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Because,
when it boils down to it, if the average Aussie punter is unwilling to
spend their cash on a high concept mainstream comedy (with actual
familiar and bankable faces)... then our industry could well be headed
for the graveyard once and for all.
Directed by Dean Murphy (who also headed the Paul Hogan / Michael Caton bomb Strange Bedfellows) Charlie & Boots is
genuinely funny and heartfelt movie with easily the most impressive
display of Australian geography since Baz Lurhman pissed $130M away on Australia.
In the flick Paul Hogan plays Charlie McFarland and Shane Jacobson plays his estranged son, Boots.
After
a family tragedy Charlie and Boots try and put their differences aside
and head off on the road trip of a lifetime - from regional Victoria to
the Cape York Peninsula - where they overcome a mountain of challenges
to reach their destination in order to fish off the northern most tip
of Australia.
Charlie & Boots
is a classic Aussie yarn, the ultimate male bonding story which is both
funny and touching in equal parts. Mums will love it, and (if you're
like me) Dad's and sons will see it as a mirror of their own
lives.
It is, in every sense, a family classic in the waiting.
That said, much like with the aforementioned Australia, there is part of me that wonders whether I really did like Charlie & Boots... or simply just wanted to.
Had this been "just another" American flick, would I rip apart at it's obvious flaws?
Would
I point out the lack of consistency with the "Road Trip" genre (wacky
scene, followed by deep and meaningful scene, and so on)? Do I point
out the embarrassing use of out-dated Aussie stereotypes? Do I suggest
that the flick only hits it's actual comedy stride in the last 20
minutes?
Perhaps...
But we are Aussies, and self-preserving pride is bound to kick in. So as it stands - there is a lot to like here.
The
chemistry between Jacobson and Hogan is wonderful, they are easily two
of the most likable on screen personalities to hit our screens in
years. It doesn't hurt that Roy Billings (last seen in Underbelly 2) pops up with a magnificent cameo either.
There
is a genuineness about them both that is simply priceless. Their
handling of the dramatic scenes are wonderful, touching and really
gives Charlie & Boots an edge that most comedies don't seem to have.
Charlie & Boots
isn't perfect, but it's as feel good and enjoyable as any other flick
of it's ilk - and easily one of the most broadly appealing Australian
films since Crackerjack.
It's a good sign of things to come. DVD Special Features
You've got to give it to them for trying. On paper, everything about Charlie & Boots
worked, but paper doesn't always translate into bums on seats (with the
flicks struggling to hit the $3.5 Million mark... it was expected to
make at least $8 million).
That said, the extras are plentiful
and enjoyable at that (thanks largely to the non stop gags from Shane
Jacobson). Included here are a bunch of Webisodes (Paul & Shane -
The Dynamic Duo,
Locals explain the film, Jess's Song, Giddy Up, and much more), and
excellent piece from 60
Minutes on Paul Hogan & Shane Jacobson, plus a Showtime Special which includes
Interviews, Behind the Scenes, Red Carpet, Coverage, Audio Commentary
with Paul Hogan and Shane Jacobson.
Well worth investing in and re-discovering on DVD down the track.
Conclusion:
Movie 70% Extras: 75%
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