This is a great comic film produced in Australia. Apparently it didn't do so well overseas, though I would have thought the basic themes of the trials and tribulations of suburbanite living, and the small man battling the large corporation would have had some universal relevance.
For those not familiar with the Australian sense of humour, this could possibly be described as similar to the US tv series "Home Improvement" (at least the early seasons when it was more farcically funny).
<Spoiler warning!>
A lot of the humour comes from the way some extraordinary information is presented in a very deadpan, matter-of-fact style. One of my favourite moments is when Kerrigan says that they had a soil sample done of their backyard a while ago. There's a major pause, then he says casually: "Have you ever heard of lead?"
Another brilliant moment comes during a courtroom scene when the incompetent lawyer tries to argue his case on the basis of "a vibe". (a slight dig at some of the amazing legal arguments used on some earlier movies and tv shows worldwide).
I think what makes this a truly brilliant film, and one that puts it way ahead of many similar low budget comedies it the great way it manages to put across some farcically comic moments, while still giving the characters some heartfelt sincerity. The character make wild assumptions and total misreadings of the situation, yet they do it with a lot of heart and conviction. THEY believe in what they do. I think this is the secret of great comedy, even of the wildest farcical kind. It's a quality few film-makers, especially rookie low budget productions, hardly ever manage; yet Working Dog Productions has succeeded without question. Top marks guys, on a job very well done!
For those not familiar with the Australian sense of humour, this could possibly be described as similar to the US tv series "Home Improvement" (at least the early seasons when it was more farcically funny).
<Spoiler warning!>
A lot of the humour comes from the way some extraordinary information is presented in a very deadpan, matter-of-fact style. One of my favourite moments is when Kerrigan says that they had a soil sample done of their backyard a while ago. There's a major pause, then he says casually: "Have you ever heard of lead?"
Another brilliant moment comes during a courtroom scene when the incompetent lawyer tries to argue his case on the basis of "a vibe". (a slight dig at some of the amazing legal arguments used on some earlier movies and tv shows worldwide).
I think what makes this a truly brilliant film, and one that puts it way ahead of many similar low budget comedies it the great way it manages to put across some farcically comic moments, while still giving the characters some heartfelt sincerity. The character make wild assumptions and total misreadings of the situation, yet they do it with a lot of heart and conviction. THEY believe in what they do. I think this is the secret of great comedy, even of the wildest farcical kind. It's a quality few film-makers, especially rookie low budget productions, hardly ever manage; yet Working Dog Productions has succeeded without question. Top marks guys, on a job very well done!