The BBQ

This is not a movie that is going to stress you intellectually. It's a bit of light-hearted and unpretentious Australian fun. The characters are a bit cookie cut and some of the acting is not Oscar award stuff but it does poke a bit of fun at a national passion and some of the pretentiousness of food preparations in today's super chef world. I didn't go expecting much but I enjoyed it for what it was. I think some of the critics who panned it were over-reading the point of the movie. That said I didn't appreciate the blatant advertising of stores and products in it though I recognise this is par for the course in many movies today.

This is just a light hearted feel good Australian film, and it succeeds in that genre. Don't expect anything more and just treat the movie for what it is. Australian movies have a particular style and content. So I'm sorry to say that if you don't understand it or are not Australian you just won't get it.

This movie had promise but the comedy was forced. Julia Zemiro was wasted, Magda had a lovely accent but the backstory was sad. Manu was dreadful as the baddie. The Japanese wagyu breeder was offensive stereotyping.

This Could have been much better.

Was really hoping for a good wholesome laugh but alas I fell asleep about one third the way through. To be fair the actors are a good sort but the script just fell short for me. There is also my deep longing desire to see a Kenny 2 which is no doubt also biased my critique. Sorry Shane but a 2 outa 10 from me.

The BBQ offers a great laugh and escape into a nice little story. It was nice to take my nephew to a film that didn't involve sex violence or swearing. Unlike a couple of narcissistic egotistical moronic critics who obviously missed the point - this film does not take its self seriously it provides a great 90 minutes of fun and escapism.