Subdivision

This 2009 film about Aussie battlers building dull subdivisions on the coast of southern Queensland is like commercial TV in Australia: safe, predictable, formulaic, dull, full of conventional people saying conventional things. A life full of work, rugby league, beer, barbies, marriages, babies, mother-in-laws - seen it all before and done better.

It doesn't help that the main character who is meant to be a loveable knockabout is so dull and annoying. There are some good actors - Gary Sweet and Steve Bisely, but the others are commercial TV types slumming it in film.

A disappointing film from a usually reliable director.

May I suggest you see this movie with an open mind and few expectations. In a genre lacking lately for home grown big screen product, Subdivision try's hard to be amusing in every sense of the word. The family bond and power of friendships are observed in a small community, a matter of heart Australian style. Based around a building work site in sunny North Queensland, it's all about the life, loves and shenanigans of the working class man. A little bit of home truths are thrown in for good measure which is appropriate for the current economic climate. There is the great sport of rugby league featured too, which is a rarity in movies indeed. Young Ashley Bradham wrote the screenplay, with his mother, off personal experiences, he also stars and has a good presence about him. Veteran Gary Sweet is good as Digger, old school hard nut builder who really needs to lighten up before a sooner rather than later mid-life crisis. The one and only Bruce Spence (Matrix, Stork) is underused but has fun opposite equally funny Steve Bisley. The amazing Brooke Satchwell rounds out the likable cast and I don't just mean looking gorgeous in a pair of short shorts. As the love interest and big city developer, she has adds much needed pizazz. Funny at times, enjoyable but not memorable, a good debut from star in the making, Ash Bradham.

This 'slice of life' Australian comedy finds its humour only unintentionally boosted by the fact that the leading lady steals the film from under her male counterparts nose massively.

Brooke Satchwell, formerly of 'Neighbours' fame, runs rings around everyone else in this film, and is quite simply its one great shining light. It's almost laughable how much better she is than anyone else on the casting list.

It's a fine film, especially if you've always been a fan of Satchwell, but as a complete piece it ultimately ends up being more than a bit sub par, with themes and character types we've seen a million times before. Done better too.