Review: Zonad

Zonad is the story of an “alien” man who “mysteriously” lands in the small Irish town of Ballymoran. The town hopes he will stay with them, but trouble soon finds Zonad and the residents of the sleepy town.

Zonad is another great addition to the tradition of Irish comedies. It is wildly ridiculous and unabashedly humorous. It is wonderfully campy. Almost painfully campy but hilarious thanks to the costumes, characters, and music. The jokes are way over the top and they are great. This film is tons of fun. Entertaining to the point of uproarious laughter. Brilliantly unique and original. The humor is sophomoric and unapologetic, which will turn some people away, but I thought it suited the movie really well.

The story is far and above over-the-top. There are some vulgar scenes, which are still funny, but not everyone will think so. Most of the humor is simply ridiculous and sophomoric. The storyline is scarcely believable and it unfolds in a great way. Similar to the way an episode of South Park unfolds events get more ridiculous as the story continues along. The pacing of the movie was perfect. The story does not linger on any one gag for too long, which does the movie a huge favor.

There are many colorful characters that are very well played. Simon Delaney plays the part of Zonad. He is boisterous and very funny. If the film were shot in the ‘70s the part would have been played by John Belushi and Belushi would be funnier, but not a whole lot funnier. The rest of the cast is awesome as well, and they are very well placed. The character of Guy Hendrickson (Rory Keenan) is like Steve McQueen straight out of The Blob. The rest of the side characters are awesome too. Benson the Butler (David Murray), Bonad (David Pearse), Jenny (Janice Byrne), and the Police Sergeant (Don Wycherley). None of these actors are very famous or well known, which helps the movie a lot. Having these minor actors adds to the campiness and keeps it legitimate.

The music is great. Composer Brian Byrne creates a soundtrack that adds a great level to the campiness of the movie. It is eclectic and almost ironically used. The original musical numbers are great also. The songs and lyrics are funny interludes in the storyline.

It may be hard for a lot of American audiences to receive this film. Unless they already appreciate over-the-top Irish and British comedy. It is easy to tell that the cast and crew had lots of fun making the movie, and that fun is terribly contagious. This is a great movie to just sink into and enjoy.

I had the opportunity to meet with one of the directors and some of the actors. I talked for a short time with John Carney, Simon Delaney, and Rory Keenan. They were very courteous and they seemed pretty nervous about how the movie would be received. I hope it does well. I know I will want to watch it again and again.

Rating: 4/5