Danny Deckchair is as light as the helium that changes the title character's life and, though derivative and formulaic, is a film that's sweet-natured charm elevates it above any real criticism that I could rightfully muster up. With obvious nods to such films as The Wizard of Oz, Doc Hollywood and Mr. Smith Goes To Washington, Danny Deckchair is a breezy and likable romantic comedy from Australia, that is a good bit of fun for the whole family.

The premise of a man whose humdrum workaday life, is transformed after an accidental helium balloon ride to a town where he gets a chance to invent himself all over again, certainly looks hokey on the surface, but I have to admit that it worked it's magic on me. I watched the video late at night and the next day I gathered the family around for a look, and as I suspected, wife, kids and all were won over in a huge way.

Rhys Ifans is something of a revelation as the title character, a likable sort whose pedestrian life as a shaggy construction worker, belies the real hero that lies beneath his straggly beard. His girlfriend (an ambitious Realtor played by Justine Clarke) loves Danny like one would the family dog, but longs for a more glamorous style of life. When her ambition, and infatuation with a local TV sportscaster/client, gets in the way of her and Danny's plans for a camping vacation, a miraculous turn of events are soon set into motion. Out of frustration and pretty much as a lark, Danny tethers a lawn chair to a couple dozen large helium balloons (just to see if he could actually get off the ground) and after a mishap his life does indeed get off the ground. His girlfriend's complaint that Danny will always remain one of the "little people," takes and ironic turn when Danny's trip through the clouds and out across Australia to the north, soon makes him a figure of legend. His disappearance is celebrated by the media and he soon becomes something of a D.B. Cooper.

After crash-landing in the backyard of a beautiful, but lonely traffic cop (played charmingly by Miranda Otto) he is given the opportunity to create a new persona in an idyllic small town called Clarence. The traffic cop (winkingly named Glenda) takes the disheveled, would-be aviator into her home, and protects his identity by explaining to the officious townspeople that he is an old College professor down for a visit. Working with a clean slate, Danny shaves off his beard and soon bewitches the entire community with his affable charm. Again, Ifans cuts an impressive figure of a leading-man, once groomed and well-dressed in Glenda's deceased father's suits. (In fact, the clean-shaven Ifans bears a strong resemblance to Peter Weller.)

I won't give away any of the rest of the story - suffice it to say that the implausibility of the plot is washed away by it's wonderful dialogue, terrific comic sensibility and the innocence of it's overriding love story. Director Jeff Balsmeyer uses the unlikely scenario as a catalyst in the lives of everyone who is moved by the story of the missing, mason. Danny's flight serves as inspiration, not only to those close to him, but to his country-mates in general. Metaphors abound and the Capra-esque story weaves it's magic very effectively as the bizarre incident sparks a change for several of the films lovable characters.

Danny Deckchair isn't a flawless film, but the strong performances of the leads, the comic dialogue and Balsmeyer's sweet and light touch, makes for a very worthwhile way to spend and hour and a half.