It was the success of the Oscar fave Once that gave Carney the initiative - and the budget, no doubt - to adapt his own 2003 short of the same name into a full-length feature. Simon Delaney returns from that early outing as the alcoholic rehab facility escapee, Liam, who, having done a runner, ends up sprawled out - and spaced out, after a quick binge - on the living room carpet of the sweetly naive stargazing Cassidy family. Having used a fancy dress party as his moment to escape, Liam is dressed as a critter from outer space- and is more than happy to pretend that he is just that when he realises the amount of free drink, food and lovers that will come his way. Ballymoran is Zonad's for the taking. Until, that is, his fellow escapee (Pearse) turns up, looking for a slice of the love action.
THE VERDICT: Like a particularly inspired Father Ted episode, Zonad is a comic gem. From Ireland. Think about that. Here, at last, is an Irish comedy where you laugh in all the right places. And for all the right reasons.
Who knew the man who gave us Once had it in him to be so funny? Then again, Carney was once the bass player for The Frames, so, he clearly has a sense of humour.
Decked out in a red PVC catsuit and a Buck Rogers helmet, Delaney looks like a cross between Mr. Incredible at his lowest ebb and Ralf Hutter after a nasty bike fall. It's impossible not to laugh. Thankfully, the jokes here are just as funny, Zonad playing like a long lost Ealing classic.
RATING: 4/5
Review By Paul Byrne