I've never been a big fan of Disney Channel Original Movies but after seeing 'Motocrossed' and liking it, I decided to give 'Luck of the Irish' a chance. I wasn't disappointed. While I didn't like it quite as much as 'Motocrossed', it was still a good movie. It has a great lesson for kids: You should be proud of your heritage. Ryan Merriman also did a great job in this film. I have always been a fan of his work and this movie was no different. The other actors were good as well, though some of them had less than perfect Irish accents. The actor who played his best friend (Glenndon Chatman), however, was painful to watch. His acting was stilted and unbelievable. Now, as far as the plot was concerned, I thought it was pretty creative. It held my attention, anyway. I thought some scenes were a little silly and some of the Irish stereotypes were a little over the top, but I'd have to say that all-in-all, the movie did what I expected it to do. I especially like the ending; it was quite touching. But I won't spoil it for you. I recommend this movie for families to teach their children about being proud of their heritage and wanting to learn about their ancestors. I give this movie 7 out of 10.
38 Reviews
Pretty Lame but Pretty Fun
Scars_Remain5 April 2008
I remember watching this film with my family when it first premiered on the Disney Channel. I must have been in 6th or 7th grade and I remember having a blast with it. It had a nice blend of comedy and fantasy and became my new favorite Disney Channel movie. I revisited it today and was pretty let down after 7 years or so passing by. This isn't the same movie! Don't get me wrong, I still like it had a fun time watching it but it's strange how we love movies as kids and then revisit them as adults and find that they weren't so great after all.
I liked Ryan Merriman in this because he was just some kid that no one knew about. Much better than the garbage he was in, Final Destination 3 and The Ring Two. The other actors weren't very good but they didn't ruin the movie for me. The story is silly Disney fun about a kid who loses his family's lucky coin and experiences a ton of bad luck while trying to steal the coin back. Sounds like a blast, doesn't it?
I would only recommend this if you're a fan of other Disney channel movies. It gets a 6 from me because it's fun to watch but I'd give it a 4 compared to other movies. You decide For yourself!
I liked Ryan Merriman in this because he was just some kid that no one knew about. Much better than the garbage he was in, Final Destination 3 and The Ring Two. The other actors weren't very good but they didn't ruin the movie for me. The story is silly Disney fun about a kid who loses his family's lucky coin and experiences a ton of bad luck while trying to steal the coin back. Sounds like a blast, doesn't it?
I would only recommend this if you're a fan of other Disney channel movies. It gets a 6 from me because it's fun to watch but I'd give it a 4 compared to other movies. You decide For yourself!
Faith And Begorrah, It's The Leprechaun Potato Chip Tycoon
bkoganbing12 November 2008
Now if anybody is thinking that Disney studios got the rights to remake the famous Twentieth Century Fox classic that starred Tyrone Power, put those thoughts aside. This film is about yet another Disney Channel teenager whose inquiry into his roots for his high school heritage day leads to all kinds of problems.
Poor Ryan Merriman has the decidedly unethnic last name of Johnson and as far as he knows his family hails from Cleveland. He doesn't know that his maternal grandfather is the head of Emerald Isle potato chips and further that he's a leprechaun. Which makes mom one too and Ryan a mixed breed that can be volatile.
When his lucky coin's been stolen from him that he's had since he was a kid by bad leprechaun Timothy Omundson, it's time to get in touch with grandfather and get the coin back.
One similarity with the 1948 classic is that a leading actor played a rather stooped version of a leprechaun in both films. Cecil Kellaway got an Academy Award nomination in the older film. Here Henry Gibson plays the leprechaun potato chip tycoon where in his factory it's required to speak with a brogue.
It's a Disney Channel film so don't expect too much from it. The cast is pleasant enough and easy to take. You can be sure to see Luck Of The Irish on the Disney Channel come Paddy's Day.
