Danny Deckchair (2003) User Reviews (65)

Surprisingly heartwarming story

[magicninjaix · 8/10 · 9 January 2005]

Working at Blockbuster, I glanced upon the title vaguely while running movies and decided to give it a shot. Within the first 10 minutes of the film, I had become enraptured in the Austrailian culture that engrossed the film. It only got better from there.

The story is strong--not too sappy or emotional, yet still rich in contrasting emotions transcending any particular genre of film (save action).

The actors also were very strong in there respective roles. Ryhs Ifans (Danny Morgan/Deckchair) played the laid-back/riveting Danny beautifully (totally believable). Miranda Otto (Glenda) also did a wonderful job playing the shy parking officer who fell in love with the "alien" from the sky.

I would definitely (and have done so) recommend to anyone just trying to chill out with a movie for an evening and walk away refreshed.

Finally a romantic comedy a guy can watch

[Tikanjiah · 8/10 · 7 November 2005]

This little movie was very refreshing from the usual romantic comedy machine that Hollywood cranks out just to make a few bucks from romance novel loving ladies.

Here's the point: it was a little funny, it was a little romantic, it was a little dramatic, and it was fun to watch. The acting isn't overdone and really makes you get in with the characters. I took a few points off for the editing, sometimes it jumps around a little too much, but for me it wasn't too distracting since everything else made up for it.

Following the romance story of a guy that falls from the sky in a woman's backyard - doesn't it sound intriguing?

If you like the genre, definitely a different, refreshing pick - and one that guys can watch without regret. But if you're not in the mood for a little romance story, save it for another time.

Very fun, feel good film

[smonstot · 8/10 · 14 September 2004]

When I walked into the theatre, it was spotted with very few people wanting to see the film, and most had just walked in because of the interesting title, but everyone left the theatre laughing and joking with one another. I have never seen a movie which inspired me to smile so much, and feel so good afterward. The scenery was amazing, the story was innovative, and Rhys Ifans was an extremely lovable character. All in all, a very good film, and definitely worth seeing. Danny's character was very charismatic, and his views on life can relate to everyone who has just wanted to get away. I especially liked the way he interacted with his friends and the people around him. By the end of the film, you really feel like you have a new friend in a strange way. Anyways, I would describe this as a Notting Hill/Bridget Jones/ Muriel's Wedding combination, with a little Whale Rider for spice. It gives new hope to the Australian film making industry.

Nuts and Berries

[ferguson-6 · 7/10 · 23 August 2004]

Greetings again from the darkness. In this charming little comedy from down under, Writer/Director Jeff Balsmeyer takes us inside the lives of 2 people we really like and one ... well maybe not so much. The 3 lead actors are excellent in their roles, especially Rhys Ifan (Notting Hill and Once Upon a Time in the Midlands). Miranda Otto plays the parking cop who brings him back to life, while Justine Clark is tremendous as the glory seeking user that we have all met at least once. The story, while getting started in a very unique manner, settles into a traditional little romantic comedy for awhile. What makes this one a little different is watching the changes in the faces of the three leads. They each experience joy and heartbreak in their own way. This one deserves a look.

Lotsa heart

[=G= · 7/10 · 24 December 2004]

"Danny Deckchair" tells of the adventures of a young concrete truck driver who decides to tie a bunch of helium filled balloons to his deck chair to soar aloft. His plan is to take shears with him to cut away one balloon at a time thereby making his descent. Instead, he leaves the shears behind and the balloons carry him to a new life and a new love. This sweet, cute, fun little flick from down-under is a fresh and creative new addition to the much over worked romcom genre. With lots of heart and unpredictable predictability, "Danny Deckchair" should be an enjoyable watch for those who don't mind a little schmaltz with their romantic comedy fare. (B)

Great, endearing film!

[data3 · 9/10 · 1 August 2003]

I think this will be one of the first comments for Danny Deckchair, so let me start this section off by saying straight away that I really, awfully enjoyed this film! I was sorry to see the finish of it, and thats something that you cant always say about movies.

Starring Rhys Ifans (fantastic actor!), and Miranda Otto (impresses me whenever I see her), this fun romp never once left me bored. Be it the numerous moments of hilarity as Danny lights up the screen or the quieter, more touching personal moments when Glenda and Danny are getting to know each other, this film was interesting and entertaining to the last. Also interesting is the unsaid statements about what a bit of fame does to some people, as Trudy (Justine Clark) shows her true colours once Danny flies away on his Deckchair.

