Étranges compagnons de lit

Synopsis: A fictional and unlikely Australian Tax law has recently passed which allows all bona fide couples (including same-sex) to be treated with equity. In a small country town two good mates (men friends) have claimed desperately needed tax-relief and now must convince a Tax Inspector of their status, while trying to avoid creating a scandal in their close-knit community.

Comments: Strange Bedfellows is surprisingly enjoyable and rewarding. `Surprising' because I had dreaded that somehow Paul Hogan would stuff it up, but he does very well indeed as Vince, a man who hasn't ever fancied another man and really doesn't know where to begin. Michael Caton's Ralph is just as inexperienced in relating sexually to men, but hints at being more open to the possibility (though NEVER with Vince).

There are plenty of genuine laughs for gay & straight alike (though not always at the same time), and a rather high cringe factor in a few scenes - especially when the men are sampling `gay culture' during a whirlwind visit to Sydney.

Strange Bedfellows has it's heart in the right place, is decidedly LGBT friendly and has the same Australian cultural authenticity that made "The Castle" work so well. Of course the same strong element is shared here in the undeniably unique acting talent of Michael Caton.

This is a warmly entertaining film about the value of love and friendship. It probably qualifies as being a romantic comedy - but when Vince and Ralph share sweet memories about each other with the Tax Man you'll find there is no love lost. (8/10)

Set in the heart of country Australia, with a short journey to Sydney in the middle of the film, Strange Bedfellows tells the story of two close friends, Vince (Hogan) and Ralph (Caton) who cook up a plan to take advantage of a new law that gives tax breaks to Same Sex Couples. Trouble is, Vince and Ralph are as totally straight and must 'camp it up' it order to convince the government's tax inspector (Postlethwaite).

The laughs come thick and fast as Vince and Ralph, do what it takes to learn how to appear gay. The reaction of the locals and the great scenes set in a Sydney gay disco are only some of what makes this movie a winner. However the jokes, even the outrageous ones, are never at the expense of the gay community.

This is the funniest movie Paul Hogan has starred in since the original 'Crocodile' Dundee. He and Caton are a wonderful double act, supported beautifully by the rest of the cast, including a manic band leader in the final scenes, set against the back drop of some of Australia's most picturesque countryside. The ending works very well with all the loose ends, twists and all, being tied up.

Paul Hogan was a TV star in Australia long before the world met 'Crocodile' Dundee. Michael Caton is also well known to Australian TV viewers with memorable parts on many shows, from soap operas to comedy.

Following in the footsteps of "The Castle" and "Crackerjack" comes another sweet-humored Australian comedy.

Normally, the thought of having to put up with Paul Hogan for two hours would be enough keep most people away from a theatre, but Hogan and Caton as the affectionate 'squabbling old-couple' friendship is a highlight.

The premise is not overly original, a small town theatre owner (Paul Hogan) convinces a mechanic friend (Michael Caton) to pretend they are a gay couple to claim tax advantages. What follows as they try to hide their scheme from the other townsfolk, while trying to learn how to be 'gay' for the tax inspector, are the highlights of the movie. Hilarity ensues when our heroes travel to Sydney for the (gay) mardi-gras to study gay culture.

The climax is very predictable and somewhat unsatisfying, but overall the slapstick style is worth the cost of admission.

I avoided seeing Strange Bedfellows at the cinema after reading a couple of less than favourable reviews, so it was with some trepidation that I hired the DVD, however it is wonderful! As a gay man I was terrified the film would fall into gay bashing and ridicule and whilst there are some strong stereotypes represented the overall charm and message of the film is delightful. Michael Caton is terrific as Ralph, a simple mechanic from small town Australian. Ralph is the type of bloke we all want as our uncle. Honest, dependable and while a bit conservative, a man with a heart of gold. Paul Hogan (forgive me all you Hogan haters) is wonderful! I can't believe I'm saying this but the man many of us have grown to hate gives a lovely performance as Vince, the local cinema owner. 'Hoges' surprisingly gives the film real heart and shows a vulnerability I haven't seen him show before in his other work. I won't go through the story points again, other than saying Strange Bedfellows is a hilarious, grossly underrated Aussie movie and one that I'm sure will find a very loyal audience from straight, gay, lesbian, transgender movie lovers who will see this film in the spirit the filmmakers obviously made it to be. Good luck to it!

If you are looking for a gentle comedy with a warm, feel good underbelly, this is it.

Although I am a fan of the three lead actors in the film (Paul Hogan, Michael Caton and Pete Postlethwaite), I confess that before the film began I was slightly anxious that this would be a bit of a toe-curling cringe-making event that relied on wheeling out cardboard character stereotypes and putting them in lots of unbelievable 'not going to happen' silly scenarios. I was very pleasantly surprised. There are certainly some moments when I almost cringed a little too more than you are supposed to as part of the comedy but in my view the blanket of warmth running through this film carried them off.

The lead characters are backed up very well by some fine supporting performances. In particular, I liked the parts played by the hairdresser and the straight 'pub' and gay 'club' mates.

In terms of criticism, I think the script could have been a bit stronger in places and, in some parts, you have to disable your cynicism sensors when looking at the leads' very old-fashioned notions of how they think they should act to blend in as 'gay people' (but then I suppose this could fly on account of their country upbringing/lack of exposure - no offence to country folk meant here).

I would not quite rate this film as a classic in the sense that "The Full Monty" may have been, but as with that movie, I did feel quite a bit happier from the experience of watching it. If you are in the right mood for this film, you will find it very enjoyable.