Best movie of this year hands down!

Must See Movie...

The film makes a home in your brain and the only cure is to see it again.

Let me be very fair here, this is not the best movie in my opinion. But, this movie is fun, it has purpose and is very enjoyable to watch.

Crackerjack has a wonderful cast of Australian actors covering a very Australian subject of a sporting club struggling to survive and remain relevant in Australia. This film is an absolute gem from start to finish. The standout is Mick Molloy cast as the lead in a role which is perfect for his self effacing , lets have some fun demeanor. He is the gel that pulls the film along and takes you for the ride as the other legends of Australian film and TV play their parts to perfection. The film delivers a strong message that the places and people you take for granted today may not be there tomorrow and the world will be a poorer place for it. So like Jack , if the opportunity arises to keep something worthwhile going, take the challenge and be part of something that can be really great.

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.

I was very impressed with the latest production from Mick Molloy. As a fan of his, I was used to a different kind of humour than displayed here. He wisely opted with a more subtle, broad style of comedy in Crackerjack, rather than his usual low brow, in-your-face ramblings. It is, at times, inconsistent and un-even, but a decent script works past that, and makes for some entertaining viewing. Directed by Paul Moloney (who has directed almost every Australian TV series imaginable), Crackerjack tells the story of Jack Simpson, a bloke that belongs to his local bowls club for the sole reason of parking. When the club hits financial trouble, he is forced to bowl competitively in an attempt to raise the funds to save the club from becoming a poker machine haven. A familiar, and successful formula, that is handled well. There is no denying that the film owes it's success to the great casting of Molloy. He seemed to have a great rapport with Samuel Johnson, and excellent chemistry with Judith Lucy, and while the character is probably not a far stretch from his own personality, you can't help but wonder why he hadn't tried his arm at film earlier. To smooth out the in-experienced cast, the delightful Frank Wilson and Bill Hunter support, and often steal their scenes. They are two fine actors and the pair cruise through their roles with ease. Had it not been for the huge success of 'My Big Fat Greek Wedding', Crackerjack would have made it to number 1 at the Australian box office, but when you consider what he film is about and who is involved, even making it to number 2 was an outstanding effort. All in all, a witty, feel-good movie. Great cast, great crew, and a great soundtrack, combine to make one of the better Australian films of 2002. 7/10.

I was reticent to see this flick before reading the external reviews and user comments posted here. Why? Firstly because Mick Malloy's humour can (in my humble opinion) be pretty crass and over the top, evidenced by his ill fated shemozzle of a television show some years back. And secondly because good Aussie comedy films are sadly as rare as the Tassie Tiger. Sensibly Mick has restrained his natural comedic exuberance in this surprisingly watchable movie. Who would have thought that a bowls club would provide the setting for one of the funniest Australian films in years. The cast is excellent with familiar local old timers all putting in believable performances. Interesting to see John Clarke playing the villain in this piece. It's a one dimensional part but JC still adds a touch of class, as always. Good to see Judith Lucy also getting a Guernsey or should I saw bowls uniform on the big screen. She's a real talent, pity a number of her retorts were expletives. Her own material is a lot wittier. Interesting character though. Bowls reporter on a local rag. How low on the journalist food chain can one get!!Crackerjack may not be the funniest film I've seen this year but it's certainly an enjoyable diversion, well worth a look. Lots of other people obviously agree with me as it's headed to be the biggest grossing Australian film this year. Good to see someone finally make a quirky, gentle comedy without trying to sledgehammer the laughs like so many Australian 'comedies' before it. Finally a bit of trivia. If you're wondering which Aussie Rules team Mick supports check out the flag on his workstation. Also look out for his old partner in crime, Tony Martin doing the announcing in the final bowls scene.