THE MATCHMAKER 1997
A film review by Timothy Voon
Copyright 1998 Timothy Voon
2 :-) :-) for simple Irish charm
Cast: Janeane Garofalo, David O'Hara, Milo O'Shea, Denis Leary, Jay O. Sanders, Rosaleen Linehan, Maria Doyle Kennedy, Saffron Burrows Director: Mark Joffe Producers: Eric Fellner, Tim Bevan, Luc Roeg Screenplay: Karen Janszen, Louis Nowra, Graham Linehan based on a screenplay by Greg Dinner
This isn't the best romantic comedy of the year, but it does carry a quaint Irish charm that will win the hearts of some. I never thought there was a shortage of single women in Ireland until I watched THE MATCHMAKER. Single women, this movie is for you. If anyone is suffering from the dread lonely-hearts syndrome, then I'll recommend a good Irish dose of matchmaking. Empty your bank account, throw caution to the wind and buy a ticket to Ireland during matchmaking season. I will guarantee that even if you can't find yourself a potential mate for a date, at least you will be treated like a Queen for your entire stay. Imagine men with good character drooling over you, lining up to ask for your hand to dance and singing their hearts out for your affection. If this is your fantasy, then this movie hits all the right notes.
Janeane Garofalo is by all means a charming young actress who came to our attention as the bubbly, witty Abbey, the gal with the personality, not the body in THE TRUTH ABOUT CATS AND DOGS. Whilst she was outstanding in that particular role, her character Marcy in this movie isn't much of an improvement, but a mere improvisation of what we know she is capable off. The premise of the movie surrounds Marcy travelling to Ireland to discover the Irish origins of a Senator McGlory (Jay O. Sanders), who is eyeing re-election. She arrives during the matchmaking festival and becomes the unwitting object of marriage for every single male in the Irish town of Ballinagra. With a bit of Irish luck, a bit of Irish ale and two Matchmakers working over time on the side - does Marcy find Mr Right in the end?
This lightweight comedy is easy going and should be enjoyed like a leisurely stroll on a sunny afternoon. It's weightless content and innocent fun is great daydream material, carrying with it all the trivialities of life at its charming best.
Timothy Voon e-mail: stirling@netlink.com.au http://us.imdb.com/M/reviews_by?Tim+Voon Hugues Bouclier's Movies in Melbourne http://www.labyrinth.net.au/~bouclier/week/movies.html
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