Release Details

Title: Irish Jam

Release Date: 03/14/2006

Label/Distributor: Bauer

Rating: NR (Not Rated)

Retail Price: $19.99

Genre: Comedy

Running Time: 90

DVD Video Options: AC-3, Color, Dolby

DVD Audio Options: English, Original Language

UPC Code: 855280001083

The town of Ballywood, Ireland has a cash flow problem. To avert foreclosure, the townspeople devise a poetry contest in hopes of collecting enough entry fees. Con-artist, Jimmy of South Central L.A., on the run from bill collectors and a jilted lover, is the lucky winner. Jimmy, who relocates to Ballywood, has always dreamed of living on an island. Meanwhile the townspeople are expecting an American of Irish descent. What follows is a hilarious fish-out-of-water comedy with romance, heart, and a great message about community and friendship.


Tipsheet Reviews
Comedy

Irish Jam

By Ed Grant 2/6/2006

Color, NR (mature themes, language), 90 min., DVD only $19.99

DVD: interview with Eddie Griffin

Street: March 14, Prebook: Feb. 21

First Run: DVD premiere

Cast: Eddie Griffin (Deuce Bigalow: European Gigolo), Anna Friel (Timeline), Kevin R. McNally (The Phantom of the Opera), Mo'nique (Soul Plane)

Director: John Eyres

BAUER MARTINEZ

Story Line: An Irish community in need of quick cash to stave off a greedy mogul (McNally) holds a lottery in which their local pub is the grand prize. The contest winner is a Venice Beach, Calif., con artist (Griffin), who quickly bonds with the townsfolk, especially a lonely single mom (Friel).

Bottom Line: Comedian Griffin is the "fish out of water" in this thoroughly derivative but mildly charming vehicle film. The plot hinges on the fact that Griffin's character is pretending to be a noted American rapper, a conceit that provokes numerous culture-clash gags (including the nearly inevitable African-American-does-step-dancing moment). The Irish cast members—many of whom are English—acquit themselves nicely, but Mo'nique's appearances are solely intended to provoke big girl yucks, as she plays Griffin's crazed ex-girlfriend who's intent on dragging him to the altar. Irish Jam will win over viewers looking for a family-friendly farce with a picturesque backdrop—which according to the final credits is Cornwall and not Ireland.

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