Malcolm

A friend lent me this video about 10 years ago and since that day ive always loved this film. Its not a big budget or all star cast yet it manages to bring warmth and humour that could have been so over done (ie Forrest Gump). Its a simple tale of a simple man with a love for trams. I wont spoil the plot but as above writers have put the car chase after the bank job is THE best ever. To top this off is a fantastic piece of music by the Penguin Cafe Orchestra. A hugely original, inventive and above all else Funny film. Buy, rent or borrow and you will have a smile on your face and a happy disposition at the end.

I have to say it is a good few years since I saw this film, but it has a place in my heart. As a shy person in my teenage years, I had a small affinity with Malcolm. He was so shy that he crossed the road near the beginning to avoid some kids. Not your average film lead. Some of the gadgets and vehicles were clever, and well implemented into the film. This film could not work anywhere else in the world. The sense of humour is typically Australian, and definitely adds to the film. If you ever get the chance to catch this film, do so. The music by the Penguin Cafe Orchestra also gives the film something extra.

I was very happy to find this awesome film on DVD for $10 yesterday. I hadn't seen it for ages but I knew that buying it would result in many happy viewings in the future. My first viewing reinforced my view that this film is just as terrific and engaging as I saw it when I was a young fella. The whole gadgetry was what I loved back then. Now I still love the gadgets but the whole story makes it a terrific viewing experience.

The three main performances from the film are all unreal. Colin Friels is so great as the awkward and brilliant Malcolm, John Hargraves is super as the dodgy but good hearted crim and Lindy Davies is wonderful as Judith. She is sexy and straightforward in a really honest way that is rarely captured in any film (kinda reminds me of Rachel Griffiths).

Big plaudits have to go to the writing/producing/directing team of David Parker and Nadia Tass. The info contained on the DVD explains to us that the Malcolm character was based on Tass's brother John who was, like Malcolm, socially inept but had formidable intelligence and talent. The final character is so likable. The fact that they put the whole thing together speaks very highly of them as a film-making team (another terrific film they did was "The Big Steal").

They did a great job on the special effects too. Low budget but iconic really. The car, tram, rubbish bins (!) are brilliant. The film's opening with the tram also highlights the very special score of the film. Watching Malcolm cruise around Melbourne in his homemade tram with the music in the background is a really lovely way to open the movie.

It's been years since there has been a funny, innovative, big-hearted Australian film like this (or The Big Steal). Hopefully someone out there can match it.

Malcolm is one of those movies that really deserves more love. It's critically underrated and too many people have simply not seen it. Maybe it's too low budget but it's got an off beat charm that can't be denied.

The titular Malcolm is a very shy but gifted mechanic. He's not very good with people but he loves trams and gets fired from his job of repairing them because he built his own out of spare parts.

In desperation, he gets a roommate to help cover the bills and In walks petty criminal Frank who's just been released from prison and his brassy girlfriend Judith. They become friends, albeit awkward ones, and decide to use Malcolm's genius to help them rob a couple banks.

The robberies are inventive and it's quite fun to see how Malcolm and his two friends manage to pull off these heists.

The movie is, currently, able to be seen for free on Youtube so really there's no reason not to miss it.

This is an absolute gem - a really original, clever and funny film. Colin Friels and John Hargreaves are brilliant, the gadgets are hilarious, and the music (from the Penguin Café Orchestra) beautifully surreal. This film has without question the most unusual bank raid sequence on film. Enjoy!