MOVIE: Damo &Ivor movie laughs at Dublin divide

NORTHSIDERS take drugs and steal cars.  Southsiders are obsessed with sunbeds and granola. These stereotypes, far from the truth as they are, form the basis of the hit RTE TV show turned movie, ‘Damo & Ivor’. 

Brainchild behind the comedy franchise is Andy Quirke, son of millionaire entrepreneur Richard, of Dr Quirky fame. Perhaps it was the contrast of growing up with a silver spoon in his mouth while hanging out in the more working class surroundings of the family business on O’Connell Street that gave Quirke the inspiration for his story. 

And whether or not you’re offended by the predictable cliched characters and crude jokes, you have to admit Quirke does a pretty good job at portraying both diverse personalities.

For those who don’t know, Damo & Ivor are two identical twin brothers separated at birth. 

Damo is left to grow up on the mean streets of Dublin to be raised by his maternal grandmother, while Ivor is given a life of wealth and luxury in Dublin’s affluent Foxrock. 

The movie version carries the story forward to reveal the existence of a third brother, thought to be raised by Travellers, and the boys’ search to find him.   

The film is directed by Ronan and Rob Burke (‘Standby’) who also directed series two of the television show, and stars Ruth McCabe as Grano and Simon Delaney as dodgy carnival owner, ‘Tricky Dickey’. 

Quirke wrote the script and remarkably plays the role of all three brothers. Not being a fan of the series, we didn’t expect to enjoy this instalment, but it was hard not to laugh at some of the comical situations. 

The producers seem to be going for the same market as ‘The Young Offenders’, but that’s a tough act to follow, and they fall far short of the mark.  Fans of the TV show will love this extended version and newcomers should get a laugh or two but be prepared for something very silly. 

We award the film a review score of 3 stars.

Other Releases:

You Were Never Really Here – 4 Stars

Gringo – 2 Stars

Paul O’Rourke