Backyard Ashes

A mate in Australia recommended this movie to me and I thoroughly enjoyed it. It's light-hearted and silly and packed with loads of subtle cricket references (Jardine, Dexter, Harlequin caps, impersonations of famous commentators etc.) which keeps the narrative moving along at a very predictable but steady pace. The story is a bit weak but it's never less than highly entertaining. At times, the stereotypes are a little obvious but remember folks that this is a COMEDY. It's meant to be funny and in the manner of the typical Australian cinematic style (and its refreshing non-conformity to a PC strait-jacket), it entertains without offending.

The premise got me in, and then having started to watch it and read these reviews, I stuck with it and except for the the final seconds of the last scene and effectiveness of the credits in identifying the actors (should be obligatory for animated movies!!) I have to agree with the panning of this movie.

Hostile to some and so predictable. As Rossini may have once said of Wagner -wonderful moments, dreadful half hours - and I think there may have been three moments.

And yes, this too is my first review - similarly moved as another reviewer. That said, at $285 000, how poor is the standard hourly rate for acting?

This very funny backyard movie is a revelation in home grown film making. A National past time in Australia is Backyard Cricket. Also, Internationally each year teams play in huge stadiums and it is all televised daily across Summer. For anyone who does not know Cricket, especially in the USA, this film won't play well. But for British and probably Indian / Pakistani families, this film will be a scream Here is a film that combines working class comedy and family with sharp satire and a lot of Aussie suburban sports slang most successfully. Imagine THE FULL MONTY mixed with THE CASTLE and KENNY and played in a backyard during a game of Neighbour/Employer cricket. I personally do not like cricket and could not care less about it on TV and in matches that go for days. However, this hilarious 85 minute micro movie transcends all barriers just by being funny and good natured. A strong silly script, ripe performances and sunny satire, nice kids and surprising digital sharp picture and sound, BACKYARD ASHES is a school holiday movie delight and easy to have the family laughing out loud. A big hit in regional cinemas, suburban audiences will also lap it up if given the chance.

Backyard Ashes looks like a low budget movie with a big budget relation to real life. Being an Indian and playing cricket with friends and family, I can truly relate to this movie. This was my 1st Australian movie that I have watched and I must admit it hit the right cords. Big budget movies generally focus more on the big names but this focused on everyone in the movie. It was a simple yet very honest movie. Loved ones getting together, playing a good game of cricket, the annoying and unfriendly neighbors, the old couple upstairs, the entire locality and the craziness that comes along. Its a good watch for a nice lazy afternoon....

This is a great little movie, I've visited Wagga Wagga (so good they named it twice!) and have several friends there after working locally, in Coleambally and Mt Selwyn. Some good friends brought me this DVD from Oz and it's a little ripper!

Yes, it's a bit racist, based on stereo-types, but typically Australian country people living the good life. Even they don't know they have it so good in life. Easy jobs, well paid, lots of spare time and perfect BAR-B-Q weather every night of the year.

Surely we have all played this game in our own back yards, you already know most of the rules! Over the fence, 6 and out. One handed catches count after a bounce. And no hard bowling or hard balls..... Is it just me, or did we all play this game in the back garden.

Have a couple of beers, laugh at and with the Australians and enjoy this great little movie that you or me could have made in a few days spare time. Wish I'd thought of it first!!!!