Common Sense Media Review
By Jennifer Green
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Lightweight Ireland-set romcom has mild language, drinking.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 10+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Irish Wish
What's the Story?
In IRISH WISH, New York editor Maddie Kelly (Lindsay Lohan) has a major crush on bestselling author, Paul Kennedy (Alexander Vlahos), whose books she essentially writes. Paul is unaware of her feelings when he falls head over heels for her best friend, Emma (Elizabeth Tan). Flash forward to Paul and Emma's wedding at the Kennedy estate in Ireland. On her way there, Maddie meets local photographer James (Ed Speleers). She's still pining for Paul and wishes she'd just told him about her feelings while there was still time. Magically, her wish comes true, and suddenly Maddie is Paul's fiancée rather than Emma. But as she gets to know both Paul and James better, she realizes maybe what she wished for isn't what she really wants.
Is It Any Good?
Formulaic romcoms depend entirely on the chemistry of their lead actors, and in this case, Lohan and Speleers make a sparky couple, and Vlahos is a pleasantly comedic foil. Lohan deserves better roles than, for example, her other most recent Netflix romcom, Falling for Christmas. Irish Wish allows her to show a bit more range, and she comes across as likable and believable within the limits of the genre. The formula (girl meets Mr. Right while pining for Mr. Wrong, preferably in a picturesque setting) is stretched with a fairy godmother (Dawn Bradfield, playing the impish Saint Brigid) and a pair of very likable and handsome love interests. The Irish setting is exploited for maximum local flavor (everyone in rural Ireland drinks stout at pubs and step dances, right?). In sum, predictable but watchable.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the idea of a wish coming true, like Maddie's does in Irish Wish. If you could have one wish, what would it be?
What does Maddie learn about herself over the course of the movie? Does the ending suggest she can change?
Romantic comedies tend to follow a formula. What are some of the conventions of that formula? Where do you see them here?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : March 15, 2024
- Cast : Lindsay Lohan , Ed Speleers , Alexander Vlahos
- Director : Janeen Damian
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Director(s) , Female Movie Actor(s) , Female Movie Writer(s)
- Studio : Netflix
- Genre : Romance
- Topics : Fantasy ( Magic ) , Friendship
- Run time : 93 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : September 18, 2025
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