Backyard Ashes

This very funny backyard movie is a revelation in home grown film making. A National past time in Australia is Backyard Cricket. Also, Internationally each year teams play in huge stadiums and it is all televised daily across Summer. For anyone who does not know Cricket, especially in the USA, this film won't play well. But for British and probably Indian / Pakistani families, this film will be a scream Here is a film that combines working class comedy and family with sharp satire and a lot of Aussie suburban sports slang most successfully. Imagine THE FULL MONTY mixed with THE CASTLE and KENNY and played in a backyard during a game of Neighbour/Employer cricket. I personally do not like cricket and could not care less about it on TV and in matches that go for days. However, this hilarious 85 minute micro movie transcends all barriers just by being funny and good natured. A strong silly script, ripe performances and sunny satire, nice kids and surprising digital sharp picture and sound, BACKYARD ASHES is a school holiday movie delight and easy to have the family laughing out loud. A big hit in regional cinemas, suburban audiences will also lap it up if given the chance.

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!!!!

This was a Tuesday night movie mid-February 2025. Watched on ABC iView.

A nostalgic trip down memory lane of Australian comedies and cricket. We're in "The Castle" (1997) territory here. The banter and ribbing between friends is pushed to the limit here, seemingly too much at times, but I think that is the point.

Parody is the game here, alongside cricket! Even the title is a pun.

And yet there is a wonderful warmth in the acting and storytelling. The villain is indeed villainous, and our hero is struggling and almost gives up. But watch this to the very end - as it weaves its tragic, groan-inducing, hilarious magic - it ends surprisingly well.

This is a celebration of everything Australia once was and a wistful ode for contemporary life.

Highly recommended.

No animals were harmed in the writing of this review.

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.

It was an excellent movie. Short summery a 'whinging pommie' and a 'dinkum Aussie' sort the differences in backyard cricket. The movie itself was a good small budget comedy that unlike others really delivers not only a good laugh but conveys a message about how a person who you don't like can become a friend. The whole setting is a typical Aussie setup none other than backyard cricket. They have nicknames based on popular cricketers such as Dougie waters 'Dougie Walters' and 'pidge 'pigeon aka Glenn McGrath' the whole movie is basically dedicated to the Aussie bloke who loves playing or have played backyard cricket with mates. A must see for a comedy fan!!!

Overall 10/10 A good laugh and a great small budget film!