You and Your Stupid Mate

This is one of the freshest, most unpretentious, least self-conscious Australian features of recent memory. It is a lowbrow comedy aimed directly at teenage boys -- that said, its inherent charm also makes it a shrewd bet for any age.

Though the opening flashback of our two "heroes" (Jeffrey and Philip as kids) falls a little flat, the strong script (by Dave O'Neil and Mark O'Toole) and uncluttered direction ( by Marc Gracie) combine to birth a very likable comedy.

Though YOU AND YOUR STUPID MATE is spawned from the genre that gave us DUDE WHERE'S MY CAR, ROAD TRIP and FAST TIMES AT RIDGEMONT HIGH, it is a far less cynical piece than those movies and is populated by characters you might have found in a Bill Forsyth film (from the early 80's) such as GREGORY'S GIRL, THAT SINKING FEELING and LOCAL HERO, or the underrated Aussie gem FAST TALKING.

Though the film's trailer promises a movie about the adventures of two obnoxious slackers, the lead characters (played sweetly by Nathan Philips and Angus Sampson) are, in fact, charming innocents, who learn a valuable lesson in friendship.

Where MATE shines is in its casting and supporting character roster. William McInnes is superb as the disaffected boss of a government employment agency who endures terrible flashbacks of being mocked by scouts. Rachel Hunter is simply gorgeous as a woman (with five cute daughters) who lives in the same trailer park as Jeffrey and Philip. In one magical scene, one of the boys looks lovingly at her and declares: "Wow, she's so fertile." The reference to "Sailing", a song sung by Rachel's ex- (Rod Stewart), is inspired, too.

STUPID MATE is stuffed with charming asides like this and also boasts a few surreal cinematic detours into characters' pasts; one sequence, set in Somalia, is very funny; also worth a mention is a sequence in which Evo, a soap hunk (played by Tayler Kane), flashes back to a lifetime of fans taking the mickey out of his on-screen character.

All is resolved in a fashion consistent with the film's tone and general sense of innocence.

A very fine effort.

You and Your Stupid Mate offers a lighthearted and straightforward comedy experience. The film follows the antics of two best friends, Billy and Johnny, as they navigate various misadventures and comedic situations. The movie's charm primarily rests in its relatable portrayal of friendship and the chemistry between the lead actors, Nathan Phillips and Angus Sampson.

The film leans on the classic buddy-comedy formula, providing plenty of laughs through its energetic and often absurd humor. While the storyline might not be the most original, the genuine camaraderie between the characters injects a certain warmth and authenticity that keeps the audience engaged. The witty banter and natural comedic timing of the actors contribute to the film's overall likability.

The plot may feel familiar and some jokes might fall flat, so it;s doesn't strive to be groundbreaking, but it succeeds in delivering a dose of humor and escapism. The film's pacing keeps the story moving along, and the dynamic between the two friends offers a relatable glimpse into the dynamics of real-life friendships.

The cinematography and direction are serviceable, with a focus on highlighting the interactions between the characters. The film's strength lies in its ability to create an affable atmosphere, making it a decent choice for those seeking a light-hearted comedy that doesn't demand too much intellectual engagement.

7 out of 10, "You and Your Stupid Mate" earns credit for its comedic chemistry and the genuine fun it provides. While it might not leave a lasting impact or break new ground in the comedy genre,

The Australian film industry can surely be a hit and miss affair. There have been some rippers, but this ain't one of them. Everything pertaining to this film is embarrassing, particularly the knowledge that my tax went into paying for it. Everything from the comedy...or lack there of, the attempted sentimentality and the redemptive themes only added to make this film a failure from opening to closing credits.

Its a shame that this isn't even in the class of awful that would make it legendary for its awfulness. Its just an embarrassment. I hope William McInnes and Rachel Hunter were only in it for the money, cause it didn't do their reputations any favours.

Final comment: don't bother. Spend the money on fish and chips instead.

Firstly, Nathan Phillips and Angus Sampson did a fantastic job-acting wise. They did the best with what lines they were given and honestly made viewers believe they were dole bludgers. While I admit the lame take on Home and Away was a little silly and the writers could have spent just a bit more time coming up with something more creative to motivate the pair of characters I hardly think this movie was made to win an international award. This movie is really very funny and anyone looking for a bit of a laugh will thoroughly enjoy it, it's just another Australian comedy that most of us can have a good time watching. Any fanatical movie critics can keep their far-fetched personally insulting opinions to themselves because this type of movie is truly unique to our country ans sense of humour and I believe it has helped to promote the Australian Film Industry greatly.

The first half hour of the film is a riot!, and then it runs out of idea's and resorts to 101 recycled American comedy cliques. Even though some would say it's a waste of Australian's taxpayer's money, it's only half a waste. Also what was the story with the history lesson on Ned Kelly? Do i suspect this is an poor attempt on selling this overseas? Haven't previous Aussie film makers realized that anyone outside of Australia doesn't really give a toss about Ned Kelly?

All round it's OK for a half baked attempt at comedy and for a DVD rental it's worth catching! The DVD commentary is also a riot. It's as if the director is commentating on a Academy Award masterpiece, was he seriously watching what we where?