Danny Deckchair

Working at Blockbuster, I glanced upon the title vaguely while running movies and decided to give it a shot. Within the first 10 minutes of the film, I had become enraptured in the Austrailian culture that engrossed the film. It only got better from there.

The story is strong--not too sappy or emotional, yet still rich in contrasting emotions transcending any particular genre of film (save action).

The actors also were very strong in there respective roles. Ryhs Ifans (Danny Morgan/Deckchair) played the laid-back/riveting Danny beautifully (totally believable). Miranda Otto (Glenda) also did a wonderful job playing the shy parking officer who fell in love with the "alien" from the sky.

I would definitely (and have done so) recommend to anyone just trying to chill out with a movie for an evening and walk away refreshed.

"Danny Deckchair" is a film inspired by a strange guy in the States who rigged up a chair with helium-filled balloons--and he took a trip that ended up getting him publicity AND in trouble with the authorities for unauthorized use of the airspace! Will things end up better for Danny in this romantic film?

When the film begins, Danny is a likable doofus. He is a bit of a hippie and free spirit and is quite content with his life in the Sydney suburbs. However, it's obvious to the viewer that Danny's girlfriend Trudy is NOT particularly happy with him and she's looking for something more in her life. In the midst of this, on a lark, Danny the doofus comes up with a silly idea--to see what will happen when he rigs up a lawn chair with balloons just to see if he really will be able to take flight. He and his friends are surprised and soon he's flying high over the city. But his flight is not a brief one and he ends up towards the interior of Australia- -in the small town of Clarence (about 2 hours from Sydney by car).

He lands in Clarence because his balloon is accidentally struck by fireworks. He nearly is killed and lands right in front of a nice lady, Glenda. Glenda, in a panic, tells everyone that this man, Danny, is a professor...her old lover from her college days. Well, at first folks have a hard time believing this, as Glenda is a bit of a spinster. But Danny goes along with this and soon both she and Danny come to like their little ruse...and so does the community, which accepts Danny like one of their own.

This ruse cannot go one forever. The news media has gone Danny Deckchair crazy and they talk about it non-stop on the television. There also are some complications, as Trudy now is having an affair with a TV newsman and Danny is soon in love with Glenda. What's next? See this cute film.

"Danny Deckchair" is a lovely romantic film. Most of it is because you really like the characters. They are well written and 'normal'. In other words, instead of the usual Hollywood style romance, the leads are pretty but they are more like real folks. Well made, cute and worth seeing.

I've read several other user's comments on this movie. Many were right, it IS simple romantic comedy movie. And, yes, this story has been well covered. That doesn't make it any less of a movie. Neither does having Rhys Ifans play an Australian. It's called ACTING! Tom Hanks didn't contract AIDS to play in Philadelphia. Meryl Streep played Australian in A Cry in the Dark. And Nicole Kidman and Russell Crowe, both Aussies, have played American! Rhys played the role of Danny perfectly. He showed a regular guy who wants to do SOMETHING. Miranda Otto was also well cast at Glenda, living a life on hold as a parking cop. This movie doesn't reinvent the wheel, but it is a great way to spend a couple of hours. I recommend it highly. 8/10

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.

When I walked into the theatre, it was spotted with very few people wanting to see the film, and most had just walked in because of the interesting title, but everyone left the theatre laughing and joking with one another. I have never seen a movie which inspired me to smile so much, and feel so good afterward. The scenery was amazing, the story was innovative, and Rhys Ifans was an extremely lovable character. All in all, a very good film, and definitely worth seeing. Danny's character was very charismatic, and his views on life can relate to everyone who has just wanted to get away. I especially liked the way he interacted with his friends and the people around him. By the end of the film, you really feel like you have a new friend in a strange way. Anyways, I would describe this as a Notting Hill/Bridget Jones/ Muriel's Wedding combination, with a little Whale Rider for spice. It gives new hope to the Australian film making industry.