Story
Book editor and aspiring writer Maddie Kelly (Lindsay Lohan) has been in love with author Paul Kennedy (Alexander Vlahos) since the pair began working together. Before Maddie can work up the courage to tell Paul how she feels, he falls in love with her best friend, Emma (Elizabeth Tan), and soon the couple are planning a perfect Irish wedding.
Putting on a brave front, Maddie travels to Ireland to be a bridesmaid. Here she encounters nature photographer James Thomas (Ed Speleers), with whom she doesn’t quite hit it off at first. Heartbroken and alone, Maddie wishes that she were the one marrying Paul and, magically, an Irish saint transforms her wish into reality. But being engaged to Paul is not all it’s supposed to be.
When James takes on the role of wedding photographer, he and Maddie are thrown together. Seeing herself through someone else’s eyes, Maddy finds the courage to follow her dreams, even when her dreams lead her to unexpected places.
Themes
Magic; unrequited love; selfish control
Violence
Irish Wish has some violence. For example:
- Maddie accidentally punches Paul in the face and then hits him in the crotch.
- Paul shoves James and gets him in a chokehold. They wrestle on the ground, knocking things over as they push, pull and grab each other.
- Emma slaps Paul in the face.
Sexual references
Irish Wish has some sexual references. For example, Paul tells Maddie she should sleep in the guest room the night before their wedding, because he doesn’t want to risk anything happening.
Alcohol, drugs and other substances
Irish Wish shows some use of substances. For example:
- Patrons drink in a pub.
- When Maddie acts strangely, someone asks whether she has ‘been at the whiskey’.
- Drinks are served at different events, including at a wedding rehearsal dinner.
- Champagne is served at a wedding, and many guests are drinking.
Nudity and sexual activity
Irish Wish has some nudity and sexual activity. For example:
- Emma and Paul kiss.
- Maddie catches Paul in the shower. He’s shown naked, from a distance, from the front. His genitals are obscured by a towel, but his bare chest is clearly visible.
- Maddie and James kiss passionately.
Product placement
The following products are displayed or used in Irish Wish: Guinness.
Coarse language
There is some coarse language in Irish Wish, including ‘bastard’, ‘swine’ and ‘crap’.
Ideas to discuss with your children
Irish Wish is a romantic comedy, featuring some spectacular scenery and a slightly diverse cast. Although the plot is very predictable, the movie is likely to be enjoyed by teenagers and adults.
These are the main messages from Irish Wish:
- You shouldn’t wish for something that was never yours in the first place.
- Fate has a way of making things right.
- You should believe in yourself and your own capabilities and not let others use your talents for their own purposes.
Values in Irish Wish that you could reinforce with your children include compassion, forgiveness, love, friendship and helpfulness.
Irish Wish could also give you the chance to talk with your children about the importance of really getting to know the person you plan to marry and being sure that your true self is compatible with them.