Fatal Deviation

Infobox Film
name = Fatal Deviation


director = Shay Casserley
writer = James Bennett
starring = James Bennett
Mikey Graham
Colin Hamilton
Justin Harmon Michael Regan
production_company = Universal Pictures
Amblin Entertainment
distributor = Rising Sun
released = 1998
runtime = 90 min.
country = Ireland
language = English
imdb_id = 0488046

Fatal Deviation is a low-budget cult film produced and set in Trim, County Meath, Ireland. Produced in 1998, it enjoys the distinction of being Ireland's first full-length martial arts film. The film stars real-life martial arts enthusiast James Bennett. Despite proceeding straight to video without a theatrical release, "Fatal Deviation" has through word-of-mouth become a much sought-after release and, indeed, something of a cult classic. Admirers cite its unusual and enchanting rural setting; its extensive use of local individuals with no acting experience or training to fill key roles; the protagonist's many memorable one-liners (e.g. "Fuck you and your gun, ya prick"); and the undeniable charisma and magnetism of its star. The film is also notable for its many plot holes, continuity errors, incoherent dialogue, badly-dubbed sound effects and a scene involving the consumption of cocaine using a Dunnes Stores Value Clubcard.

Plot

"Fatal Deviation" tells the story of Jimmy Bennett, a disenfranchised young man trying to rebuild his life on returning home after a period in reformatory school. He aims to discover who killed his father while he was away and also to win the upcoming Bealtaine Fighting Festival. However, the local drugs gang see Jimmy and the festival as ideal vehicles for strengthening their grip on the town. When Jimmy refuses to join them, they turn on him. The gang leader arranges for "Seagull" to return from his successful mission in Toyko on a direct flight to Trim airfield in order to take part in the festival. Meanwhile the gang leader's son, Mikey (played by Mikey Graham of Boyzone fame), has Jimmy's girlfriend kidnapped and leaves Jimmy a note warning him to "Loose [sic] or else".

Jimmy 's fortunes begin to change when he is brought under the tutelage of a group of mysterious local monks who had trained his father, a martial arts champion, many years before. Under the guidance of the mysterious head monk, Jimmy undertakes an intensive training programme in preparation for the tournament. Jimmy goes on to reach the final, where he faces Seagull - whom he defeats with a well-timed use of the mysterious "Fatal Deviation" move as taught to him by the head monk.

Having triumphed over Seagull, Jimmy then takes on the gang and rescues his girlfriend. In doing so, he kills Mikey. On hearing of his son's death the gang leader seeks bloody vengeance ("Erm, you bastard, you murdered my son. Now I'm going to blow you. Away"), but Adam ultimately dispatches him too. The film ends with Jimmy reunited with his girlfriend and looking confidently forward to a happy and peaceful future in Trim.

Notes

* The gang leader was played by prominent local solicitor Michael Regan.
* Meath Gaelic footballer Graham Geraghty makes a cameo as "Celebrating Contestant in White shirt #1" in the early stages of the Bealtaine tournament, demonstrating a signature headbutt.

References

Fan-Based and Rumored up-coming 10 year Anniversary Celebration at http://www.myspace.com/fatalfestivation

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0488046/ http://www.mongrel.ie/issue14/reviews.php http://www.amazon.ca/Fatal-Deviation/dp/B00009ZK5T

Full film now available online [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uUHSCNMH4wE&NR=1 YouTube]

[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cGcWCSz5gqs&feature=related TV Review]