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Reviews
Cheaper by the Dozen (2003)
a nice family movie
This movie was in some ways similar to Parenthood in its depiction of the ups and down of family life. It was perhaps more superficial than Parenthood, but similarly enjoyable.
Steve Martin's performance as the father was not quite as solid, either, and Bonnie Hunt's role as the mother was a little too sketchy, but the kids were great (although some looked a little too close in age range to be realistic).
Definitely a decent holiday movie for all the family.
Crackerjack (2002)
Surprisingly funny movie without the grossouts usually expected of Malloy.
Crackerjack is a simple but feelgood movie where the good guys are very good and the bad guys are very bad and the central character is tempted by both sides.
The combination of the central character being played by Mick Malloy and the central setting being the local lawn bowls clubs drew an unusually broad crowd ranging from large numbers of teenagers to large numbers of senior citizens - and all laughed at the comedy.
As would be expected of a movie with Mick Malloy and Judith Lucy there was quite a bit of swearing, but it was not overdone and the audience I sat with certainly enjoyed it!
Mick Malloy did a good job as the lazy bloke who joined the bowls club (three times) simply to get parking spaces (one for himself and two for leasing to others at a premium) but who has everything fall down on him when he is required to play or lose his membership.
Judith Lucy does a fine job as his local journalist/love-interest and there are fabulous performances from Bill Hunter, Frank Wilson, Monica Maughan, Lois Ramsey and many others.
John Clarke's dour role as the bad guy is not one of his funniest but he gives a solid performance.
The not so subtle swipes at pokies provide a bit of a serious note to this otherwise light comedy.
I'm sure that those who enjoyed The Castle and The Dish would also enjoy this movie.
Cane Toads: An Unnatural History (1988)
Excellent, informative and amusing
I have just seen this documentary again after a few years and realised that I had forgotten just how good it was.
The makers manage to provide us with an enormous amount of information in relation to cane toads in a short time, but do so in a way that is interesting, informative and amusing.
A wide range of people tell us the facts in relation to the introduction of the toads to Queensland, the good and bad points regarding toads and the alternative uses to which they have been put.
There are also people who tell us why they love and/or hate the toads (some particularly enjoying their by-products) and even people who talk about their mating habits (incorporating various bizarre examples).
A must see for anyone, whether interested in amphibians or not!
Pay It Forward (2000)
A movie with great potential but ultimately disappointing.
The three central actors were excellent (and I thought all were well cast). The basic premise was very interesting and initially well developed. However it seemed to lose its way in the middle. Subsequently it appeared to be coming together... then came the appalling ending making me wish I'd not gone to see the movie (and I haven't felt that way about a movie in a long time).
10/10 for the acting but overall only 5/10.