Situations Vacant
Director: Lisa Mulcahy
Starring: Diarmuid Noyes, Lynette Callaghan, Sam Corry, Shaun Dunne
Details: IRL/97mins (15A)
Playing like a student production, with a budget to match, the makers of Situations Vacant really haven't thought about who would be paying to see this. On the surface they have relatable characters, in all-too-relatable situations, but not one of them is any way developed to the point of realism - while the proposed humour is about as funny as a Daz ad. That may seem harsh, but I really wanted to like this self-proclaimed comedy; the filmmakers just made it exceedingly difficult to do so. This is just not marketable, and even with a paltry budget I'd expect it to lose money as word of mouth will not be carrying it to the bank.
Diarmuid Noyes plays Dave, a bit of a dreamer who's been having awful hassle trying to get a job - probably on account of him being Forrest Gump in a Penny's suit. With his mother on his case and a new woman on the horizon, he redoubles his efforts by having a couple of pints before he goes in to any interview. This really doesn't help him find a job, but it does set up some "comedy interviews." Dave's mates are also in a similar predicament, except the one that has a job and a missus (Sam Corry), hates it and his missus, while the other one (Shaun Dunne) is pretty much in the exact same predicament as Dave.
It's hard not to feel sorry for the cast, as they all appear to be walking around in a bit of daze at points. The script was never there in the first place, but Mulcahy's absent direction leaves them completely stranded, resulting in very little cohesion with any of the performances. Out of the three lads, Corry is the one who fares best; but his character is essentially a cliché with limbs, and the God awful conclusion he's subjected to only reinforces that.
There has been precious few homemade success stories is recent times, but across the globe mico-budgeted independent productions seem capable of triumphing over obvious adversity and finding an audience. Situations Vacant tries to be an accessible, broad comedy, but just ends up alienating its audience because it isn’t funny. In Bruges and Once both had very specific themes, and directors who realised this and delivered two very different films that both worked because they didn't try and be anything they weren't.
Comparing this far slighter production to those efforts may seem unfair, but they're now the bar, and Situations Vacant barely registers on it.
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Your Reviews
Brilliant - Ann
I thought this film was hilarious. Thoroughly enjoyed it.
Review Published 16 December 2009
Star Rating: 
Ignore the fishy - Dr Trelawney
If you look at the box-office figures for this awful film you will see that there were an average of about five people attending each screening. Yet this board is packed full of "ordinary punters"... MORE
Review Published 10 December 2009
Star Rating: 
Laugh a minute - CG
I have to totally disagree with this review. This isn't a movie pretending to be something it isn't. It is a down to earth story of three ordinary lads with three ordinary lives dealing with their... MORE
Review Published 04 December 2009
Star Rating:
this is the most talked about film... - Conal
I didn't know what I was going to see on my regular Thursday night trip to the cinema to see some indy work, I'm goning to go see Situations Vacant because I have never seen such passionate responses... MORE
Review Published 03 December 2009
Star Rating: 
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!! - Tom of the arts
Light and funny!! Even when you're not laughing you're probably smiling. Excellent cast especially the very charismatic and charming Diarmuid Noyse and Sam Corry. Two actors definitely on the rise.... MORE
Review Published 02 December 2009
Star Rating:
Have a laugh... - Kelly
I have no idea what this reviewer is talking about... saw the movie the other night and I thought that it was fantastic. Funny, entertaining and just the type of movie we need to lighten the gloomy... MORE
Review Published 02 December 2009
Star Rating:
Fab fab fab - martha
I have not had such a feel good factor since watching The Commitments. It is really a funny and entertaining film. Go and see it.
Review Published 02 December 2009
Star Rating: 
theman - anymous
I felt the acting was hit and miss with different members of the cast but some of the scenes are very comical. It's worth a watch and its as good if not better than any of the other tripe thats out... MORE
Review Published 02 December 2009
Star Rating:
Entertaining, funny and touching - Spots
I really enjoyed this movie which deals with an everyday subject with humour, imagination and creativity. It kept me in my seat from beginning to end without having any mad urges to rush off and get... MORE
Review Published 02 December 2009
Star Rating:
Better than half the shit hollywood puts out. - eric
Doesnt show the scumbag side to dublin so no wonder it lost some comedy... more working class kinda film. enjoyed it have to say i did.
Review Published 02 December 2009
Star Rating:
its getting chatted about good ha ha - Leor
Suppose some people are right let the public watch it -I thought it was good I got a ticket to the screening and enjoyed it . Hope it does well Not everybody will like it but its the same with the... MORE
Review Published 02 December 2009
Star Rating:
feelgood fun film - shoefetish
Saw the film the other night and had a great laugh. That reviewer must be a very sophisticated old fogie with a limited sense of humour. If he sets the bar at Once, one of the most boring films I've... MORE
Review Published 01 December 2009
Star Rating:
Havent seen it yet.. - Barry
But just wondering how there can be so many "reviews" when the film isnt released for 3 days? Everyone went to some preview screening I never heard of i take it? Ill reserve judgement till i see it
Review Published 01 December 2009
Star Rating:
Great enterntainment - Macker
I completely disagree with the main review. I thoroughly enjoyed this film and definitely recommend it. It's light hearted and amusing. The characters are instantly recognisable but not remotely... MORE
Review Published 01 December 2009
Star Rating:
money - pat
brutal Simon nobody paid into the movie yet so what money are ye getting back if ya saw it allready ye saw it for free
Review Published 01 December 2009
Star Rating:
Well done - Pat
I reckon the reviwers are venting because they got cut down so quick. The movie is hilarious and very true and at the same time exagerated for the purpose of humour . The film is a good laugh with... MORE
Review Published 01 December 2009
Star Rating:
Brutal - Simon
Saw this for free last nite and I want my money back. Awful film. I think some of the cast and crew have found this review and are venting, cause ders no way this is bleedin 5 stars!!!!!
Review Published 01 December 2009
Star Rating:
Fantastic Film. Listen to the word on the street. - Ann Ryder
I watched a screening of this film last night and I reckon that it will do incredibly well if the word on the street is anything to go by. As for the critics I'll take them with a pinch of salt as... MORE
Review Published 01 December 2009
Star Rating:
Alienated reviewers - Leor
Do you know what anytime I read the reviews of arty farty smarty panty ponsy fiddley bumed people it just makes me angry. Why they are still blabbing on in the theatre about greek tragedies while the... MORE
Review Published 01 December 2009
Star Rating:
Not bad at all... - currlytoes
Surprised by this review, seen a preview of this film a couple of months ago and thought it was quite good, very Dublin humour, reckon it'll do well.
Review Published 28 November 2009
Star Rating:
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