I'm an avid watcher of old re-runs on cable on the HBO and Cinemax movies in Singapore. We rarely get our just desserts, the fare that we're dished with is usually standard -- middle of the road TV movies, the standard who dunnit murder mysteries, low budget horror flicks and the occasional not-so-funny comedies. Sometimes you get a gem. So it's with great delight that I happened to chance onto The Matchmaker on a lazy Labor Day holiday afternoon.
I've not watched Janeane Garofalo before, apart from the small roles she's played here and there. Well she stole the show here in a very offbeat and refreshing comedy, against the backdrop and charm of a rustic small town in Ireland. The scenery is breathtaking and brings back all the memories of my last visit to the UK 10 years ago.
Garofalo is -- in her own understated way -- refreshingly funny throughout. She plays the aide for US Senator John McGlory who is sent to Ireland to trace his roots and help promote the senator as a "family" man for his re-election campaign, and that is where the hilarity begins. Garofalo is dumped into rustic Ireland and finds herself meeting eccentric people and getting caught in situations that don't help her cause. The first 30 minutes of the movie is roaringly funny.
Garofalo's cynical and nonchalant demeanor acts as a stable force, balanced against the quirky Irish characters around her, most of whom are trying to get her hitched. Perhaps the only blight to this movie is the wooden performance of Garofalo's love interest, Sean (David O'Hare), who is so boring you could be more entertained staring at wallpaper.
This is a romantic tale you get cuddle up with your love one to watch with. Heartwarming, delightful and tastefully funny in its own understated and subtle way.
I've not watched Janeane Garofalo before, apart from the small roles she's played here and there. Well she stole the show here in a very offbeat and refreshing comedy, against the backdrop and charm of a rustic small town in Ireland. The scenery is breathtaking and brings back all the memories of my last visit to the UK 10 years ago.
Garofalo is -- in her own understated way -- refreshingly funny throughout. She plays the aide for US Senator John McGlory who is sent to Ireland to trace his roots and help promote the senator as a "family" man for his re-election campaign, and that is where the hilarity begins. Garofalo is dumped into rustic Ireland and finds herself meeting eccentric people and getting caught in situations that don't help her cause. The first 30 minutes of the movie is roaringly funny.
Garofalo's cynical and nonchalant demeanor acts as a stable force, balanced against the quirky Irish characters around her, most of whom are trying to get her hitched. Perhaps the only blight to this movie is the wooden performance of Garofalo's love interest, Sean (David O'Hare), who is so boring you could be more entertained staring at wallpaper.
This is a romantic tale you get cuddle up with your love one to watch with. Heartwarming, delightful and tastefully funny in its own understated and subtle way.