Crackerjack

source: Crackerjack

Normally (and I do mean normally) Australian movie releases are poor, at best. Crackerjack would, without fail, be one of the best Australian movie I've seen in a long long time, and probably the funniest movie I've seen all year !

Crackerjack 2002 Crackerjack sees the debut of renowned Australian comedian Mick Molloy in his first ever film role, not only as the star but also the writer and producer to boot. This film illustrates the gap between generations by telling the story of an unenthusiastic bowls club member whose only objective is to sell his parking space but is then forced to play or forfeit said membership and the income that the parking space provided. Said gaps are exemplified through the elderly characters unwillingness to look to the future and maintain reminiscing about the past by having parties where they "dress as their favourite decade". However, such gaps are bridged with titter worthy comparisons to youth culture made by protagonist, Jack Simpson, the fore mentioned reluctant bowls player, who states that the elderly "pop pills like they're malteasers" allowing the audience to clap feeblemindedly as they enjoy a reference to a popular chocolate. The film itself is a typical light hearted comedy with no stimulating, or particularly intriguing plot, although in a way it's these qualities that aid the fulfilment of the criteria of such a category. The antagonist, Bernie Fowler (John Clarke) is particularly nonthreatening and therefore provides an unsatisfactory amount of conflict and, disappointingly, even resorts to a cartoon-like resolution to a restraining order by dressing up in disguise. This could be considered as being so unfunny that it works, nevertheless, in my opinion it does nothing but reach towards the ridiculous. Although, I must consider the appropriateness of such lack of conflict and reflect that it worked well in regards to create a piece which requires no huge effort to digest. However, there are some elements of the plot which aren't completely without merit; an example of such would be the issue of cancer being briefly addressed and therefore providing a realistic way of pushing forward character development in Jack. In addition to this, the father figure which character Stan Coombs (Bill Hunter) whose approval is craved by the rebellious teen of a man which is our main character; an area of the plot that is arguably slightly tedious and unsubtle, but no less heart-warming. Overall, Crackerjack is an unimpressive, unexciting, easy watch. This piece is only recommended if you're craving an uninspiring, mediocre evening; expect nothing more from this film but barely snigger inspiring, dull banter.

Coming from Oz I probably shouldn't say it but I find a lot of the local movies lacking that cohesive flow with a weak storyline. This comedy lacks in nothing. Great story, no overacting, no melodrama, just brilliant comedy as we know Oz can do it. Do yourself a favour and laugh till you drop.

Seeing this movie in previews I thought it would be witty and in good spirits. Unfortunately it was a standard case of "the funny bits were in the preview", not to say it was all bad. But "the good bits were in the preview". If you are looking for an adolescent movie that will put you to sleep then Watch this movie.

If you like Mick Molloy, find his brand of humour amusing or can take the pace (lack thereof) of a suburban David & Goliath story, then this might add up to an entertaining afternoon. Molloy is a foul-mouthed (is he ever anything else?) corporate type whose coveted car park is placed in jeopardy unless he joins the local bowls club. Becoming a member for the sole purpose of retaining his car space soon morphs into a dedicated quest to keep the club's doors open in the face of an ensuing re-development. Turns out that Molloy is as adept at jack-high as he is at bending the elbow whilst puffing darbs with the old and bolds of the conservative, ageing club. Likable idea (retaining the values of loyalty, social inclusion and community benevolence versus the anonymity and greed of corporations), realistic sets, familiar location work in Melbourne - just one aspect disappointed and that was Molloy's characterisation. I used to find his gags amusing on "The Late Show" where he was part of a talented and diverse ensemble, but on his own, his recycled jokes seem crass and mostly misfire (in my opinion). The now late Bill Hunter plays a stereotypical role as the club's determined patron and fellow comedienne and frequent Molloy collaborator Judith Lucy also appears in a prominent supporting role. If you've seen "The Castle", then the story will be familiar in both concept and the unique Australian tone, otherwise, it's not unlike "Mighty Ducks" in its sporting context. Unfortunately however, the jokes miss their target on most occasions and the end result was, for me, unsatisfying.

Crackerjack, starring Mick Malloy & Judith Lucy - both part of the cast in the early 90's Saturday night comedy show "The Late Show", Bill Hunter, an Australian movie icon and John Clarke, who we still see regularly on Australian TV along side Brian Dawe. Crackerjack, losely is about a guy in his early 30's (Jack Simpson, played by Mick Malloy) who pays his yearly memebership at the local bowls club in order to get a few car park spaces for which he uses himself and rents out to others as cheap inner city parking. The club falls on hard times, and pulls all the resources and memebers together it can, Jack gets a phone call telling him to turn up to next Saturday's bowls match or lose his membership (and conseqently his car park space) I wont spoil the rest, but the film is funny, light hearted and contains everything a good aussie film should. If your not Australian, then some of the jokes and humour will no doubt baffle you, if you are an Aussie - do yourself a favor and sit yourself down to Crackerjack.. Its now available on DVD, I already have my copy! 10/10.. Awesome flick!

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.

cast and crew if thats your first movie (mick and judith) then your off to hollywood. mick makes john beluschi look like doris day and judith has a style all of her own ( a subtle pie in the face ). i have been a critic of aussie comedy until watching this. i have bought it, its that good. any show that could have my grouchy wife and daughter in stitches (even after watching it ten times) is worthy of one of the seven wonders of the world awards. loved martins cameo. i thought bill hunter had been washed up along with frank wilson. you have brought them back to life. you can be assured that the movie will end up an icon and in years to come and tell number 1 to keep stroking that white cat. a brilliant effort from clarke. nearly as sleazy as alan rickman in his 'baddy roles'. brilliant mark francisco

Right from the start, it felt like I just needed to stretch out in a pair of old trakky pants, 'me ugg boats' and kick back to enjoy. I love Aussie films as I do not need to strain or listen hard to work out what's been said. I also love the simpleness, there is nothing glamorous about the content of this movie, it gave us a 'warts and all' impression of Melbournian inner suburban living. There was something cultural about this movie also. These were Australians that weren't trying to be anyone but themselves. The sarcasm and the jokes were flying nicely and not too much 'in ya face humour' either. Mick Molloy and Judith Lucy (both renown comedians) slid into this movie as if they both love ambling around in front of the lens. Although Mick Molloy probably knew this wasn't going to be Box office hit of the century- thanks to him and the crew for making a movie that wasn't seriously insulting our sense of humour.