71
Metascore
21 reviews · Provided by Metacritic.com
- 91Entertainment WeeklyEntertainment WeeklyUnfolds with such unforced inevitability that absurdity never condescends to sticky adorableness.
- 90Washington PostMichael O'SullivanWashington PostMichael O'SullivanThe plot is far from intricate, but Waking Ned Devine more than makes up for its narrative simplicity with a uniformly engaging cast of Hibernian oddballs.
- 80Washington PostStephen HunterWashington PostStephen HunterWriter-director Kirk Jones III keeps the movie resolutely brisk and light, twisting mildly this way and that but never detouring for long.
- 80VarietyDerek ElleyVarietyDerek ElleyBannen and the gawky Kelly, whose screen chemistry is vital to the film's success, make a delightful pair of stumbling shysters, and Jones' script weaves a sizable tapestry of other characters to flesh out the village.
- 75ReelViewsJames BerardinelliReelViewsJames BerardinelliAn unabashed excursion into feel good territory.
- 75San Francisco ExaminerG. Allen JohnsonSan Francisco ExaminerG. Allen JohnsonThere's not a whole lot to Waking Ned Devine, but it may be enough for those who like their quirky comedies from the British Isles - a burgeoning genre now - both atmospheric and gentle.
- 63The Globe and Mail (Toronto)Rick GroenThe Globe and Mail (Toronto)Rick GroenThe wonder is that the cast -- a terrific ensemble with talents honed on such hallowed stages as the Abbey Theatre -- brings it off with far more verve than the slight tale deserves.
- 60L.A. WeeklyErnest HardyL.A. WeeklyErnest HardyWriter-director Kirk Jones has the movie roll over, fetch and chase its own tail in order to make you love it.
- 60Chicago ReaderLisa AlspectorChicago ReaderLisa AlspectorThough it strives for broad humor, pushing cuteness and light irony, this bland 1998 movie isn't exactly a comedy.
- 50Austin ChronicleMarc SavlovAustin ChronicleMarc SavlovPredicated on the slimmest of notions, this debut by Jones is so cuddly-cute in its desire to be pleasing that it's all but transparent.