On first watch, it's quite possible to think this film as something that was hastily put together on a shoe string budget in the hopes it might make some cash. It will seem so completely cheesy as to be ridiculous.
But then, as you watch, something rather amazing happens. You realise that the acting is first rate, the timing is impeccable, the humour quite outstanding. This is no accident at all. There is in fact so much more here than meets the eye.
Simplistically speaking, at the very least there is the interplay between family members and friends that makes you feel that you wish you could be their friends as well. There are also so many quotable phrases that will stick with you that you'll find yourself using time and time again, and when you do, you'll find yourself smiling. It's not for me to point them all out to you here, discover them for yourself and you'll feel all the better for it. Dig deeper and you'll see how important the sense of camaraderie is to all of us. Here, with this David versus Goliath storyline you'll also find an incredibly important reference regarding the Marbo decision regarding Aboriginal rights to land that reflects to this modern day parable.
Most of all however, you'll find yourself caring for the people on the screen. Oh to be a friend of the family, to be invited to Bonnie Doon, to bask in the mutual respect and admiration that these people share between themselves. But finally, you'll revel in the humour, and what humour there is. It is quite simply sublime. Grins that would seem utterly ludicrous elsewhere, will leave you with a warm glow and a smile from ear to ear.
This is not a lucky accident, it is as much a work of genius as might be The Seven Samurai, Jaws, Pulp Fiction or The African Queen.
Bravo to Australia for its making, but even more bravo for you for having the good taste to enjoy this superlative piece of divine comedy.
But then, as you watch, something rather amazing happens. You realise that the acting is first rate, the timing is impeccable, the humour quite outstanding. This is no accident at all. There is in fact so much more here than meets the eye.
Simplistically speaking, at the very least there is the interplay between family members and friends that makes you feel that you wish you could be their friends as well. There are also so many quotable phrases that will stick with you that you'll find yourself using time and time again, and when you do, you'll find yourself smiling. It's not for me to point them all out to you here, discover them for yourself and you'll feel all the better for it. Dig deeper and you'll see how important the sense of camaraderie is to all of us. Here, with this David versus Goliath storyline you'll also find an incredibly important reference regarding the Marbo decision regarding Aboriginal rights to land that reflects to this modern day parable.
Most of all however, you'll find yourself caring for the people on the screen. Oh to be a friend of the family, to be invited to Bonnie Doon, to bask in the mutual respect and admiration that these people share between themselves. But finally, you'll revel in the humour, and what humour there is. It is quite simply sublime. Grins that would seem utterly ludicrous elsewhere, will leave you with a warm glow and a smile from ear to ear.
This is not a lucky accident, it is as much a work of genius as might be The Seven Samurai, Jaws, Pulp Fiction or The African Queen.
Bravo to Australia for its making, but even more bravo for you for having the good taste to enjoy this superlative piece of divine comedy.