When it all boils down to it, this is an entertaining and ultimately heartwarming film that isn't afraid to be Australian. Plus it doesn't have people saying "Crikey!" or wrestling crocodiles (sorry Steve Irwin , but most of us aren't like you). At any rate, I really enjoyed this one, and hopefully everyone else out there will give it a chance too! Its just a pity that lots of people may look at it, and decide to see something else that has more explosions. And thats just sad, because this is a great film just waiting to get the public recognition it deserves! See it for yourself, and don't be afraid to have a good time.

Danny Deckchair

[lincbertelli9 · 7/10 · 28 September 2005]

Sitting down to watch this film, I didn't have incredibly high expectations but after watching it, I must say I was pleasantly surprised. It will not go down as a classic piece of film, but it was an enjoyable use of 90 minutes and I am pleased that I viewed it. The plot line is relatively simple, which arguably detracts from the film, but it has it's moments, such as the moment Danny launches into the air on his deckchair. This film is more likely to appeal to an Australian audience as they will be able to relate to more of the items featured (eg: AFL football), but this still has enough in it to appeal to those not familiar with Australian culture. Overall, I would recommend this Aussie film to all people looking for a good laugh. Enjoyable!

See this movie!

[dumbluck34 · 10/10 · 6 August 2004]

If you like sweet, romantic comedies or you're looking for the perfect date movie Danny Deckchair is for you. Rhys Ifans, maybe best known as the slovenly roommate in Notting Hill, is unexpectedly charming as the title character, Danny. It's the story of a man finding himself (and love) by first getting lost. Danny is a goofy, hard-working everyman who doesn't know what he's missing until he literally falls into the backyard of the beautiful, but lonely Glenda, a small town parking cop. The two form an unlikely alliance that not only energizes their own hearts, but those of the local townspeople as well. Like a Jimmy Stewart character in a Frank Capra film, Danny finds a passion and integrity that he didn't now he had and he's able to inspire goodwill in everyone around him - including this film's audience.

Romance and comedy tied together

[scobbah · 6/10 · 29 August 2004]

I really liked the plot about Danny Deckchair, so I just had to check it out. I expected a comedy filled of nonstop joking, but hey! It turned out to be a more romantic entertainer than I thought - in a good way! With no well known actors, this movie treats some of the most everyday subjects in life - love and career - with such perfect precision. The balance between love and comedy is close to perfect, but I feel that some more jokes or crazy excursions would have been welcome. Danny is the true king! Haven't you seen it yet and feel for something to see together with your heart of love, check this one out for real! 6/10, since I think it lacked more jokes, but judging the art of romance here, it's a pure 9.

A Dud

[freeflytim2004 · 15 February 2004]

Whose idea it was to cast Rhys Ifans as an Australian? Apart from Danny's cringeworthy accent and the implausible motivations of the main characters, the plot was full of holes.

How is it that a bearded man arrives in a small country town, has his photo plastered all over the media as the 'balloon man', and yet not one single person recognises him? Why does he wholeheartedly support some dopey local politician, only to turn on him at the last minute for some completely unbeknown reason? The girl he falls for is so completely neurotic that we can see he's in for a life of misery, yet he seems hell-bent on spending the rest of his days with her. In the middle of all this, some strange character who looks like Oscar Wilde's gay lover ends up being a nude life-model for a bunch of slavering housewives - where did that come from?

Character development? Interesting dialogue? This film had none of that. But, come to think of it, there was ONE redeeming quality: I hardly recognised any of the cast, apart from Rhys and Miranda Otto. At least this was a departure from the normal practice of filling the cast with the same tired old ocker hacks that have featured in every film and TV series ever produced in this country.

Very disappointing. Rhys, stick to your Welsh accent, it's so much better. 3/10

Am I the only one who found it boring?

[rcmoorejr · 3/10 · 21 July 2005]

I borrowed this from Netflix because the posted copy sounded promising (yes, I know, it ALWAYS sounds promising). Rhys Ifans and Miranda Otto sold this for me, and I also tend to at least look at pretty much anything shipped from Australia; their films aren't consistently spellbinding (The Dish?) but are often of a quality missing in the studio flicks. I expected to laugh, I expected to want to see the whole film. I laughed once (damned if I can remember at what, but just once) and found the movie, overall, tedious. My wife and I kept getting up and attending to other issues without bothering to pause it. I kept thinking as I watched that 'I bet this sounded funny in the script reading'. For those who felt this outshone Pretty Woman... that's not much competition. It's not the worst film I've ever seen, but I'm afraid I take Rhys and Miranda off my 'must see' list.