Poor Ryan Merriman has the decidedly unethnic last name of Johnson and as far as he knows his family hails from Cleveland. He doesn't know that his maternal grandfather is the head of Emerald Isle potato chips and further that he's a leprechaun. Which makes mom one too and Ryan a mixed breed that can be volatile.
When his lucky coin's been stolen from him that he's had since he was a kid by bad leprechaun Timothy Omundson, it's time to get in touch with grandfather and get the coin back.
One similarity with the 1948 classic is that a leading actor played a rather stooped version of a leprechaun in both films. Cecil Kellaway got an Academy Award nomination in the older film. Here Henry Gibson plays the leprechaun potato chip tycoon where in his factory it's required to speak with a brogue.
It's a Disney Channel film so don't expect too much from it. The cast is pleasant enough and easy to take. You can be sure to see Luck Of The Irish on the Disney Channel come Paddy's Day.
Only minor flaws...But still good!
BHorrorWriter19 April 2001
Having a One year old means the Disney Channel is on...All the time! So, my wife and I are always reluctant to watch something we want...So, every now and again, The Disney Channel(TDC), throws out a commerical for one of their Prem-Ear movies. I have seen a few in the past, and felt they were okay kids movies...nothing special to speak about. I saw this preview for this movie, and thought: "Okay, this doesn't look too bad...Ryan Merriman is an excellent actor, and shined in Smart House." So, I gave it a go...
We watched it the night it premiered. I must say it was a good made for tv movie. IT didn't have the best script, sometimes corny dialouge, low budget special effect, but the actors....the actors held the movie together.
Ryan Merriman is probably one of the better actors among those of his age. He not a: "oops, I looked at the camera again, oh, what is my line, this is hard, i love acting though" actor. He is solid and delivers his lines like a professional! After being in the big screen flop that was The Deep End of the Ocean, Ryan has stayed on the small screen, or in the Indie Spotlight. I hope to see him excel in bigger roles with bigger actors. He is talented.
The parents in this movie were not typical Disney dumb parents. They had a secret to hide from their child and he was trying to figure it out. Not the other way around..Where the kid is hiding something and the parents give up way too easy to find out what it is...
The supporting characters kept up with the pace, and didnt act like they were acting. I would like to see a sequel to this movie...I don't know of a plot, but still...it could be done...TDC has made worse decisons about movie
Overall, I would give this movie a 9 out of 10. The high rating because of the strong performance by Merriman. 7 out of 10 for the script.
I hope Disney puts this on Video or DVD i would like to own it
We watched it the night it premiered. I must say it was a good made for tv movie. IT didn't have the best script, sometimes corny dialouge, low budget special effect, but the actors....the actors held the movie together.
Ryan Merriman is probably one of the better actors among those of his age. He not a: "oops, I looked at the camera again, oh, what is my line, this is hard, i love acting though" actor. He is solid and delivers his lines like a professional! After being in the big screen flop that was The Deep End of the Ocean, Ryan has stayed on the small screen, or in the Indie Spotlight. I hope to see him excel in bigger roles with bigger actors. He is talented.
The parents in this movie were not typical Disney dumb parents. They had a secret to hide from their child and he was trying to figure it out. Not the other way around..Where the kid is hiding something and the parents give up way too easy to find out what it is...
The supporting characters kept up with the pace, and didnt act like they were acting. I would like to see a sequel to this movie...I don't know of a plot, but still...it could be done...TDC has made worse decisons about movie
Overall, I would give this movie a 9 out of 10. The high rating because of the strong performance by Merriman. 7 out of 10 for the script.
I hope Disney puts this on Video or DVD i would like to own it
My comments contain spoilers of this family film.
sandynpat21 October 2004
Warning: Spoilers
A popular teenager who is phenomenally lucky in everything he does--tests, sports, and avoiding difficulties--has a rude awakening.
In an effort to prepare for his school's Heritage Day, he attends an Irish festival and is robbed of his lucky charm. This event also leads him to find his estranged grandfather and begin a series of unlucky incidents ending with the discovery that his mom is a leprechaun.
