By EWAN McDONALD
(Herald rating: * * * )
If you think that title rings a bell, you're right and it's meant to. Roddy Doyle (dat fella who wrote Da Commitments, Da Snapper and Da Van) is a movie buff and his new fillum, which he wrote and co-produced, pays homage to
his favourite flicks.
There are scenes and sly references to classic movies buried all over the screen in this romantic comedy set in Dublin (yes, even one to When Harry Met Sally).
Brendan (Peter McDonald) is a nerd and a teacher who sings in the church choir. One night the choir goes into the pub for a pint after practice, and the loner is accosted by Trudy (Flora Montgomery). Soon they're in lust.
Brendan is a tad perturbed when Trudy sneaks out at night wearing a balaclava and the TV news reports that young men have been castrated by a masked predator. When Trudy tries to spice up their sex life by wearing her mask he is so terrified that she has to reveal her secret: she's not a castrator, just a high-class thief. They strike a deal: she goes to his movies, he goes on her midnight raids.
As this romantic comedy unwinds you'll pick up movie references from Once Upon a Time in the West to Sunset Boulevard and The Producers but the movie works, thanks to Doyle's mischievous humour and, particularly, Montgomery's cheek, even if you don't pick up the visual and verbal puns and jokes.
Rental video, DVD: Today
• DVD features: movie (95 mins), directors commentary, trailer.
