This is one of the funniest movies I have seen for a while, coming close to 'The Castle'. The humour was fresh, the plot original, and the acting superb. I never thought Jimeoin could do a movie, but I have been proved wrong.
16 Reviews
Cheerful comedy, not a classic
mar91 February 2001
Jimeoin writes and stars in this cheerful little "fish-out-of-water" flick about two Irish guys in Australia on the run from Immigration and
a head-case IRA man.
Some of the scenarios are clearly developments of Jimeoin's stand-up comedy routines. Australian audiences will be best placed to pick the gleeful reworkings of Aussie "culture". The dating game spoof in particular is a hoot.
Good use of outback locations, but that's a bit redundant. Have you ever read a comment "there was lousy use of Australian outback locations - it didn't look good at all."? Point a camera pretty much anywhere in outback Australia and you'll get decent footage simply because of the light, colour and space.
Another highlight - Perennial character actor "Bud" Tingwell as a mad melon farmer.
Drawbacks - the Irish characters need subtitles at times due to their impenetrable accents. Too many set-pieces linked by a threadbare plot. But for all that, acceptable light entertainment.
a head-case IRA man.
Some of the scenarios are clearly developments of Jimeoin's stand-up comedy routines. Australian audiences will be best placed to pick the gleeful reworkings of Aussie "culture". The dating game spoof in particular is a hoot.
Good use of outback locations, but that's a bit redundant. Have you ever read a comment "there was lousy use of Australian outback locations - it didn't look good at all."? Point a camera pretty much anywhere in outback Australia and you'll get decent footage simply because of the light, colour and space.
Another highlight - Perennial character actor "Bud" Tingwell as a mad melon farmer.
Drawbacks - the Irish characters need subtitles at times due to their impenetrable accents. Too many set-pieces linked by a threadbare plot. But for all that, acceptable light entertainment.
Sketchy comedy has some laughs
Bildo3628 April 1999
This first major screen effort for Irish comedian Jimeoin has a few genuine belly laughs, but it's generally like the man's stand-up act: lots of smirks, smiles and the odd giggle with quite a few slow patches in the middle. It has an almost 'Crocodile Dundee' feel to it, ie. using plot devices to show off the wild Australian outback to a (hopefully) overseas audience. Not a totally disagreeable way to spend an hour and a half, but it's no comedic classic.
Good Home Movie
Steve-1763 May 1999
Jimeoin and a good many of his mates apparently were on the run from our Immigration Department in the early 80's. Many of the incidents in his first film The Craic are based on the sorts of things that happened to the lads and lasses as they made their quick getaways. We'll have to assume that he's now made his peace with the authorities.
I've only glimpsed Jimeoin on TV a couple of times but I'd imagine that The Craic probably mirrors his on stage and perhaps his real life personality pretty closely. If Jimeoin is a quietly spoken Irish Immigrant with a gentle but acute wit; an everyman good bloke who's difficult to understand, then here he is.
Jimeoin also appears to be pretty self effacing and disinclined to big note himself, which is a pretty good trick considering that he's an entertainer in his own first film. I wonder if he's as nice a bloke as he makes out to be. Nobody is that nice, and funny as well, are they?
The Craic is like a pretty well made home movie, one obviously written by Jimeoin. You've seen most of the really good bits on the shorts but The Craic does rise to sand dune heights every now and then.
The camera hasn't ventured in amongst the back packing world too many times and The Craic suggests that the time might be ripe.
I've only glimpsed Jimeoin on TV a couple of times but I'd imagine that The Craic probably mirrors his on stage and perhaps his real life personality pretty closely. If Jimeoin is a quietly spoken Irish Immigrant with a gentle but acute wit; an everyman good bloke who's difficult to understand, then here he is.
Jimeoin also appears to be pretty self effacing and disinclined to big note himself, which is a pretty good trick considering that he's an entertainer in his own first film. I wonder if he's as nice a bloke as he makes out to be. Nobody is that nice, and funny as well, are they?
The Craic is like a pretty well made home movie, one obviously written by Jimeoin. You've seen most of the really good bits on the shorts but The Craic does rise to sand dune heights every now and then.
The camera hasn't ventured in amongst the back packing world too many times and The Craic suggests that the time might be ripe.
Another lazy comedy from Oz, more an adventure from it's presence worthy leads
videorama-759-85939110 February 2014
Is it me, or why did people actually think this was funny? I've seen a few disappointing Aussie comedy pics, a rundown that includes a lot of ones that start with the title The .... Again, here I was not on a comedown, but sheerly dumbstruck about how bad this movie was, in terms of a comedy, and previews can sometimes mislead you, a case here. I've never found Jim O'in funny, only a couple of jokes worth, in all of what I've seen of the guy, that's enough. This film is actually more entertaining if watching it, for how the plot which wasn't bad, unfolded. But remember, we're not in the hands of two capable or quality actors as leads, Oin's mate, Bob Franklin, is even less funnier in this and his pathetic unconfident self here, as always, Oin's follower, does make him watchable. His face has that appeal, looking like Hg or Roy, I'm not sure, the uglier one. Hall was fun to watch too as Jim Oin's love interest, as also it was fun watching O'in freely steal a hot chip from someone else's take away in it's start. As comedy fare, for me it was almost obsolete, two or three laughs maximum, but as an adventure, as to see what these two buffoons, end up doing next, or who'd they came up against, made it interesting.