He then must battle the evil leprechaun thief for the return of his family's luck. The age-old Gaelic sports competition is especially fun to watch.
The final out-tricking of the bad guy is clever and entertaining. I found this to be a delightful family film.
In an effort to prepare for his school's Heritage Day, he attends an Irish festival and is robbed of his lucky charm. This event also leads him to find his estranged grandfather and begin a series of unlucky incidents ending with the discovery that his mom is a leprechaun.
He then must battle the evil leprechaun thief for the return of his family's luck. The age-old Gaelic sports competition is especially fun to watch.
The final out-tricking of the bad guy is clever and entertaining. I found this to be a delightful family film.
Good Flick
roxygr122320 March 2001
This movie was a good one. I am fourteen and I love all the Disney Channel shows, movies, and whatever. Every month I watch the new movie. This one was one of the best ones they had on, which is pretty surprising for a disney movie. The Luck of the Irish was excellent. I hope to see a sequel sometime, it would be good. If you get a chance see this movie!!!!!!
The Vidiot Reviews...
capone66618 March 2011
Luck of the Irish
The reason the Irish are so lucky is because they bathe in the blood of Leprechauns.
And while it is unfortunate that this family-comedy doesn't address the issue of exploiting wee folk, it does speak to their inexplicable good fortune.
When Kyle (Ryan Merriman)–star basketball player and luckiest kid in school–loses his lucky coin, he finds himself reverting into a leprechaun.
Informed by his mother that he is of little people linage, and that losing the charm means no more luck or human guise, Kyle and his grandfather (Henry Gibson) set out to reclaim the family heirloom from the impish faerie that stole it.
While this Disney Channel Original Movie is reminiscent of others like it, i.e. horrible acting, ridiculous dialogue and infantile plot, its shrewd manipulation of Irish stereotypes and fey folklore sets it apart.
Besides, becoming a leprechaun isn't so bad – who needs all their limbs? (Yellow Light)
The reason the Irish are so lucky is because they bathe in the blood of Leprechauns.
And while it is unfortunate that this family-comedy doesn't address the issue of exploiting wee folk, it does speak to their inexplicable good fortune.
When Kyle (Ryan Merriman)–star basketball player and luckiest kid in school–loses his lucky coin, he finds himself reverting into a leprechaun.
Informed by his mother that he is of little people linage, and that losing the charm means no more luck or human guise, Kyle and his grandfather (Henry Gibson) set out to reclaim the family heirloom from the impish faerie that stole it.
While this Disney Channel Original Movie is reminiscent of others like it, i.e. horrible acting, ridiculous dialogue and infantile plot, its shrewd manipulation of Irish stereotypes and fey folklore sets it apart.
Besides, becoming a leprechaun isn't so bad – who needs all their limbs? (Yellow Light)
Ouch.
TheWildGoose17 February 2007
This movie was almost painful for me to watch, and I have a pretty strong tolerance for bad movies (I own a copy of "The Beast of Yucca Flats" on DVD). Aside from accents that almost made my ears bleed, an absurdly stupid plot, and a villain so clichéd he makes Snidely Whiplash look like a complex character, this film has a healthy dose of nauseating pablum. Furthermore, anyone who claims that "The Quiet Man" reflects unfair stereotypes about the Irish will completely change his mind if he sees this moronic mess of leprechauns, gold, third-rate "oirish" accents, really awful step-dancing, and other assorted nonsense.
This being said, I can't give this movie a score too low. The plot, however stupid, is at least logically coherent, the production values are decent, and there doesn't seem to be any great level of technical incompetence here. I suppose I should give the Disney Channel credit for even attempting to do something like this, results notwithstanding.
This being said, I can't give this movie a score too low. The plot, however stupid, is at least logically coherent, the production values are decent, and there doesn't seem to be any great level of technical incompetence here. I suppose I should give the Disney Channel credit for even attempting to do something like this, results notwithstanding.
