The Flip Side

I saw this when screened on TV, so it didn't cost me anything to view it. Low budget. Independent style film (when you think about Top Gun: Maverick, $170 million USD, 1000 people involved, one article states 2820 side jobs) with some nice shots of Australian scenery, the actors are decent at their craft (keeping in mind they aren't there for the viewers they attract with the dollar signs on the cheques pasted on their heads {HOLLYWOOD]). It was an interesting story although not utilised as well as it could be. I didn't feel like it was a waste of my time, enjoyed it, but, I am Australian and perhaps some nuances of it would be lost on those that aren't say British, Australian, New Zealand, perhaps Canada and South African. I also write that in acknowledging that it's nice to see an Australian movie, not enough are made, and it's a refreshing alternative to the cultural invasion of big budget, low effort, low intelligent tripe that we get from Hollywood/USA in every format - cinema, television, music, literature.

I was pleasantly surprised by this film. After reading such poor reviews, I didn't expect much, but found it to be rather good. The awkwardness between the players I judged to be the natural state of two couples pushed together, who don't know each other. Not to mention the natural trepidation on Ronnie's part, of being forced to be nice to someone who broke her heart. Izzard maybe could have made a little bit more of an effort - you're not that good looking Eddie. You really need to try and act a bit too! Go and see this and make up your own mind. The Southern Australian backdrop makes a pleasant change from the usual locations used in movies, and the plot line is unusually refreshing. I found myself having no idea how it would all turn out, but the ending was lovely.

For a low budget film, kudos to all involved with this film. If you're an Aussie film fan it's a must watch, if you think a good film is a Hollywood block buster give it a miss. Much talent accompanied with some good Aussie humour.

Set and filmed entirely in Adelaide and its surrounds, this film offers many moments of recognition for anyone who lives in or has lived in South Australia. Not a particularly memorable film but not cringingly awful either. Direction and acting are competent enough and there is a human story here that is told with a certain wry humour but with few LOL moments. (A fake boomerang that turns out to be anything but is one, and Henry's girlfriend Sophie is a hoot.) Can' t agree with the newspaper critic who thought the film should only have lasted 50-60 minutes and that it was padded with unnecessary scenes. The bowling alley scene, for example, was part of things going ever more pear-shaped for a financially stressed Ronnie, and the Q and A scene brought out what a poseur and phoney Henry was.

I saw this as part of the oz film festival in London. What a lovely film. Well made, great direction, good script and acting was spot on. Made me homesick for Adelaide.