Good Luck--which played the 1997 film festival circuit under the unwieldy title The Ox and the Eye--is a casebook example of good intentions getting in the way of good filmmaking. This is one of those eager-to-please movie... more »s that works well on the surface while perpetuating a stereotypical (and therefore condescending) perception of the disabled. The story is strictly movie-of-the-week fodder, involving the odd-couple pairing of a former football star (Vincent D'Onofrio) who was blinded in a freak tackling accident, and a paraplegic (Gregory Hines) who dreams of entering a popular white-water rafting competition on Oregon's Rogue River. Hines convinces the bull-headed D'Onofrio to join him in the competition, defying all those bumpkin nonbelievers who doubt that two "cripples" can pilot a river raft, and Good Luck settles into its predictable feel-good plotting. The movie is most enjoyable when Hines and D'Onofrio simply play off of each other's considerable talents, and humorous dialogue enables them to give engaging performances (although we could do without the gratuitous profanity and D'Onofrio's gleeful description of a prodigious bowel movement). The problem with this movie is that it avoids depth at every turn, favoring triumph-over-adversity clichés and offering nothing new (or particularly authentic) in its handling of the physical and emotional issues of blindness and paralysis. The direction varies from adequate to amateurish, and by the time the movie indulges an obligatory ending that's pregnant with saccharine uplift, only the most gullible viewer will be suckered into feeling good. --Jeff Shannon« less
Sharon F. (Shar) from AVON PARK, FL Reviewed on 9/4/2023...
A very inspirational oldie but goodie, filled with some laughs a wonderful motto.
1 of 1 member(s) found this review helpful.
K. K. (GAMER) Reviewed on 3/19/2019...
A bit dated but I think you will enjoy the younger Gregory Hines and Vincent D'onofrio great acting performances that played right into an unexpected plotline.
Movie Reviews
Heart Warmer
C. A. Luster | Burke, VA USA | 10/01/2003
(3 out of 5 stars)
"I bought this because when Gregory Hines recently died I wanted to see those movies he did that I had missed. Perhaps a poor reason, but better late than never. He was an accomplished actor and dancer. This DVD has a great price on it as well for the entertainment you will get out of it. I was pleasantly surprised. This is one of those feel good sleepers you run across now and then. When Hines, playing a paraplegic, decides to enlist the aid of a blinded football star, played by D' Onofrio, to win a white water race, anything can happen. The friendship that develops is earned through hard work and the realization that no matter what, we can move forward with our lives.Fans of movies like "Brian's Song", "Field of Dreams", "Cool Runnings", and "Amazing Grace" should enjoy it. Other than some ocassional bad language the movie is suitable for most the family."
This film is an satisfactory way to spend 96minutes.
D. Sheff | Inkster, Michigan United States | 04/01/2002
(4 out of 5 stars)
"I bought this film sight unseen as that is the only way I could see it. No video store had it.{most had never heard of it}And waiting for it to show up on t.v. could take months. I have had mixed results buying films unseen but this one did not disappoint. It won't go down as one of the best I have seen but I don't get the feeling the people behind it were shooting for greatness. They were just trying to tell the story of two men trying to rise above a handicap. And as that it works well. It contains a GREAT deal of bathroom humor. I'm not bothered by it but it's dwelt on to the point it becomes a little tiresome. Otherwise it's an enjoyable film. The performances by Hines and D'Onofrio are VERY good. I found D'Onofrio very belivable as a blind man and most of the films dramatic burden is carried by him. I am sure I'll spend 96 minutes with it agian."
Four stars for the warm-fuzzy!
D. Sheff | 07/13/1999
(4 out of 5 stars)
"What a "happy movie!" Okay, so I'm a bit of a "Pollyanna," but I landed on this movie by chance one evening channel-surfing and found myself on the edge of my chair, chin resting on my hands, big grin across my face -- it's a "happy" movie ... I laughed, I cried -- I liked it so much I made my husband watch it with me the next night -- we laughed, we cried ... It's got humor (some kind of raunchy, but funny in its context), it's got relationship stuff, overcoming adversity stuff, struggles, victories -- it just made me feel "happy." Some of the situations these guys get into made us laugh out loud. I really, really liked the movie. Oh, and what a treat, for a former Barney Miller fan, to see good ol' Max Gail on screen! Great fun, great movie."
Good Luck is Great Fun
K. Hicks | OHIO | 02/22/2008
(4 out of 5 stars)
"This movie is full of fun. But more than that it goes deep into the feelings of all of us by examing the stories of two handicapped and unlikely companions on an impossible dream. Be aware, the language is crude and the discussions on the level you might expect for two single guys alone on the road for days as they travel to a white water raft race. AND every single cast member (not just the stars) seems perfect for their roles, right down to the bit parts. A great film that will make you laugh, cheer, and maybe examine your own life. Definitely delivers what it says...a feel good film.
[Based on the principle of SOAR, an organization that takes disablied persons on outdoor experiences.]"
Basically, I can watch any movie with Vincent D'onofrio
lori j bennett | Cape Coral, Florida | 12/13/1999
(4 out of 5 stars)
"When I found this movie at the video store I was little nervous but after about fifteen minutes into it I really started to enjoy it. Yes, it is most definitely a guy movie and there is some vulgar bathroom humor. But, the acting and the theme make this a worthwhile rental. I really wish this movie was longer because near the end is when you can really feel the chemistry between D'onofrio and Hines. They really get comfortable with one another and I wanted more. The last thirty minutes of the movie is absolutly terrific because it just really picks up once they get to Gold City. Plus, the audience gets a better indepth perception of Olee(especially) and Lemely. I think that Vincent D'onofrio does a good job at playing a blind man. Unlike some actors he makes it believable throughout that he cannot see(it very natural it is like he is not acting, the way it should be). Rent this movie it is good I mean it only made like 40,000$ at the theater these small films need our support and plus how can you not respect an actor who can do a multimillion dollar film(Men in Black) and then do a tiny film like this one in the same year. Also, I would like to add that I am quite jealous of the guy who wrote a review and he was in the movie. I mean that is pretty cool it is pretty hard to top that! Hey I can be emailed at littlejake4@ivillage.com if you like the film or not."