Australian musicals are rare indeed, but this is a good one, full of energetic pop-songs and jerky 80s dance numbers, but with an engaging story of a quirky, working-class girl who wants be be a pop star. Jo Kennedy plays the girl, Jackie Mullens, with loads of charm and energy, and she is supported by a host of minor characters playing her pub-owning family.
Gillian Armstrong made this film to avoid being pigeon-holed as a director of period piece drama after her success with My Brilliant Career. This film has a lot of ardent fans, and is generally popular with teenage audiences, or those who saw it first when they were young. The film makes the most of its the location in a famous Rocks pub, and captures the feel of early 80s Australia.
In my opinion, the musical numbers are not well enough filmed, with poor lighting and odd production hampering the impact of the songs, and so it's only a partial success, though a brave attempt. It's a film that some people love, and others find unsatisfying.
Gillian Armstrong made this film to avoid being pigeon-holed as a director of period piece drama after her success with My Brilliant Career. This film has a lot of ardent fans, and is generally popular with teenage audiences, or those who saw it first when they were young. The film makes the most of its the location in a famous Rocks pub, and captures the feel of early 80s Australia.
In my opinion, the musical numbers are not well enough filmed, with poor lighting and odd production hampering the impact of the songs, and so it's only a partial success, though a brave attempt. It's a film that some people love, and others find unsatisfying.