Damo & Ivor

Damo & Ivor: The Movie from 2018 is an exciting romp and a much-awaited big-screen adaptation of the popular comedy TV series “Damo & Ivor”. The film, which holds its roots in the hilarious scenes of Northside Dublin, capitalizes on humour, wit and charm, making it one of the more entertaining watches for the fans of the original show, while also being accessible to a fresh audience. The film dives into the wacky adventures of Damo, Ivor and a new addition to the family, all the while painting a quirky picture of the Dublin socio-cultural fabric.

The film, directed by brothers Rob and Ronan Burke, stars Andy Quirke, who plays the dual roles of Damo and Ivor, Ruth McCabe, and Graeme Singleton among its main lineup. Andy Quirke is exceptional in the double role allowing his versatility to shine through. Ruth McCabe is terrific with her expressions, too. Other actors, like Singleton, contribute significantly to making the narrative engaging and enjoyable.

In Damo & Ivor: The Movie, Damo and Ivor are twins who were brought up amidst different worlds within the same city. Damo was raised around the mean streets of Dublin’s Northside while Ivor was brought up in the affluent neighbourhood of Dublin’s Southside. This cultural and societal dichotomy makes for a hilarious backdrop to the story and makes them an unlikely pair bound together by blood and laugh-out-loud predicaments.

Andy Quirke’s terrific performance as Damo, the loveable rogue, and Ivor, the privileged dimwit, continues to wow the audience, as it did throughout the original TV series. Quirke's ability to switch between the contrasting accents and mannerisms of the two characters is startlingly effective and believable, reflecting his acting prowess. Ruth McCabe, as Grano - the shared grandmother of Damo and Ivor, brings a delightful splash of eccentricity mixed with a tinge of warmth to her role, consolidating the familial ties and dynamics that run between the characters.

Perhaps one of the most significant additions in this movie is a new character - John Joe, played by actor Simon Delaney. John Joe is introduced as a long-lost triplet brother of Damo and Ivor. Delaney is excellent in his role, matching Quirke's comedic timing and injects a healthy amount of fun into the narrative, adding another layer of unpredictability and humour to their madcap adventures. The brotherly trio goes on an exciting journey across Ireland to find the last piece of their family puzzle, their long-lost brother.

The Dublin landscape is also a vital character in the movie. It adds charm, authentic flavour and a distinctive look to the movie, with the city’s double-decker buses, the colourful neighbourhoods, the gritty streets and the bustling city life, beautifully captured. This contrasting imagery of the city shows the economic divide and way of life in North and South Dublin quite distinctively, something that forms a major premise for the plot.

Damo & Ivor: The Movie also includes a range of enjoyable soundtracks that add to its energetic tempo. These peppy numbers, together with the comedy, makes for an entertaining experience and helps in elevating the fun and vivacious spirit of the movie.

Overall, Damo & Ivor: The Movie successfully translates the television series' humour and charm onto the big screen. It enjoys an energetic pace, steady hilarity, and an endearing storyline that seamlessly explores themes of identity, brotherhood, and social contrast. Even in its romp of silliness and slapstick humour, the movie manages to be heartfelt, suggesting that no matter how different we are from each other, family is the binding factor that brings us all together.

This exceptional film is a must-watch, particularly for its brand of unique Irish humour, vivid characters, and meaningful message about brotherhood and unity dressed up in humour and levity.