It;s not a "film person's film" but its a great alternative to Pretty Woman

[iwishiwereabondgirl · 8/10 · 7 February 2004]

I just finished watching Danny Deckchair....so everything is fresh. Of course its not something you spend three years dissecting, arguing, and comparing. Its a light, full-hearted film meant to make you feel good about life and love and all that stuff. What I loved about it was that it was all that stuff and not such a big production! The initial premise was so outrageous that it was unbelievable but the rest, well it could be measured with a yard stick.....maybe a yard pole. If you didn't enjoy it......well maybe your cynicism has become more than a hobby.

Capra down under

[quixotegrrl · 7/10 · 27 June 2005]

I'm surprised by the number of bah-humbugs this film has received! Perhaps it's just an early midlife crisis talking, but I find that this sweet little oddity from Australia has the ability to make you sit up and say, "By George, I could change my life!"

Of course, plenty of people hate Frank Capra movies. Just as he made moviegoers ponder, "What would things be like if I had never been born?" Jeff Balsmeyer leads us (or at least some of us!) to the question "What would I do if I could start fresh, and completely reinvent myself among strangers?" Balsmeyer's Danny is a creative, adventurous soul whose humdrum, habitual city existence has hemmed him in and shrunk his world. Accidentally taking off in a helium-powered lawn chair is the best thing that could ever have happened to him. The journey is tremendously risky, but the payoff is better than anything he could have imagined.

Take from this little fairytale what you will; I did.

Unimpressive [Possible spoilers]

[smakawhat · 5/10 · 23 July 2004]

With a good cast set you would think that the actors in "Danny Deckchair" could easily make something memorable and enjoyable. Problem is they go through a paint by number script, where plot twists are visible a mile away, and the characters aren't even given enough dialogue to give them any real personality or distinction. It's as if they were doomed from the start.

An eccentric working class bloke with an ambitious wife, is set to go on a camping vacation when his wife cancels (no doubt from hints in the film that this isn't the first time) cause she wants to take an important business client on a sale. As a result Danny finds out and is distraught thinking his wife is cheating on him after he sees her being driven around by a wealthy sports reporter.

Driven to desolation he starts making a hair brained scheme to fill a deckchair attached with balloons. why? well cause he's Danny. In the end he gets lifted off and essentialy dissapears. Days later he ends up crashing into a rural town where all the locals are all smiley faced, and happens no less to fall in the backyard of an attractive woman..

ho ho... gee I wonder what will happen next. At this point the audience is set to think on autopilot and for good measure just so the director thought we would be led astray there are complimentary scenes of people jumping in a fountain at a big dance, Danny winning the townsfolk over, and a jealous co-worker of the girl who of course starts finding out his identity. gee never would have guessed that.

This is also not a mystery if you've seen the trailer.

It's a shame cause the cast is great but they have litteraly nothing to work with, or have any memorable lines that make their characters stand out and be memorable from all the other cliche/loving find yourself films. Even though this film bills itself as a comedy from the trailer, there are hardly and funny moments in the film, or even any laugh out loud dialogue.

Aside from the trip on how Danny got to this point, that's about the only thing memorable, and it's about 10 minutes of the film that makes it interesting, and another 85 minutes of waiting for something to happen.

An unremarkable movie, can't recomend it.

Rating 5.5 out of 10

Slow start, but a heartwarming film.

[RickBennette · 21 July 2009]

The film starts off very slowly with what seems like an all too simple plot. The title suggests a mediocre film where the viewer might be led to think the only high point (pun intended) is Danny's launch into the air on a balloon laden deckchair. Admittedly, up until this event, I was tempted to remove the DVD from my player. But I'm glad I kept watching. The flying chair is only the vehicle which transports Danny to a new and exiting life where he is loved and respected. While the plot is simple, it's somewhat more involved than one might be led to think from the title. There is enough comedy and romance to hold the attention of viewers who enjoy this genre of film. There is a scene which shows the beauty of the Australian countryside that may tempt you with desire to visit this part of Australia.

I like Danny Deckchair, no matter what everyone else says, it was funny.

