Backyard Ashes

There are not many movies made for this theme. A movie about the cricketing sport from Australia means very interesting. Commonwealth nations know the Australian dominance in this particular sport. So I think it is specially dedicated to world cricket lovers and no one else. Those who like cricket would enjoy the movie maximum than those who don't know. Be prepared, the Ashes is here in the backyard.

'The Ashes' is the annual cricket tournament played by England and Australian teams. Probably the oldest tournament it is and also prestigious to win for the respective nations. So this movie based on the similar style, but in a simple way. A group of factory employees hangout for the weekends to play backyard cricket. Coincidentally, their new boss move in the neighborhood. Since they don't like each other, one freak accident puts them into a rival position. This conflict grows bigger by days gone and becomes national news. So now these two groups have to fight in a backyard cricket match to settle down. The match begins like the similar fashion to the real Ahes and to know how it ends you must see the movie by yourself.

''It's a batsman's world.''

Not a bad movie after all movie that deals on cricket is a rare thing so it worked comfortably for me. It had lots of fun moments, sorry if you don't know the game you won't completely get entertained. At least it will help to learn a few things, but it is not the real game so the rules are altered. If you do know, then it will be a different scenario. Looks like a specially made movie for sun-continent cricket fans with one sub-continent character in it. It is no masterpiece, but a time-pass entertainment flick.

It was not plain, though lacks in depth which kind of looks like a weekend premiered television movie. Amusing characters make us to stick with the movie. The few lines that said in the movie were so good and so strong like that used during real Ashes. Enjoyment is what this movie provides than cleverness in all the departments. So you should suit yourself for that than expecting something extraordinary. One time watch a movie and nothing more else.

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?

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.

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!!!!