Jimeoin certainly gives his best, but he can't compensate for a poor script...
thirteenthfloorelevator20 February 2006
Jimeoin is a strange comedian indeed. He seems to be better placed on the the stage telling jokes than in a situational comedy, and he looks extremely awkward in this movie, and tries to ring a joke out of everything, even some situations that are woefully unfunny. I have a feeling that the distributors thought that Jimeoin's name would sell this product alone, as the script is very poor. It appears to be about immigration out to get these two guys but at times it plods so dreadfully and is so incoherent that it is impossible to actually make heads or tails out of the dreadfully incoherent script. Jimeoin certainly gets points for trying, but maybe if he actually tried a little harder this film would have been much better!
A waste of time
whiteman-328 January 2001
I looked forward to this Jimoin movie with great expectations. After all, Jimoin is a great stand up comic and should be able to deliver the goods on screen. But when the credits rolled up I felt I had wasted an hour or so and indeed I felt cheated. This could have been a great opportunity for Jimoin and Co. to dish up a truly funny Aussie movie. All we get is a disjointed collection of scenes, none of which are well acted or well structured, and a bevy of second rate one-liners. I really expected better of Jimoin and I am sure the veteran Aussie actor "Bud" Tingwell regrets ever being a part of this load of rubbish. Minus 5.
A fun film, with jokes a plenty, just don't look for a cohesive plot.
Falcador29 April 1999
So one of Australia's best stand up comics has made a movie, and I'm not surprised with the result. The movie is peppered with winning one liners and funny characters. Some of the scenes are almost skit in nature, not surprising as half the cast are veterans of Australian skit television. The parody of "Perfect Match" is well worth a look. Don't expect too much from the film, there is a plot, but it sometimes plays second fiddle to the scene, and in the end isn't really resolved to any satisfaction. Jimoein plays basically himself, an Irishman lost in Australia. So he comes across as genuine in the part, as does his team mate. Notable members of the cast is Charles 'Bud' Tingwell's crusty old farmer and his hatred of Cane Toads and Crows. The two SAS soldiers, played by Bob Franklin, Jimoein's partner in crime from his old TV show and Colin Hay, best known as front man of the legendary 80's rock band 'Men At Work' are excellent, playing straight men in the light comic relief. The soundtrack is excellent 80's Australian, and of course with Colin Hay in the cast the credits roll on a great acoustic version of 'Down Under'. The major drawback is that the plot seems only there to link the jokes. Go see it to have fun and don't think too hard.
It's funny.
randomStuff1019 August 2003
I saw this on TV and really enjoyed it. I had avoided renting the movie - just didn't trust the cover, but it's a very laid back oz comedy with heart and I'm glad I didn't switch the channel.
I love the look of the film - all gritty and contrasty, the colours and sunlit scenes shine brightly and create an atmosphere (gave me dejavu, but that's another story). Not sure if the look was deliberate, or whether it's just what the cheapest film stock looks like. Reminded me of 16mm film.
What the film does superbly is make it look like 1988. Not hard I suppose, since it wasn't long ago, but there were some nice touches that made it look like the late 80s.
Lots of genuine funny scenes. If you've Australian and been around a bit, you should like this movie. If you're from anywhere else in the world, there's a good chance you'll get bored.
8 / 10
I love the look of the film - all gritty and contrasty, the colours and sunlit scenes shine brightly and create an atmosphere (gave me dejavu, but that's another story). Not sure if the look was deliberate, or whether it's just what the cheapest film stock looks like. Reminded me of 16mm film.
What the film does superbly is make it look like 1988. Not hard I suppose, since it wasn't long ago, but there were some nice touches that made it look like the late 80s.
Lots of genuine funny scenes. If you've Australian and been around a bit, you should like this movie. If you're from anywhere else in the world, there's a good chance you'll get bored.
8 / 10
Makes you proud to be from Oz
astrid-310 May 1999
The outstanding feature of this film is its "feel good" quality -in the best sense of that expression. I must admit that I'd never seen Jimmeoin before, so maybe I'm just enamoured by first impressions. Nevertheless, I laughed out loud more than once while watching this movie, and I left the theatre feeling glad that I had seen "The Craic." Can't ask for more than that can you? Go see it.
A very funny film
crypty1 May 1999
I found this movie to be very funny and entertaining. It combined different uses of humour to provide laughs for all sorts of people. A major part this film worked well was because it starred Australia's favourite and most lovable comedian, Jimeoin. Very well done by the writers. A movie all aussies should go and see. Check it out!
