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.