A family movie
supertigeraki18 March 2021
Stereotype
antkillerrex3 April 2016
Warning: Spoilers
Horrible film and is very stereotype if I could sum it up in 3 Words this would be it Worst Film ever. All it talks about is how bad the Irish had it and everyone gets using Irish accidents and they suck. This movie also says that's it is bad to be Irish. There is not a good family movie so don't waste your time. I had to sit through it and I just about throw my remote at the TV. Again stereotype the whole movie is he getting good luck because he is Irish and the mom had nothing to do in this film but add plot lines. Most of the time is just them running around acting like idiots and had the whole "lot of gold on the end of the rainbow idea. Also the grandfather gets captured even though he has magic powers
Best Disney Channel Movie Ever
cdcolenda26 June 2005
This was by far the best "Disney channel original movie" ever. It is funny, good plot, and a great cast. The special effects were kind of corny but so what. This movie is a great family movie and I could watch it 20 times over before I get bored. A personal favorite.This movie is a thousand times better than Cadet Kelly and 10 times better than The Even Stevens Movie but not as good as Get A Clue. A funny, clever, lighthearted movie. Even teenagers will like this movie and that is saying something. This movie probably could have made a lot of money if it had come out in theaters, because Herbie fully loaded did and if Herbie can do it than the Irish sure can. This movie also teaches you a lot about Irish heritage and if you watch close enough you can learn some stuff.10/10
The luck of the Irish
maddiebuggie28 September 2020
Not as good as the previews gave away
setsuna_meiou_1610 March 2001
I found this movie to be a major let down. I was thinking it would be something good like the 13th year but It was bad. The plot wasn't very good, and they did not really explore Kyle adjusting to his Heritage. The actors were good, I suppose, although someone who is almost 18 playing a 12 or 13 year old is rather odd. The best part about this movie were the special effects which were rather good considering what would probably be a rather limited budget. I've seen better, but at the same time I've seen worse (I.E. Motocrossed)
Stupid plot and okay characters.
Actinfreak23 February 2003
The plot was really bad. This kid finds out he is a leprechaun and he loses his lucky coin so he has to find it to save his family. The main boy(Ryan Merriman) was good. I think he is a pretty talented actor. His best friend was a pretty good actor too.
Cute family movie
asfouras17 March 2001
My kids have already watched this movie 5 times and it has only been out just over a week. They really liked it and are hopping around trying to Irish step dance.
The boy in the lead role is nice to look at as well as the other characters. The story may be silly but its good, clean family viewing.
Wish I knew where the town in the film was located. The mountains in the background were beautiful.
The boy in the lead role is nice to look at as well as the other characters. The story may be silly but its good, clean family viewing.
Wish I knew where the town in the film was located. The mountains in the background were beautiful.
Cute...
RosanaBotafogo4 December 2022
A teenager (Ryan Merriman) must fight for a golden amulet to prevent his family from being controlled by an evil goblin. When Kyle Johnson loses his lucky coin, very strange things start to happen. Amidst a lot of bad luck, the boy discovers the truth about his origins and now he may end up transformed into a legendary Irish leprechaun.
Andrew Shepard Price and Mark Edward Edens' quirky screenplay, from a Price story, is amicably directed by Paul Hoen; A teenager must battle for a gold charm to keep his family from being controlled by an evil leprechaun.
Cute, there's even an Indian version produced by Disney, it can be cute too, but it's so boring, with some effort, but it won...
Andrew Shepard Price and Mark Edward Edens' quirky screenplay, from a Price story, is amicably directed by Paul Hoen; A teenager must battle for a gold charm to keep his family from being controlled by an evil leprechaun.
Cute, there's even an Indian version produced by Disney, it can be cute too, but it's so boring, with some effort, but it won...
Worst... movie... EVER!!!
wickedfeck29 May 2002
This movie was horrible. The story line is pure cheese. I feel embarrassed for the actors. How does anyone let movies like this get made? Read the plot summary-- that should be the reason to not watch this movie. It's full of stereotypes. Then again, what do you expect? It's Disney...
