A Man's Gotta Do

I really enjoyed this movie which I saw at this years Montreal World Film Festival. John Howard, the lead actor, is hilarious, even when you can't understand what he is saying. The other actors were good, and who would of thought that a Dentist could be such a good director? The only complaint I have is that it was a little too long. The subplot involving Eddy's affair could probably be cut out, and you had to really pay attention because the audience tended to drown out some of the best lines. This comedy didn't insult you by spelling out every detail or joke. Even the audio overlay during the credits, where Eddy describes his feelings, is hilarious. If that Lawn Chair movie can make it to the US, then this one should too.

I didn't expect much, but was very pleasantly surprised. Sharp writing, terrific performances, good production values and a lot of laughs. Great to see Australians not pretending to be Americans. The director obviously has great affection for his characters and we come to share it. John Howard's reliably good (though his hilarious imitation of a cockatoo is an unexpected bonus) but the surprises are the two young people, playing Chantelle and Dominic. They are both great and we will no doubt see much more of them. Also the songs Chantelle sings are funny and spot on. I wonder if you can buy them? As long as you're not expecting car-crashes, handsome Americans who can't act or subtitles you'll love this film!

I just saw this movie at the Minneapolis/Saint Paul International Film Festival, and I was blown away. Sure, someone else reviewed it as "light." I think comedy is harder than drama: drama gets attention in the way we like to gawk at car accidents; comedy only works if the filmmakers create believable human characters.

Eddy (John Howard), the father, is a bloke's bloke. He's not good at understanding his daughter, and doesn't know why it matters so much anyway. However, he loves his daughter, so he works at it. The daughter Chantelle (Alyssa McClelland) did a wonderful job as a sensitive young woman. The mother and minor characters also have real personalities and quirks.

I also had the privilege of meeting the director, who attended the screening. He is also a dentist part-time (!), and described making a film in Australia. He gets government grants, but they are very competitive. You have to have international distribution and 30% of the budget already lined up (!). He spends years on each film, and knows none of them are going to make much money unless he gets very lucky, because they don't have wide distribution or much marketing. Australians don't seem to love Australian movies (you're never a star in your home town), so not much positive feedback there. I was impressed with his fortitude. Possibly he just likes making movies.

The characters here are beautifully drawn, interesting, and, yes, funny. The director is the kind of guy I wish would succeed in this cold world. See this movie!

Edwin Burke (John Howard) is a burly fisherman who doesn't quite understand his 20-yr-old daughter who is about to marry, and enlists young employee, Dominic (Gyton Grantley), to help him - by reading her diary. Mum, Yvonne (Rebecca Frith) is ignored by all concerned, except Paul the Plumber.

The daughter, Chantelle (Alyssa McClelland) has a friend Dolores (Amie Mckenna), and they discuss father and fiancé. A local fortune-teller uncannily predicts events.

This movie's in the likable Australian laconic, larrikan, tradition, which, while it may be rather stereotyped, is possibly worth retaining; though we may note "chicks and guys" has replaced "sheilas and blokes". The story is mildly amusing, rather than unroariously funny, but is well-acted and has its moments. ==============================================================

I thought this movie was excellent. John Howard was awesome in his role, he had the Aussie bloke role down pat, I was in stitches!

The daughter had the quirky thing going' well, I didn't really like the mother in the movie, her acting was good, just an annoying character.

I'm trying to find out if a soundtrack was released for this movie, Some of the songs the daughter was singing in the movie were really touching, geez I'm soppy!

Seriously though, don't know why people have given this such a low rating, the plot was funny - not mind boggling - there were loads of laughs, would watch it many times over.

Another Aussie must see film