[Ashlea_Chaos · 7/10 · 3 March 2005]

Danny Deckchair is an Australian film, although I don't think it really focuses on that very much in the movie, it concentrates on the good things in life, being original (or at least creative), having fun, finding your soul-mate and falling in love, these are the IMPORTANT things and I think that's what this movie is really trying to tell us. The deckchair is just a means of escape, and a symbol (I think) of where you can end up when you do something spontaneous just because you want to/always have wanted to. The only thing I think this movie should have more of is moments of bonding between Glenda and Danny, you didn't see much of them getting to know each other. The interesting thing was that the people of Clarence were so much more down-to-earth compared to the people in Sydney in some ways whereas sometimes the people in Sydney weren't so gossipy and nosy. The way everyone in Clarence found out things and gossiped about everyone and everything was pretty cute, because they had all lived there their whole lives and knew everyone so well, it reminds me of our community here at home. The two scenes I loved most was where Danny let go of Glenda at the Macadamia Ball and she got wet and then started splashing everybody else and they all jumped in, the other scene which was really cool was where Danny had fixed the motorbike and him and Glenda drove it along the country road, I don't know about you, but I love driving down a country road with a person you love, your best friend or Dad or whoever. Danny Deckchair was a really good movie illustrating the Real Life.

OK light rom-com

[SnoopyStyle · 6/10 · 16 November 2014]

Danny Morgan (Rhys Ifans) works the cement truck. He can't wait for his trip but his girlfriend Trudy (Justine Clarke) cancels to meet local TV sports reporter Sandy Upman (Rhys Muldoon). After overhearing her calling him one of the "little people" and finding out that she lied to him about work, he sees her with Sandy and decides to tied a bunch of giant helium balloons to his deckchair during the BBQ. He lifts off by accident and gets blown far to the town of Clarence where he crash lands in Glenda Lake (Miranda Otto)'s tree.

The deckchair trip is actually a small part of the movie. It turns into a rom-com. As such, it's somewhat limited. The rom part is nice but the com is generally light weight. I like Ifans and Otto together. They make a nice pair.

Delightful and sweet

[ajbg · 8/10 · 12 September 2004]

I've read several other user's comments on this movie. Many were right, it IS simple romantic comedy movie. And, yes, this story has been well covered. That doesn't make it any less of a movie. Neither does having Rhys Ifans play an Australian. It's called ACTING! Tom Hanks didn't contract AIDS to play in Philadelphia. Meryl Streep played Australian in A Cry in the Dark. And Nicole Kidman and Russell Crowe, both Aussies, have played American! Rhys played the role of Danny perfectly. He showed a regular guy who wants to do SOMETHING. Miranda Otto was also well cast at Glenda, living a life on hold as a parking cop. This movie doesn't reinvent the wheel, but it is a great way to spend a couple of hours. I recommend it highly. 8/10

Strange, yet sweet

[cricketbat · 7/10 · 23 March 2019]

What a strange little movie. And I'm not just talking about Rhys Ifans being cast as the leading man in a romantic comedy, I'm talking about the overall tone. Danny Deckchair is oddly likeable, with a positive message and enough humor to make you crack a few smiles. It's easy to see why this film flew under the radar, but if you get a chance to watch it, you should. You might just enjoy it.

Kids: Don't try this at home (though it would really, really be awesome!).

[planktonrules · 8/10 · 30 July 2015]

"Danny Deckchair" is a film inspired by a strange guy in the States who rigged up a chair with helium-filled balloons--and he took a trip that ended up getting him publicity AND in trouble with the authorities for unauthorized use of the airspace! Will things end up better for Danny in this romantic film?

When the film begins, Danny is a likable doofus. He is a bit of a hippie and free spirit and is quite content with his life in the Sydney suburbs. However, it's obvious to the viewer that Danny's girlfriend Trudy is NOT particularly happy with him and she's looking for something more in her life. In the midst of this, on a lark, Danny the doofus comes up with a silly idea--to see what will happen when he rigs up a lawn chair with balloons just to see if he really will be able to take flight. He and his friends are surprised and soon he's flying high over the city. But his flight is not a brief one and he ends up towards the interior of Australia- -in the small town of Clarence (about 2 hours from Sydney by car).

He lands in Clarence because his balloon is accidentally struck by fireworks. He nearly is killed and lands right in front of a nice lady, Glenda. Glenda, in a panic, tells everyone that this man, Danny, is a professor...her old lover from her college days. Well, at first folks have a hard time believing this, as Glenda is a bit of a spinster. But Danny goes along with this and soon both she and Danny come to like their little ruse...and so does the community, which accepts Danny like one of their own.