The single most phenomenal movie I have ever had the pleasure to watch
jamesdawg-4315716 March 2020
2020: From start to finish, this movie carries you on a wild wide of imagination and fantasy, with an outstanding plot, real characters, and a message you;ll never forget. Not to mention the stellar effects and choreography. It should be the cornerstone of every family movie library. An outstanding binding of true American patriotism and respect for cultural heritage has nee before been achieved to this extent. Watching this masterpiece of cinematography has been an experience I will never forget. 10/10, would recommend, watch with your family and everyone you know. Get those up, the world need to know the story of Kyle O'Relliy/Johnson!
Updated 2021: After watching this masterpiece for a second time, I couldn't help but be astonished at the earth-shatteringly realistic depictions of the colorful Irish culture. From the time honored tradition of cobbling, to the plethora of wonderful Irish recipes involving potatoes. Truly a great educational resource for those wishing to learn more about Irish culture. Especially those exciting games, boy did they look fun! And while all this was happening, they still managed to keep Kyle's character uniquely American. As a Clevelander myself, I couldn't help but admire the beautiful blend of the two unique cultures. Again, an absolutely must watch, and now a favorite St. Patrick's Day tradition!
Updated 2022: Third times a charm (get it!)! This movie truly never loses it's cultural significance, especially now in a time so divisive and full of hatred. So many people would do well to learn the message this movie so artistically and touchingly expresses. Looking at you Putin. These core American values should be taught and learned by all, for they are crucial to a good society. Nothing would ever go wrong in a society truly American. Kyle's acceptance and prioritization of his American values over his heritage is a powerful example we all should follow. Truly inspiring, this movie. I've never seen anything quite as remarkable as this.
Updated 2021: After watching this masterpiece for a second time, I couldn't help but be astonished at the earth-shatteringly realistic depictions of the colorful Irish culture. From the time honored tradition of cobbling, to the plethora of wonderful Irish recipes involving potatoes. Truly a great educational resource for those wishing to learn more about Irish culture. Especially those exciting games, boy did they look fun! And while all this was happening, they still managed to keep Kyle's character uniquely American. As a Clevelander myself, I couldn't help but admire the beautiful blend of the two unique cultures. Again, an absolutely must watch, and now a favorite St. Patrick's Day tradition!
Updated 2022: Third times a charm (get it!)! This movie truly never loses it's cultural significance, especially now in a time so divisive and full of hatred. So many people would do well to learn the message this movie so artistically and touchingly expresses. Looking at you Putin. These core American values should be taught and learned by all, for they are crucial to a good society. Nothing would ever go wrong in a society truly American. Kyle's acceptance and prioritization of his American values over his heritage is a powerful example we all should follow. Truly inspiring, this movie. I've never seen anything quite as remarkable as this.
It was never trying to be more than cute.
Dewhistle27 March 2008
Warning: Spoilers
And on basis of that, it did exactly what was wanted. I was surprised to like this movie since I'm in my 30s. But it's a light story that always keeps a sense of humor, and that's vital. A lot of mediocre movies are done with too serious of an attitude. This one is miles away from reality and was written, acted, and directed with that approach. Every Irish gag comes with a wink, even the touching moments stay light, and the finish is at once stupid and playful, and fun enough to pull it off. Things such as the boy's bewilderment after he trips and falls and cries in cheesy Irish brogue, "Oh, fer the love o' Mike!" are a stretch, fairly stereotyped, and still cute. The accents barely stay on the actor's tongues but you don't care. The story is just twisted enough that you'll watch it through, and not feel too stupid for having done it. This sounds like faint praise but it isn't... it's just how it is.
Light and silly but still enjoyable, it beats spending a St. Patrick's Day getting plastered.
Light and silly but still enjoyable, it beats spending a St. Patrick's Day getting plastered.
