The Castle
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Movie Reviews of The Castle
Movie Review: A whole lot of SERENITY
Summary: 5 Stars
The movie is about the Kerrigans, an Australian family who live next to the Airport. Darryl Kerrigan - "back bone of the family", is a tow truck driver who enjoys simple pleasures of life and takes pride in whatever he and his family of six does. Sal - "Mum, is the other bones - all of them" enjoys crafts and wants to take up pottery. Steve - the ideas man is the second son, an apprentice mechanic who spends all his time reading the "Trading Post" and always on a lookout for bargains, and conjures up new 2-in-1 tools. Tracey - a fully qualified hair dresser, the only daughter and also the only member who had tertiary education, she is married to Con who is a kick boxer. Wayne the oldest son - "black sheep of the family", in jail for eight years for armed robbery. And Dale - the narrator of the story, is the youngest son and a little slow on things.
One day in June, a knock at the door changed the Kerrigans happy home - The Castle. A kick-out notice from the local council that their house is "Compulsorily acquired" to support the extension of the airport to build the largest freight handling facility in the southern hemisphere.
The movie moves on with Darryl's struggle and fight to save his "Castle" as the leader of the four houses who have been given the eviction notice and with the help of a unexpected someone ends with ...
Darryl's optimism, the Kerrigans faith in Darryl and his principles and the strong family ties are the binding element of this lovely family and the movie. The well woven characters are complimented by a great performance from the entire cast.
Dale's billiards trick shot, the "good" conversation between Dale and Wayne, the on-going bargain hunting conversations between Steve and his father and their purchase of the ergonomic chairs are to name a few subtle funny moments.
A feel-good movie with the message that good things happen to good people is a must watch.
The original Australian version of this movie is highly recommended.
"Kalispera".
Movie Review: An Australian Jewel!!
Summary: 5 Stars
As a resident of Australia, I can proudly say to all of you non Aussie film buffs out there that this little gem from Oz is one of the best films to leave our shores in a long while. While it never manages to take an alternative path from the wacky, quirky theme that most Australian film makers seem glued to, this particular film is the only one that is heartbreakingly close to the way your average Aussie suburbanite speaks, thinks and lives.It was such a success here in Australia because it hit so close to the bone without being nasty or contrived! It is an incredibly funny and sensitive film of the little guy daring to think big and pulling it off. Working Dog is the company who wrote and directed this masterpiece, and they are considered legends of legends here for their ability to make us laugh at ourselves (they currently produce a hit Australian television show called 'The Panel' and have recently released their second movie called 'The Dish')
Many American viewers have said that this is very 'English' humour. After a trip to the USA and being confused as english on many occasions, I can understand how so many of you make that mistake. This is not english humour at all. Any Aussie will tell you that this is a true blue, corker, ripper, beaut of Aussie style humour. The other misconception, is that this movie really exaggerates the characters. Hate to tell the rest of the world this...but many Aussies really are like this. That's why we here 'Down Under' find this flick so ... funny.
Yes America I am from Melbourne (where this film was made), but don't [upset me] and pronounce it 'Mel-born'. The right way is 'Mel-benn'...and it's a right dandy place if I do say so myself! It has just been voted one of the top 5 cities in the world to live!
I recommend this movie to anyone who needs a good laugh and enjoys a movie on a more human scale.
Movie Review: This one is going straight to the pool room!
Summary: 5 Stars
Qantas Airlines keeps "The Castle" as regular fare on its cabin-wide Video On Demand service. While one's interest is piqued by the blurb that touts the film as ""the funniest Australian film ever made," it sounded like the usual publicist's hype. Wrong. This *is* the funniest Australian film ever made and if you want to drop the "Australian" qualifier, I don't think the reviewers on this page would protest much.
I will say that Qantas features the Australian version of the film. Judging by what others had said on these pages, if the geniuses at Miramax felt it necessary to dub lines for the US release so we thick-headed Americans didn't have to put up with the way these foreigners speak English, then they made a colossal blunder. Just show us the movie. We can handle it. This decision was obviously a small part of a failed marketing campaign by Miramax. Despite blowing out the Australian box office with a gross that exceeded the film's budget by 10x, the US gross (according to Box Office Mojo) was $887K.
Luckily, "The Castle" has developed a cult following and a signficant post-run shelf-life. Adam Sandler and Rob Scheider are huge fans, and Roger Ebert includes it in his "festivals" of under-appreciated classics. And, if Qantas keeps it regular rotation, the word is certain to spread even further.
Oh, here's another reason to watch: look for an young Eric Bana in a supporting role as new son-in-law Con Petropolous.
Movie Review: Ignorance is bliss... and this is proof.
Summary: 5 Stars
I was not at all surprised to love this film - it is as dry as any good British or Australian comedy (which are my favorite kinds), as unpretentiously clever, and funny and lighthearted without being fluff. To compare "The Castle" with two other notable Australian comedies - it's not as bleak as "Muriel's Wedding," and the characters' collective ignorance is more charming than pitiful; and its cartoonish style isn't quite as animated as "Strictly Ballroom," but the personalities are farcical just the same. The cast is excellent, each character painfully normal, and not a set of folk you would see in the average Hollywood film.
Michael Caton is flawless as the simple and proud head of a barely average family who fights to save a mediocre home next to the airport. We groan and snicker as with oblivious earnestness Caton's youngest son gives us a tour of their life, from family visits with his convict brother to their weekends at their vacation property (a trailer next to a swamp). It seems pitiable at first, but as the father's warmth and devotion to his family is demonstrated, and his optimism keeps them afloat, one can't help but develop an appreciation for his particular blend of ignorance and sentimentality. For how many people could have it hammered into their heads that the home encompassing everything they've struggled to create is worthless, yet still insist it's a castle?
Movie Review: "It's the vibe of the thing."
Summary: 5 Stars
The Castle is an absolute delight from start to finish, a good-natured, open-hearted no-budget Australian comedy shot in 11 days that really works, not least because you really love the characters. They may live in a less than des res at the end of a runway and have worse taste than trailer trash, but they're truly happy with their lot and each other so you find yourself laughing with them as much as at them as they fight a compulsory purchase order on their `castle' with the aid of their lawyer who can't even get his photocopier to work properly, let alone interpret law beyond `the vibe.' It breaks a lot of the rules of construction, relying heavily on narration and repetition, but it really works. Easily the most joyously likeable film I've seen in ages, it'll leave you with a huge grin on your face and feeling great.
The DVD is the US version of the film, but unlike most Miramax acquisitions, the changes are fairly minor - one scene is slightly (but typically unnecessarily) shortened (when Tracey is doing Sal's hair while Darryl and the boys fish), the other changes mostly minor dialogue changes from Strine phrases that might leave US viewers scratching their heads. However, if you've got a multi-region machine, seek out the Australian PAL 'Remastered and Replastered' edition, which boasts a much better widescreen transfer and is completely uncut.