James Nesbitt has a superb Irish comedy on streaming that you should definitely check out tonight. Walking Ned was released back in 1998, and follows two friends who learn that someone in their village has won the lottery.
In their efforts to see if the lucky person wants to share some of their winnings, buddies Jackie and Michael discover that the person in question, Ned Devine, has died from shock.
As only Ned can claim the prize, the town comes together to try and convince the inspector that Michael is Ned, and split the winnings.
Walking Ned comes from director and writer Kirk Jones, who would go on to helm last year’s BAFTA-winning I Swear, as well as Nanny McPhee and My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2.
Icon Film Distribution
Who’s in Walking Ned?
• James Nesbitt is Pig Finn
• Ian Bannen is Jackie O’Shea
• David Kelly is Michael O’Sullivan
• Fionnula Flanagan is Annie O’Shea
• Susan Lynch is Maggie O’Toole
• Jimmy Keogh is Ned Devine
• Adrian Robinson is Lotto Observer
• Maura O’Malley as Mrs Kennedy
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What did the critics say about Walking Ned?
Walking Ned earned a positive reception from critics, sitting at a strong 83% fresh score on Rotten Tomatoes based on 59 reviews.
The Houston Chronicle called it a “completely delightful movie”, a sentiment that was echoed by the New York Times and the Chicago Sun-Times.
“If this film doesn’t make you want to smile, you’ve no one to blame but yourself,” wrote the Los Angeles Times, while Variety said it was a “genial, feel-good item”.
The BBC added: “The beauty of this film is its simplicity. It’s good old-fashioned story-telling, following the increasingly desperate attempts of a group of lovable rogues to fill their pockets.”
Where can I watch Walking Ned?
Walking Ned is available to stream on Prime Video with ads now, meaning you can watch it for free with no subscription required.
Netflix
Other James Nesbitt movies and TV shows you can stream now
If you want to catch more of Nesbitt on streaming, Prime Video also has his 2010 film Matching Jack, which co-stars Jacinda Barrett and follows a woman who struggles with her son’s illness and husband’s cheating, before having her life transformed by an Irish sailor and his son. Fans can also stream Nesbitt’s BBC police drama Murphy’s Law on Prime too.
Over on Netflix, there’s the Hobbit trilogy, in which he plays dwarf Bofur across all three Peter Jackson fantasy movies. And if twisty thrillers are more your thing, Nesbitt appears in Harlan Coben shows Stay Close, Missing You and Run Away, which are all available on the streamer. The actor’s ITV medical drama Monroe, in which he plays the titular neurosurgeon, is also on Netflix.
Walking Ned is streaming now on Prime Video.
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Sam is a freelance reporter and sub-editor who has a particular interest in movies, TV and music. After completing a journalism Masters at City University, London, Sam joined Digital Spy as a reporter, and has also freelanced for publications such as NME and Screen International. Sam, who also has a degree in Film, can wax lyrical about everything from Lord of the Rings to Love Is Blind, and is equally in his element crossing every ‘t’ and dotting every ‘i’ as a sub-editor.