Danny Deckchair (2003)

An Aussie becomes a national sensation when he lifts off in his deck chair tied to balloons.

Director:

Jeff Balsmeyer

Writers:

Jeff Balsmeyer, Lizzie Bryant (additional dialogue),

Stars:

Rhys Ifans, Miranda Otto, Justine Clarke

2 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Rhys Ifans	...	Danny Morgan
Miranda Otto	...	Glenda Lake
Justine Clarke	...	Trudy Dunphy
Rhys Muldoon	...	Sandy Upman
John Batchelor	...	Pete
Alan Flower	...	Ray Vitali
Julie Sobotta	...	Kate (as Jules Sobotta)
Brian Langsworth	...	Real Estate Agent
Steve Rassios	...	Real Estate Agent (as Steven Rassios)
Madeleine James	...	Real Estate Woman
Jane Ruggiero	...	Donna
Gina Bortolin	...	Helen Costas
Duncan Young	...	Phil Stubbs
Garrie Scott	...	Party Shop Assistant
Richard Johnson	...	Passerby

Storyline

Based on a true story, the tale of a cement truck driver named Danny, whose long awaited vacation is cancelled thanks to his scheming girlfriend, Trudy. Danny escapes his grim life in suburban Australia and blasts into the skies in a chair tied with helium balloons. A mighty thunderstorm blows him clean off the map, and spits him out far away over the lush green town of Clarence. In this new town, he rockets into the world of Glenda, the town's only parking cop. While the media back home becomes obsessed with the story of his disappearance, Danny gets to reinvent himself in this new town, and in his great adventure, he discovers a true soulmate in Glenda. Fate catches up with him eventually, as Danny's true identity is revealed and Trudy--now a tabloid celebrity--comes to the idyllic town to claim Danny and drag him back to Sydney. Danny, however, is a changed man; he's discovered what it means to be happy and has found a new self-worth. Saying farewell to Trudy, Danny makes a dynamic...

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Plot Keywords:

balloon | vacation | escape | helium | truck | 

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Taglines:

With a big dream and a little attitude, anything's possible.

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Genres:

Comedy | Romance

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated PG-13 for sex-related situations

Details

Country:

Australia

Language:

English

Release Date:

31 July 2003 (Australia)

Also Known As:

Danny's Daydream

Filming Locations:

Bellingen, New South Wales, Australia

Box Office

Opening Weekend:

$10,304 (USA) (13 August 2004)

Gross:

$159,279 (USA) (24 September 2004)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Crusader Entertainment, Macquarie Film Corporation, Cobalt Media Group

Technical Specs

Runtime:

100 min

Sound Mix:

DTS Dolby Digital

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Inspired by the antics of "Lawnchair" Larry Walters who flew from San Pedro, California to Los Angeles International Airpot in a lawn chair rigged with 42 weather balloons on July 2, 1982.

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Goofs

In the beginning, Danny tells his friend he is flying to Port Douglas to go camping. Port Douglas does not have a civil airport. To get to there from Sydney one would have to fly to Cairns and then catch a bus farther north to Port Douglas

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Quotes

Trudy Dunphy: What happened to you out there?
Danny Morgan: Everything.

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Crazy Credits

Thanks to ... the residents of Hambly Street & Environs, Botany and the residents of Bellingen.

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Connections

References It's a Wonderful Life (1946)

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Soundtracks

"I Don't Care"
Written by Andy Cassell (as A. Cassell) and Toby Martin (as T. Martin)
Performed by Youth Group
Ivy League Music / Mushroom Music Publishing
Licensed courtesy of Ivy league Music

User Reviews

Very fun, feel good film

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.