Crackerjack

Right from the start, it felt like I just needed to stretch out in a pair of old trakky pants, 'me ugg boats' and kick back to enjoy. I love Aussie films as I do not need to strain or listen hard to work out what's been said. I also love the simpleness, there is nothing glamorous about the content of this movie, it gave us a 'warts and all' impression of Melbournian inner suburban living. There was something cultural about this movie also. These were Australians that weren't trying to be anyone but themselves. The sarcasm and the jokes were flying nicely and not too much 'in ya face humour' either. Mick Molloy and Judith Lucy (both renown comedians) slid into this movie as if they both love ambling around in front of the lens. Although Mick Molloy probably knew this wasn't going to be Box office hit of the century- thanks to him and the crew for making a movie that wasn't seriously insulting our sense of humour.

When I saw the trailer for Crackerjack, I thought this film was going to be an absolute shocker. How wrong was I? This is such an exquisite piece of Australiana. It's as if a time capsule was dug up from a bygone era and inside was this film. The true stars of Crackerjack are not Mick Malloy or Judith Lucy but a cavalcade of veteran Australian actors, brought back to cinematic life. A bit like Wim Wenders bringing back to life the ageing musicians of the Buena Vista Social Club. Where the comedy of 'The Nugget' failed to deliver, 'Crackerjack' more than succeeds. "Can I fix you a Radox bath champ?" This is just one dialogue related example of how engagingly Australian this film is. And you have to love the modern technology that is 'Bowl-cam'. The sound of the ball cutting through the manicured lawn and the camera following every movement of the ball is truly hypnotic.

'Crackerjack' is not aimed at mocking the ways of the elderly. Lawn bowls is more than sport. It's about friendships, a sense of community and values that now have probably escaped modern day society. It's also about tomato sandwiches, beer at genuine 1976 prices and helping yourself to the wheel of cheese! 'Crackerjack' takes aim at big business, which is squeezing out smaller clubs with the introduction of poker machines and the social and financial impact it's having on the elderly. There are so many things to be gained from seeing this film. Jack highly recommended!

I have loved Mick Molloy, Tony Martin and Judith Lucy, in addition to the rest of the D-Generation, for almost my whole life now, having started my love affair with these comedians at about the age of seven.

I never saw "Crackerjack" before, though, and I'm not sure why. Was it because Mick fell on hard times after "The Late Show" and "Martin Molloy"? Some of you may still be unfortunate enough to remember "The Mick Molloy Show", which was so laid back and lazy in execution it felt like they weren't even trying.

It might also have been because the movie is about lawn bowls, surely one of the top three most boring spectator sports ever invented, alongside golf and cricket.

It's true that you do need some understanding of bowls to follow the movie's climactic scenes (an understanding I don't have, nor care to acquire).

The movie begs the comparison to "Happy Gilmore", but in Australia with bowls instead of golf. However, whereas "Gilmore" went all out with typical Adam Sandler goofiness, "Crackerjack" is in some ways an affectionate homage to the culture of lawn bowls clubs for senior citizens. It's actually kind of realistic, which I wasn't expecting.

The movie's pretty funny at times, though never hilarious. The humour is light and ever-present, but I only found myself laughing a few times.

Seems strange to say, but I think "Crackerjack" may have been made with a very specific audience in mind: lawn bowls enthusiasts. It has just the right amount of realism and affection that I bet elderly folks down at the bowls club would love it.

And you know, I have to hand it to filmmakers who are that true to their purpose that they make a film for such a specific crowd of people, and one which is sure to please them.

Not that the rest of us can't enjoy it too.

This is the first feature film from Australian comedian Mick Molloy. Mick wrote the film with his brother Richard with help from John Clarke, another comedian and actor. Mick & John also have starring roles along with several other iconic Australian actors - Bill Hunter, Frank Wilson et al. The basic premise of the movie is that slimy Jack Simpson (Mick Molloy) has become a member of a Lawn Bowls Club for the sole purpose of getting a free car park near his work. The Club is in dire financial straits and calls on Jack to help. John Clarke plays the clubs arch nemesis - he is trying to take the club over and turn it into a "Poker Machine Slum" Jack and the other club members band together to try and save the club with many funny twists and turns and Jacks eventual redemption. This is quite a clever little movie. It is well above Mick Molloys usual gutter humor. It is pretty well written and well acted. The older Aussie actors are brilliant (Bill Hunter, Frank Wilson Monica Maughan and ors) The film meanders along rather then going at break neck pace, but that adds to the charm of the movie. There is low level coarse language.

Being dragged along to the cinema by my best friend, I was rather worried when she said "There's a new ozzie film called Crackerjack, wanna see? oh... come on... please"

I grimacingly acquiesced. The lead is played by Mick Molloy, well known to the Australian radio airwaves, and was actually pleasantly surprised.

The film had a lot more substance than one would think from the advertising, and the jokes were a great deal quicker, and more humourous than you would imagine.

The performances were brilliant, especially from the 'old folk' all Australian legends in their own rights, and I was actually touched by Mick Molloy's acting. Judith Lucy made her foray from stand-up comedy to acting successfully as well.

It was well worth the money, and I think I'll even borrow it when it comes out on video.