Puckoon
2002
Adapted from Spike Milligan's comic novel this story, in the vein of PASSPORT TO PIMLICO, where a small area of land is segregated from the rest of society. When an Irish Free State is set up in the 1920s when the Sligo border is drawn bisecting the Irish village of Puckoon right down the middle, through the middle of the pub .. Read more
| Starring | Griff Rhys Jones, Elliott Gould, Daragh O'Malley, John Lynch |
|---|---|
| Director | Terence Ryan |
| Genres | Comedy |
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Puckoon
Adapted from Spike Milligan's comic novel this story, in the vein of PASSPORT TO PIMLICO, where a small area of land is segregated from the rest of society. When an Irish Free State is set up in the 1920s when the Sligo border is drawn bisecting the Irish village of Puckoon right down the middle, through the middle of the pub and the churchyard. Milligan's digs at the stupid Brits, the military and religion are typically absurdist and feature a comedic IRA and catholic coffin-smuggling. PUCKOON boasts an all-star cast, and celebrated comedian Sean Hughes, in his first role, stars alongside Milligan's own daughter Anne.
| Starring | Griff Rhys Jones, Elliott Gould, Daragh O'Malley, John Lynch, Sean Hughes, Nickolas Grace, Richard Attenborough, Freddie Jones |
|---|---|
| Director | Terence Ryan |
| Studio | GUERILLA FILMS |
| Run time | DVD: 1 hr 18 mins |
| Certificate | |
| Genres | Comedy |
| Language | DVD: English |
| Hearing-impaired | English |
| Released | DVD: 01 Dec 2003 Production year: 2002 |
| Format | DVD |
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Critics' reviews (3)
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For an hour, this adaptation of Spike Milligan's cult comic novel comes close to capturing the anarchic dexterity of the ex-Goon's matchless wit. The cockamamie characters — whose village is rent asunder by the 1924 border division of Ireland — are brought vividly to life. Yet once writer/director Terence Ryan turns his attention to the increasingly fraught narrative, the offbeat quips and surreal happenstance are replaced by contrived confusions and knockabout farce, as coffins are misplaced and IRA gunmen disguise themselves as Roman soldiers to avoid capture by incompetent British troops. It's all hugely enjoyable, but Milligan's sublime, literate lunacy belongs on the page.
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Valiant attempt to bring to the screen Spike Milligan's surreal humour, but it's watered down into the usual Irish whimsy.
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Most helpful member's review
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2 out of 2 people found this review helpful
What a pity !
This is a great example of how to turn a very funny book into an abysmal film.Puckoon the book, was undoubtedly the funniest story I've ever read, or probably ever shall read, but Spike should come back to haunt everyone who had a hand in the making of this travesty. I've given two stars for the anticipation only.
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Most recent members' review
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1 out of 1 person found this review helpful
Only amusing
Puckoon is one of the funniest books I have ever read, so I was dubious about renting the film. It's not bad really and it sticks to the main plot, but it is only amusing.
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