An Exercise In Nonsense

There is just so much movie here. For some it may be too much. But in the same secretly sarcastic way most telemarketers say the phrase, the title of this one is particularly apt.

a film so unique, intoxicating and bizarre that it not only demands another viewing, but is also forgivable as a satirical comedy where the jokes eventually take the back seat.

Through painfully honest and emotional moments, the movie becomes irresistibly relatable

Forget Chuck and Larry. When you have Ralph and Vince, you have it all. These two made for some of the funniest comedy I have seen out of Australia.Vince (Paul Hogan) has tax problems and the Australian government has just passed a law that allows same-sex couples a tax break - and it's retroactive. Scheming to save his arse, Vince convinces his best mate Ralph (Michael Caton) to pretend to be a same-sex couple to get the break.Laughs ensue as they try to hide their secret from the local town folk, and get ready for an audit to prove they are actually gay. They enlist the help of the only know gay in town, predictable the hairdresser, and find out a clever secret he has been hiding. He helps them, and they go to Sidney to immerse themselves in gay culture before the tax man cometh.While this is going on, Ralph's daughter is coming for a visit to introduce her partner. Everything comes together at the Fireman's Ball with Ralph and Vince, the whole town, the hairdresser, and a select few from Sydney, and, oh yes, Ralph's daughter and partner coming together.Great fun!

Following in the footsteps of "The Castle" and "Crackerjack" comes another sweet-humored Australian comedy.Normally, the thought of having to put up with Paul Hogan for two hours would be enough keep most people away from a theatre, but Hogan and Caton as the affectionate 'squabbling old-couple' friendship is a highlight.The premise is not overly original, a small town theatre owner (Paul Hogan) convinces a mechanic friend (Michael Caton) to pretend they are a gay couple to claim tax advantages. What follows as they try to hide their scheme from the other townsfolk, while trying to learn how to be 'gay' for the tax inspector, are the highlights of the movie. Hilarity ensues when our heroes travel to Sydney for the (gay) mardi-gras to study gay culture.The climax is very predictable and somewhat unsatisfying, but overall the slapstick style is worth the cost of admission.

To be part of a laughing cinema audience is a joy. Watching the new movie from Dean Murphy, 'Strange Bedfellows' with a mixed group of all ages, all constantly cackling was a fantastic night out. Wonderful acting by many easily recognised Australian faces, with a generous dose of local extras, makes this a perfect movie. This film shows one of our beautiful, small country towns, as Australian living at its best. The central theme of grappling with gayness is handled superbly.

I did not know what to expect when I went to see this movie at a Charity screening last Sunday. What I saw was such a wonderful, hugely funny film that had me gasping for breath at various times during the movie.Hogan and Caton are magnificent. Hogan gives us the Hoges that we love and Caton provides a wonderfully acted performance. The two are just such a wonderful team and the comedy that produce together just made my sides hurt from laughing so much. The real joy from this movie is that it not only provides the laughs but it also gives a gentle message and touching moments within it. It left you feeling happy but touched at the same time.I thoroughly recommend this movie. It's so good to laugh that much.