This ruse cannot go one forever. The news media has gone Danny Deckchair crazy and they talk about it non-stop on the television. There also are some complications, as Trudy now is having an affair with a TV newsman and Danny is soon in love with Glenda. What's next? See this cute film.

"Danny Deckchair" is a lovely romantic film. Most of it is because you really like the characters. They are well written and 'normal'. In other words, instead of the usual Hollywood style romance, the leads are pretty but they are more like real folks. Well made, cute and worth seeing.

Based on a true story! (Yes, TRUE!)

[melliott-7 · 6/10 · 16 July 2006]

This film is loosely based on the July 2, 1982 flight of Larry Walters, 'Lawnchair Larry'. Most that know of it think that Larry's flight in a lawn chair, aided by 45 weather balloons, to an altitude of 11,000 to 16,000 feet is an 'urban legend', but it really indeed happened. There were scores of witnesses including two airline pilots who reported the sighting to the air traffic controllers at local airport. He actually was fined by the FAA on several charges, all of which are really hilarious when you read the story. Get on the Internet and read about the flight and Larry's life because the facts of what really happened are more inspiring than this movie!

Slow-moving, predictable, hollow characters

[badmuthahubbard · 3/10 · 21 December 2006]

One of the most agonizing script-writing shortcuts is to have a character go 180 degrees from one scene to the next, in one moment being full of love and affection and understanding, and then for whatever reason refusing to talk to the main character, rushing out rudely and refusing any explanation from the main character, in the most unreasonable way. You're not supposed to wonder why this person would do this, you're just supposed to feel the hurt and rejection. If you like these kinds of scenes, buy this movie. Everything about this movie is predictable, tries to be deep and meaningful, and proceeds on the assumption that you've never seen a movie before. An utter failure.

Surprisingly laugh-out-loud

[marina-31 · 9/10 · 29 April 2006]

I didn't know what to expect, but found myself laughing out loud many times, which surprised my family to hear. I mostly keep movies on-hand to keep me distracted as I work in the kitchen, but had to just stop and watch this one. And I'm going to make the rest of the family watch it.

The development of the main character was so human and endearing. The changing emotions visible on the faces of the two main characters required attention, so I couldn't just listen and glance over while doing other things like I usually can.

One thing that I always ask myself in reading a book or watching a movie is, "Do I care about these characters?" If there's no reason to care what happens to someone, why spend the time? In this movie, which I found by searching for movies to add to my Blockbuster online queue, one can't help but care for Danny right from the beginning as his holiday plans are forced to change.

There wasn't the usual approach of jumping into bed together out of lust and examining feelings after the fact. The relationship of Danny and Glenda felt plausible, handled with sensitivity and realism with neither of them starting out "looking for love" which really means "wanting sex with someone, anyone" that most Hollywood romances think we want.

deflate any expectations

[nmullick · 1/10 · 12 August 2004]

this film just came out in Los Angeles. seeing it was a complete waste of time. it bills itself as an Independent 'Australian' romantic-comedy, a claim that is full of hot air.

Independent? the plot is formulaic and full of holes, what you might expect from a producer of Kangaroo Jack...

Australian? the film's director turns out to be an American who exported the

'true story' of American urban legend Larry Walters (aka 'Larry Lawnchair'), and then changed the title to "Danny Deckchair," (which just sounds stupid), in order to make it more 'Australian.' then they cast a Welsh actor, Rhys Ifans, to play an Australian, because, well, i don't know why. i guess just to stay consistent with all the other bad choices.

as far as being a 'romantic comedy' there was not a single laugh from the audience, and the only romance was when we kissed our $9.00 good-bye.

deflate all expectations before wasting your time on this...

ooh I loved this movie!

[sowen77 · 8/10 · 6 March 2005]

So funny and So very entertaining! I really found the main character HOT by the end. I didn't expect much when I picked up the box at the movie store, but halfway through I actually spit beer out my nose I was laughing so hard. Rarely do movies achieve this. The plot is simple and straightforward, they aren't trying to achieve any noble peace prizes or Academy awards. Its as though the writer was just trying to make himself laugh. The main characters are soothingly lifelike and not inimitable "STARS" - they just seem like cool people you might already know. And wherever it is filmed, Northern Australia I believe, Is absolutely STUNNING! Its like a little travelogue. This movie is a great pick me up if you are in the mood for humor. Very Very Good. Very recommended.