donlhumphries

"My Hero" is a concept which enables the script-writers to be as wild and wacky as they like. Its satirical technique relies on the Gullivers Travels' ploy of two cultures, in this case, Terrestrial and Ultronian, whose customs are totally foreign to each other, and need explaining - many of the laughs come from that; as what seems eminently sensible to one, is patently absurd to the other. It is also a spoof on all superheroes, yet Thermoman is believable, in his own way. The cast are all unique characters, with their own appeal to viewers.

No doubt "Doctor Who" was regarded with some diffidence by the BBC when it first appeared, yet went on to bigger and better things. I think this show has the same potential. Like "Doctor Who", it has a basic premise which allows for endless variation. Episodes of "My Hero" can vary from mildly amusing to outright hilarious. One of my all-time favourite TV shows.

Edwin Burke (John Howard) is a burly fisherman who doesn't quite understand his 20-yr-old daughter who is about to marry, and enlists young employee, Dominic (Gyton Grantley), to help him - by reading her diary. Mum, Yvonne (Rebecca Frith) is ignored by all concerned, except Paul the Plumber.

The daughter, Chantelle (Alyssa McClelland) has a friend Dolores (Amie Mckenna), and they discuss father and fiancé. A local fortune-teller uncannily predicts events.

This movie's in the likable Australian laconic, larrikan, tradition, which, while it may be rather stereotyped, is possibly worth retaining; though we may note "chicks and guys" has replaced "sheilas and blokes". The story is mildly amusing, rather than unroariously funny, but is well-acted and has its moments. ==============================================================

About all this film has going for it, is the cinematography. The story is confusing and open ended; the dialogue mumbled; but who cares anyway. At one early stage, it seemed we were going to have a black comedy about a bumbling serial killer who had problem disposing of his corpses, but that opportunity was lost.

The basic flaw in the whole saga is: no experienced contract killer (six years in the job?) would think of using a taxi to do his work; or, certainly not the same taxi, much less chat to the driver. He wouldn't leave incriminating evidence on the back seat, nor have the vehicle parked directly outside the crime scene.

As to who the killer, Vincent, is killing and why, is not explained. It seems he might be hired by one gang to bump off key figures in another. The cops come into the picture, yet fade out again. They are virtually irrelevant to the supposed "bonding" between killer Vince, and taxi-driver, Max, which seems to be the main theme.

Still, professional critics will rave over this movie, and it will go on to win awards, and make a fortune. Tom Cruise sits stony-faced in the back of the cab most of the time; reminding us of Val Kilmer in Spartan, and Matt Damon in The Bourne Supremacy - the ruthless operative, hired to do a job, who gets on with it.

Yes, this is the way to make a successful movie. Let everyone think it's highly sophisticated; the critics are only too willing to climb on the bandwagon (just as they did in panning Catwoman). All you need is: a couple of good actors, some extras, a few expendable vehicles, and a city. Bang, bang, you're dead, does the rest. 5/10