Piovuto dal cielo

Whose idea it was to cast Rhys Ifans as an Australian? Apart from Danny's cringeworthy accent and the implausible motivations of the main characters, the plot was full of holes.

How is it that a bearded man arrives in a small country town, has his photo plastered all over the media as the 'balloon man', and yet not one single person recognises him? Why does he wholeheartedly support some dopey local politician, only to turn on him at the last minute for some completely unbeknown reason? The girl he falls for is so completely neurotic that we can see he's in for a life of misery, yet he seems hell-bent on spending the rest of his days with her. In the middle of all this, some strange character who looks like Oscar Wilde's gay lover ends up being a nude life-model for a bunch of slavering housewives - where did that come from?

Character development? Interesting dialogue? This film had none of that. But, come to think of it, there was ONE redeeming quality: I hardly recognised any of the cast, apart from Rhys and Miranda Otto. At least this was a departure from the normal practice of filling the cast with the same tired old ocker hacks that have featured in every film and TV series ever produced in this country.

Very disappointing. Rhys, stick to your Welsh accent, it's so much better. 3/10

I think this will be one of the first comments for Danny Deckchair, so let me start this section off by saying straight away that I really, awfully enjoyed this film! I was sorry to see the finish of it, and thats something that you cant always say about movies.

Starring Rhys Ifans (fantastic actor!), and Miranda Otto (impresses me whenever I see her), this fun romp never once left me bored. Be it the numerous moments of hilarity as Danny lights up the screen or the quieter, more touching personal moments when Glenda and Danny are getting to know each other, this film was interesting and entertaining to the last. Also interesting is the unsaid statements about what a bit of fame does to some people, as Trudy (Justine Clark) shows her true colours once Danny flies away on his Deckchair.

When it all boils down to it, this is an entertaining and ultimately heartwarming film that isn't afraid to be Australian. Plus it doesn't have people saying "Crikey!" or wrestling crocodiles (sorry Steve Irwin , but most of us aren't like you). At any rate, I really enjoyed this one, and hopefully everyone else out there will give it a chance too! Its just a pity that lots of people may look at it, and decide to see something else that has more explosions. And thats just sad, because this is a great film just waiting to get the public recognition it deserves! See it for yourself, and don't be afraid to have a good time.

I just finished watching Danny Deckchair....so everything is fresh. Of course its not something you spend three years dissecting, arguing, and comparing. Its a light, full-hearted film meant to make you feel good about life and love and all that stuff. What I loved about it was that it was all that stuff and not such a big production! The initial premise was so outrageous that it was unbelievable but the rest, well it could be measured with a yard stick.....maybe a yard pole. If you didn't enjoy it......well maybe your cynicism has become more than a hobby.

Sitting down to watch this film, I didn't have incredibly high expectations but after watching it, I must say I was pleasantly surprised. It will not go down as a classic piece of film, but it was an enjoyable use of 90 minutes and I am pleased that I viewed it. The plot line is relatively simple, which arguably detracts from the film, but it has it's moments, such as the moment Danny launches into the air on his deckchair. This film is more likely to appeal to an Australian audience as they will be able to relate to more of the items featured (eg: AFL football), but this still has enough in it to appeal to those not familiar with Australian culture. Overall, I would recommend this Aussie film to all people looking for a good laugh. Enjoyable!

"Danny Deckchair" tells of the adventures of a young concrete truck driver who decides to tie a bunch of helium filled balloons to his deck chair to soar aloft. His plan is to take shears with him to cut away one balloon at a time thereby making his descent. Instead, he leaves the shears behind and the balloons carry him to a new life and a new love. This sweet, cute, fun little flick from down-under is a fresh and creative new addition to the much over worked romcom genre. With lots of heart and unpredictable predictability, "Danny Deckchair" should be an enjoyable watch for those who don't mind a little schmaltz with their romantic comedy fare. (B)