Charlie & Boots

Review by Sean Lynch

Exclusive Interview : Shane Jacobson - Charlie & Boots

There is no such thing as a sure thing show business - it's a phrase uttered even less in the Australian film industry.

But if you were a betting man, surely the teaming of two of Australian film's most iconic faces is the closest Australia could possibly get to finally breaking through to a mainstream audience.

After all, Jacobson and Hogan are hilarious together - "Kenny" and "Crocodile Dundee", how can you possibly go wrong?

Thus, the challenge is set for Charlie & Boots - a film destined to be remembered more for it's success or failure at the box office, than it's success or failure on the screen itself.

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.

3 out of 5

Charlie & Boots
Australian release: 3rd September, 2009
Official Site: Charlie & Boots
Cast: Paul Hogan, Shane Jacobson, Morgan Griffin, Roy Billing
Director: Dean Murphy