I voted 1/10 because I can't vote 0/10.
robf-1326 March 2009
This has got to be one of the worst movies I've ever watched. I could barely sit through it, but out of fairness, since I new I had to mention how bad it was on here, I did. Lots of bad acting, with worse acting from the lesser qualified "actors" involved, this movie is pretty damn bad. Any of the people in this movie's comments that days its even approaching 'okay' is lying out their rear. It was pathetic, it hurt me to even watch. I feel embarrassed for the couple normally decent actors involved. I realize I'm an adult, but I haven't forgotten the kid/teen movies I watched when I was younger. I mean we had lots of cheesy flicks, sure, but this wasn't even cheese, it was crap, like post-digestion cheese after its sat around in ones stomach for 48 hours and is ready to be expelled. You're better off missing this, with its horrific (even for 2001) blue screen special effects. Cliché for Disney plot, and sub par acting.
Want me to describe this flick in one line? Move along, there's nothing to see here... (envision a cop trying to hide the dead body under the sheet...thats this film). Intentionally subjecting yourself to this film is an absurd self-flagellation that everyone should avoid if at all possible. If it is for your kid, go rent them Zapped or The Explorers. If you require something of Irish for your sustenance go for Darby O'Gill and the Little People, you'll thank yourself for missing this.
Want me to describe this flick in one line? Move along, there's nothing to see here... (envision a cop trying to hide the dead body under the sheet...thats this film). Intentionally subjecting yourself to this film is an absurd self-flagellation that everyone should avoid if at all possible. If it is for your kid, go rent them Zapped or The Explorers. If you require something of Irish for your sustenance go for Darby O'Gill and the Little People, you'll thank yourself for missing this.
Not so lucky
andykleinendorst15 August 2001
Honestly this movie was not that good. I had looked foward to watching it, but was highly disapointed. It's kind of stupid, his friends act so casual when he shrinks, and grows leprechaun ears! I mean come on, the mom is 5 inches tall and friend just acts like. "Is that you?" I would only give this movie about 3/10 stars.
Cute Movie with a moral as well!
Moodz0025 August 2002
I love this movie...try to watch it whenever it's on the Disney Channel. Being Irish I enjoy the little nuances they bring to the film, and the cast does an excellant job. It's a great family film, and it serves perfectly as an annual holiday (St. Patrick's Day)special treat. Oh, and the backgrounds in the outdoor scenes are breathtaking!
Awful, sadly awful
vartan8422 July 2001
Unfortunately, this was one of the worst movies I've ever seen. There is nothing memorable or noteworthy about it. The main character, Kyle, is a clueless American who investigates his past and eventually finds out about his Irish heritage. I know he is supposed to be an ignorant American, but he doesn't even know basic things like the relations between shamrocks and step dancing to being Irish. Any American would know that, no matter their heritage.
The writing was horrible. There are one too many "powerful" speeches given by various characters referring to the ultimate strength of all the Irish people and how they are better than all others. I don't think this goes over too well with people watching who are not Irish. The acting is very awful, and many events in it are unbelievable. An example is the readiness of everyone to believe Kyle when he tells them he is a leprechaun. People act as if it's an everyday thing and don't give it a second thought. Most surprising is when Kyle's leprechaun mother shrinks to about a few inches high, yet no one seems to think it's odd or out of the ordinary. Overall, it's a shame Disney released this waste of film.
If you are feeling sad or in a bad mood, don't watch this movie! It'll only make you feel worse!
The writing was horrible. There are one too many "powerful" speeches given by various characters referring to the ultimate strength of all the Irish people and how they are better than all others. I don't think this goes over too well with people watching who are not Irish. The acting is very awful, and many events in it are unbelievable. An example is the readiness of everyone to believe Kyle when he tells them he is a leprechaun. People act as if it's an everyday thing and don't give it a second thought. Most surprising is when Kyle's leprechaun mother shrinks to about a few inches high, yet no one seems to think it's odd or out of the ordinary. Overall, it's a shame Disney released this waste of film.
If you are feeling sad or in a bad mood, don't watch this movie! It'll only make you feel worse!
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