed a little strange. The mom found Helen and wrote her a letter. I don't recall any discussion of how Helen was raised or ended up in America. Still, this part of the story is the hook for the movie.

Fiona considers herself about as unlucky as can be and evidence seems to support that (except for darts). Making part of the story about Fiona actually chasing luck is an unusual story angle. There is almost a mystical quality to this part of the story.

The epilogue ends abruptly. It sure seems like something more was intended.

Anyone with half a brain could figure out where the story was going to go about a quarter of the way through the movie. As a Hallmark movie, there are tropes that need to be followed. Most important - no kiss until the last moment before "roll credits!" Well, this movie violated that rule not once, but TWICE! (There are no epilogues in a Hallmark movie - stop that!)

The story did have its moments, and I will always tear up at a reunion of long-separated family members or a moving goodbye scene. So Hallmark still did a good job of tugging at heartstrings. But I have to complain about the IMDb listing - only the three primary actors listed? Is that because the woman playing the grandmother looked younger than the woman who was supposed to be her daughter? I do hope that is fixed once the movie has been released on all platforms...

There were major plot holes and continuity issues that disrupted the viewing experience for me. (What happened to the tulips? Why didn't the women buy a beverage in the pub? Why did repairing the garden table transform it into something so ugly when they were both supposed to be historic heirloom preservers? I HAVE QUESTIONS!!!)

Props to the main characters for actually looking like you cared about each other. That's rare in a Hallmark movie.

"Love of the Irish" delivers a sweet, predictable romance that fans of Hallmark-style movies will appreciate. Set in the stunning Irish countryside, the story explores themes of love and family, with emotional highlights like a touching birth mother reunion and a dance studio discovery. Moira Kelly offers nostalgic charm, and Shenae Grimes-Beech is a solid lead, though the overall cast and dialogue are unremarkable. The beautiful County Cork setting and small-town world add visual appeal and authenticity. While engaging and satisfying, the movie lacks originality, sticking to a formulaic script. It's enjoyable for a casual watch but unlikely to leave a lasting impression beyond its heartwarming moments.

The movie *Irish Luck* offers a story rooted in Irish themes and family bonds but stumbles in key areas that prevent it from reaching its full potential. While the lead actress delivers a commendable performance, several shortcomings in her portrayal detract from the overall experience.

The lead actress faces an uphill battle due to the film's poor styling choices. She is burdened with a wig that resembles a toupee, an unfortunate decision that undermines her character's grace and appeal. The beauty of a woman's hair is a cornerstone of her presence, and especially for a character tied to themes of romance and dance, this lack of attention is glaring. To make matters worse, she performs only a single spin throughout the movie-hardly befitting a story supposedly centered on her as a dancer. Additionally, her wardrobe, dominated by jeans, feels entirely out of place. A more romantic and thoughtful choice of attire could have brought elegance and emotional depth to the character.

Despite these flaws, the film finds its saving grace in the mother of the dancer. The actress playing this role is exceptional, embodying sweetness, sensitivity, and reason amidst deeply emotional moments. Her character, searching for her biological mother, serves as the emotional anchor of the film. Her nuanced performance captures both vulnerability and strength, bringing much-needed authenticity to the story. She is the true heart of the movie, her presence elevating the narrative and leaving a lasting impression.

It's worth noting that while the lead actress remains talented, she started her career a decade ago with such promise, and now she needs better support to shine. The issues with her styling and underwhelming choreography are not her fault but rather a failure on the part of the production team.

In conclusion, *Luck or love of the irish* is a mixed bag. While the lead actress does her best with what she is given, the poorly chosen wig, uninspired wardrobe, and lackluster choreography hinder her character's impact. However, the film is redeemed by the exceptional performance of the mother, whose depth and grace carry much of the emotional weight and ultimately save the movie from mediocrity.