Good Luck (1997)
Bernard "Bern" Lemly (Gregory Hines) is fed up with being in a wheelchair and wants more out of life. Meanwhile, former football player Tony "Ole" Olezniak (Vincent D'Onofrio) is stewing after recently losing his sight. The men soon realize they can put their frustrated energy to good use by competing in a whitewater rafting race on Oregon's Rouge River. In the process, they discover their disabilities don't have to destroy their dreams.
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Reviews
Strong and Moving!
A Major Disappointment
It is neither dumb nor smart enough to be fun, and spends way too much time with its boring human characters.
One of the film's great tricks is that, for a time, you think it will go down a rabbit hole of unrealistic glorification.
GOOD LUCK is an entertaining, frequently very funny, and extremely well-acted film. Unfortunately, it can't quite make up its mind whether it wants to be a realistic depiction of the problems facing the disabled or a feel good film. The strong language and sexual situations make it the former--some of the more unrealistically upbeat scenes the latter. Still, it's a lot better than many films that get more publicity. And the acting is superb. Max Gail is wonderful in a small but crucial part. The late Gregory Hines is excellent, although there's something disconcerting about such a great dancer confined to a wheelchair (although that may have been the point of his casting). And look here--Vincent D'Onofrio in what probably is the most conventional starring role of his career. And he looks terrific, right from the film's start, when he's speeding along in a sports car. He's believable as a football star, and, as always, a terrific actor.Can I recommend it? Definitely for D'Onofrio and Hines fans. It would also be a nice antidote to the usual sports film. It certainly deserves to be better known.Wardicus
This was one of the best movies I have seen in a long time. Two men, both handicapped as the results of freak accidents, journey together to compete in a river rafting competition. It focuses more on their bonding than the race itself, and that is what makes the film good. Rent it if you get the chance.*** out of ****
I have to say, this movie made me laugh out loud several times...something I seldom do. I was working on a film with Vincent D'Onofrio...and because, only because I was curious to see what else he'd done, did I rent the video. The women at the video store gave me a print-out of his previous work. "Good Luck", is not a title that would have interested me at all if I'd been browsing. The next day, on the set of Steal This Movie, I mentioned to Vincent that I'd seen the movie. He asked me what I thought and I told him...great film, the title sucks. He laughed. Now I see here, that they must be struggling with the same issue. Also called, "Ox and the Eye" and "Guys Like Us"...two other brilliant titles (tongue planted firmly in cheek!). I suggest that you see this movie...and I'd also suggest that they re-name and re-release. What a shame for such a nice piece of work to swirl down the toilet because the title is not only bad...but has little feel of the film's energy.
Have People Ever Told You That Following Your Dreams Is A Waste Of Time, Or That Since You Have Major Set Backs In Your Life You Will Not Be Able To Amount To Anything. Well Good Luck Is Just The Movie To Prove People Who Misjudge How Wrong They Are.I'm Not One To Give Away A Plot, So You All Will Just Have To Use A Little "Blind" Faith And Walk Or "Row" Yourself To Your Near By Video Rental Place And Rent Good Luck. It Is Well Worth The Rental Price.And As LeVar Burton Puts It....But You Don't Have To Take My Word For It.