The Honourable Wally Norman

This is a very funny movie, with hilarious performances from a host of famous Australian comedians, especially Kevin Harrington, HG Nelson, Micallef and Brian Dawe (of the Clarke-Dawe interviews series on '7.30 Report). I'm very surprised by the film's low score on IMDB. As some critics pointed out at the time of the film's release, the scene between Micallef and John Singleton (Micallef's fake political ad) is just about the funniest thing I can remember seeing in an Australian comedy. The film copped some flack when it came out, but I think most of that was tied up with the very bad rap most Australian comedies got in 2003. There was also a bit of controversy when the film was chosen to open the Sydney Film Festival (a pretty snooty affair usually reserved for 'arthouse movies'). Over time, I really hope this one will be up there, with 'The Castle', 'Big Steal' and a few others, as a classic example of laid-back, Aussie comedy. If you get a chance, don't miss it! Ted Emery (Fast Forward, Kath and Kim) has done it again.

Glad to see this very witty political satire finally beginning to improve its scores on this site. It's overall shape is definitely familiar, but to see it as just another 'Castle' knockoff totally underestimates it. It's by far the cleverest of all the recent 'Aussie battler' comedies, as a few critics pointed out, and it's by far the best performed, with a great appearance by Kevin Harrington (who I see scored an AFI nomination for Best Actor for this, which is pretty unusual for an Aussie comedy), and Shaun Micallef (who should have won an AFI for his performance). 'The Castle' is funnier overall, but the Micallef political ad is by far the funniest thing in any Australian comedy I can think of. Also, this is the most honestly touching of any Australian comedy I can think of, except perhaps 'The Big Steal' or 'Malcolm', and the scenes between Harrington and his wife, played by Ros Hammond, are lovely. In time, this will be regarded as an Australian classic. It's a bit slow moving in parts, and it could have been funnier, but corrupt Aussie politics has never been taken apart better by an Australian movie, and this is a movie I can watch again and again, just for the great one liners and moments.

This is a highly enjoyable funny film. The mix-ups and the sight gags and the jokes that just keep on rolling. Right from the beginning there were hints that something was going to happen but they kept you right in there. You wanted to cheer and root for Wally Norman as he was manipulated and taken advantage of and it supported all your beliefs about crooked politicians and their backdoor dealings. A kind of Mr Smith goes to Washington or Full Monty, small people taking on the system and working it to their advantage after many stumbling blocks.

I played a small part in 'Wally Norman" as the bookmaker.

Had a blast doing the role and meeting the rest of the cast.

As time goes by this comedy gets better.....each time i watch it i see something new.

The cast and crew worked so hard on this flick and the movie deserved better at the box office.

Seems like the average movie goer here is more interested in the Hollywood blockbuster than the subtle film.

This comedy was very well written but not everyones cup of tea.

The pub scene when Wally comes back after the goat race was a hoot to shoot with free beer flowing all day.

The goat ate the wreath of flowers round it's neck but luckily the cameraman got a shot of it and it was used in the movie.

Anyway have a great life everyone.

Cheers Paul Makin.

ps Singo for PM.

I've seen some less than flattering reviews of this film. I have to say that anyone with an understanding and/or experience of politics in Australia will appreciate the intelligent humour and satire. I've also seen other comments that say there is nothing funny about this film. That's complete garbage. The Ken Oats political advertisement is the wittiest and sharpest piece of satire that has appeared in an Australian film in a long time. I give this five out of five.