A little Australian Classic
mcscraic2 December 2006
Sometimes , like a breath of fresh air along comes a person who can brings us a new way of looking at life . One of these people is Irish comedian Jimeoin . His humour and songs provides a remedy to the feeling down syndrome . Some find themselves trapped in today's issues and can't see outside that locked door but Jimeoin has found a key to unlock the happy giggle most of us keep buried under our hat . His Irish wit is quick and his Irish accent thick . His songs are slick and his click is part of what makes him tick .
The music and Craic just flows out of Jimeoin . Its just a natural part of him . In Ireland the word Craic is having a good time and this is usually centered around music and dance and being out and about .
Some people I've met who have seen Jimeoin live on stage have said to me , You wouldn't want to mess with him . He's a hard man , and he really can look after himself .
Then again there are others who say , I cannot understand what he's talking about , but I still love the way he talks .
Jimeoin commands a large number of devoted fans when he performs in clubs all around Australia .
He has buckled them up in two with laughter , split their sides with stitches , and brought tears to the eyes of his hardest critics .
His first two Cds in Australia , " Craic" and "Goin' Off " gave us a better picture of this talented man .
Not only is there live stand up comedy but there are some excellent original songs performed by Jimeoin . On the album Going Off Jimeons version of Danny Boy tells about how he used to be a boy but now he has grown up into a man and so the Danny Man number is alive with a rap style of performance that works well with most audiences . His version of Lou Reeds Take A Walk On The Wide Side is fantastic . He changes the odd word here and there but the feel of the song is untouched . On the other album entitled The Craic one of my favourite songs is entitled "Never meant to stay ." The lyrics tell a story about someone who has overstayed his visa here in Australia .
That theme has been further developed in Jimeoins latest venture directing his own movie called "The Craic" .
Jimeoin plays a character by the name of Fergus who loves life . The movie begins in Belfast , before making its way to Sydney .
There is some great footage of Australia , and reflects the way we can share the slice of life within our Australian lifestyle . " The Craic" Its a classic gem of the times we live in .
Jimeoin - hes a wee Cracker .
By Paul McCann
The music and Craic just flows out of Jimeoin . Its just a natural part of him . In Ireland the word Craic is having a good time and this is usually centered around music and dance and being out and about .
Some people I've met who have seen Jimeoin live on stage have said to me , You wouldn't want to mess with him . He's a hard man , and he really can look after himself .
Then again there are others who say , I cannot understand what he's talking about , but I still love the way he talks .
Jimeoin commands a large number of devoted fans when he performs in clubs all around Australia .
He has buckled them up in two with laughter , split their sides with stitches , and brought tears to the eyes of his hardest critics .
His first two Cds in Australia , " Craic" and "Goin' Off " gave us a better picture of this talented man .
Not only is there live stand up comedy but there are some excellent original songs performed by Jimeoin . On the album Going Off Jimeons version of Danny Boy tells about how he used to be a boy but now he has grown up into a man and so the Danny Man number is alive with a rap style of performance that works well with most audiences . His version of Lou Reeds Take A Walk On The Wide Side is fantastic . He changes the odd word here and there but the feel of the song is untouched . On the other album entitled The Craic one of my favourite songs is entitled "Never meant to stay ." The lyrics tell a story about someone who has overstayed his visa here in Australia .
That theme has been further developed in Jimeoins latest venture directing his own movie called "The Craic" .
Jimeoin plays a character by the name of Fergus who loves life . The movie begins in Belfast , before making its way to Sydney .
There is some great footage of Australia , and reflects the way we can share the slice of life within our Australian lifestyle . " The Craic" Its a classic gem of the times we live in .
Jimeoin - hes a wee Cracker .
By Paul McCann
A great comedy for the Irish and the Aussies (but perhaps not everyone).
alclark30 April 1999
"The Craic" was written by, and stars, Jimeoin, an Irish comedian who has called Australia home for many years now, which is also the main setting for the film. A large number of faces will be familiar to Australian film and television audiences. Many of the jokes require knowledge of Australian and/or Irish culture to be fully understood. For such viewers, this film excels. However, I feel this same aspect may alienate some viewers. This is certainly a debut feature film Jimeoin can be proud of. **** (out of 5).
Really enjoyable
woods-210 June 1999
This film is a fantastic look at an Irishman in Australia. Anyone who enjoys a good comedy should see this film. Jimeoin is absolutely hilarious & has written a very funny first film. The rest of the cast do a good job delivering their lines especially Bob Franklin (another comic legend). See it!
Average Outback Comedy Adventure
wtan26 January 2000
I'm a big fan of Jimeoin's work, but this film is really nothing special.
The plot is pretty weak, and at the movie's end, you may feel that there was something missing in it.
That said, the acting is pretty good, but comes across as being incomplete.
Good time filler, but don't expect anything special. Hire The Castle instead.
Rating: C
The plot is pretty weak, and at the movie's end, you may feel that there was something missing in it.
That said, the acting is pretty good, but comes across as being incomplete.
Good time filler, but don't expect anything special. Hire The Castle instead.
Rating: C
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