The Honeymooners (2003) Reviews

• Shakes but fun

  CuanaD2004-12-21

  Watched this for the first time last night. For the first few minutes the shaking camera will get on your nerves but after a while you start to feel as if you are standing there watching the people yourself. Plot revolves around a man just jilted at the church and a waitress he pays to drive him to Donegal. He is less than endeering - obviously will not let himself be happy about his new found situation. She is far easier to warm to, but has a habit of saying hurtful things at just the right moment. Both actors are quite believable in their roles and the writing for the minor roles keeps the whole thing quite realistic. At times I could identify with both leads, at times they both p-ed me off - quite realistic. (Also found the girl - Alex Reid - quite attractive, thats just me I suppose.) Its a rom-com, but the gentle pace makes it stand out a bit from the others - quiet, and thoughtful, and funny. Just what I was looking for in a movie last night, as it happens. Don't expect too much from this movie and you should enjoy it 8/10 as a rom-com.

• A little low-budget gem

  florette2003-11-06

  What a treat! Saw this at the London Film Festival and laugh-out-loud loved it. Shot in under three weeks on a budget too low to be called shoestring, first time writer-director Karl Golden had previously only two short films on his imdb CV but has fashioned here a warm and witty romantic comedy that was enthusiastically applauded by the festival audience. Essentially the story is another variation on the well-used rom-com staple of two people with apparently nothing in common finding themselves together in trying circumstances and gradually falling for each other. Nothing terribly groundbreaking there, but Golden's inventive, clever script provides a funny, entertaining and enjoyable journey even if the destination is no surprise. To this viewer, The Honeymooners is an object lesson to those who pour millions into making glossy but strictly one-star pap. What really counts is a great script featuring believable and identifiable characters, and a talented cast to bring them to life.

• Great low budget movie

  aidan-292005-05-25

  I really enjoyed this movie. It kept me interested throughout and I liked the two leads especially Alex, really nice. I'm sure we'll see more of her in the future. I also liked the use of facial expressions and body language in some scenes instead of dialogue, it added to the atmosphere and told me more about the characters. Some good characters in the Donegal scenes which were very funny. I am grateful to the Sunday Times for this freebie as I had heard about the movie and of course it would never feature in a local cinema. By the way there are lots of big budget movies with plenty of $ and hype that don't come near this little gem despite the shaky camera-work. Aidan

• loved it

  sycamor2004-04-09

  when was the last time u sat thro a hollywood rom com with a few big names and realised u had seen all the best bits when u saw the trailer a week ago. boring isn't it. this is a romantic comedy, it will be no shock to get a happy ending, the whole point is how u get there....and how much u care. and i cared, after the initial shock of the wobbly camera and documentary feel u settle in to the story of 2 people having a very bad day and in the end u are rooting for them to get together. irish film making cant afford mega buck stars and cgi effects. this movie proves u dont need them when u have talent and a beautiful location. well done.

• Did they see the same movie!

  johnd-182005-06-25

  "The Honeymooners" is a romantic comedy with a real story. So many romantic comedies are just slushy. This one has grit and realistic events to laugh at. The characters go through the classic up and downs in a fast developing relationship. They're real, genuine and compelling. It is though, a comedy. It deliberately has moments of disbelief, but those moments are all part of two people finding each other, their commonalities and the things they can share joy in. Than there is the beautiful settings. What a place to honeymoon. This is one of the most gorgeous coasts you will ever see. Rolling pastures leading to beaches that are a total delight. This film is fun and meaningful, momentarily hysterical and from time to time introspective...just like a real relationship.