Save Your Legs!

Not so long ago I saw 'Backyard Ashes' and here another Aussie movie about the cricket. It was quite different than that which actually based on the true story of the Australian club team called Abbotsford Anglers. Basically the script was altered to commercialize which originally set in the 2001, in this flick it is the present time. The Anglers travel to subcontinent for a tournament which is labelled as the toughest challenge for any international team in this game. Cricket meets Bollywood, in another way to say CCL meets Big Bash. So colorful movie, you will know from the poster itself. This time it is not strictly for those who know the game because cricket was the part of the story and much more elements in it to enjoy.

Teddy Brown, who is a hardcore cricket fan and as well the little master Sachin Tendulkar's. The interest grown in him since he was a teenager and dreamt to play one day for the national team. Now he's at the late 30s who still believes his dream and inspire by the Tendulkar, who is still playing in his 40. His teammate hints that they are quitting and moving forward in life. But he insists and bring everyone together to tour India for a private tournament. So this trip, which turn into a spiritual journey that make him realize what he's holding has to go and move on in the life.

''This is India. We are all Sachin's brothers.''

A treat for the movie fanatics who love cricket as well, especially the subcontinent fellows. The movie discloses the Indian colorful culture, defines the system of the life and much more that inspires. Travelling in train and auto- rickshaws, foods, street market shopping, interacting with the people of the nation who are obsessed with the cricket, all these bring joy to watch. The clash between Aussie and Indian accents humors are really the highlight. If someone is not finding a way to blend in to have the nice occasion, then that must be pan-Americans. It is easy to enjoy like everyone else if they give a try. With a little Bollywood touch, it also exposes the musical side and ends with a fine track. The song was good which follows like this: I don't like Cricket. Oh, no! I love it. So far one of the best cricket and cultural exchange movie. Good for both these countries.

Quirky Australian comedy, though it helps a lot if you love cricket (as I do). Bitter-sweet, with some great comedic moments. The drama side had potential, exploring growing up and moving on with your life, but that side stumbles and goes nowhere. Could have made an interesting point.

Plot is quite clumsy and unsophisticated. The lack of polish is a source of charm, to an extent.

Decent performances from Stephen Curry, Brendon Curry and Damon Gameau in the lead roles. Solid supporting performances, with the stand-out being the stunningly beautiful Pallavi Sharda.

A third-rate suburban cricket team make their dream come true when they get to tour the mad- cricket-loving country of India for a game of cricket or two. But as usual, when you get a group of Aussie males together, anything and everything can and does happen in this sometimes hilarious comedy. There are also a few surprises along the way in the story department which didn't make it overly cliché like a lot of Aussie films tend to be when they attempt to be quirky or funny.

What saves this film is a great cast, (even from the supporting talent), who play a bunch of lovable and rogue characters. Writer Brendan Cowell perfectly captures the male bonding Aussie humor and does a better job in performance. Stephen Curry does a stellar job as the mad cricket lover who has to come to terms with reality, and Damon Gameau is always good value.

An entertaining Australian movie that will gradually gain a cult following as more cricket loving fans get to watch it on cable TV or DVD over the coming Aussie cricket summer of 2013 and 2014.