I'd been patiently waiting for weeks for this Aussie gem to come out on Netflix which was just released on the 1st of February.
Turned into a feature by writer and star Luke Saliba after creating a successful short film based around the central character Rey, an introverted and shy photocopy salesman in search of his mojo or "mana".
Rey used to dream of becoming a wrestler but as he grew older his dream seemed to disappear along with his mana. Working at a photocopier and printing company he teams up with his best mate Wade, John Tui, to get his mana back and find the girl of his dreams.
This film is full of wacky characters and hilarious moments as Rey journeys towards becoming a man. His mothers boyfriend, ex-wrestler Terry, played by Gary Sweet, mentors him towards his goal, making for some great comedy between the two.
To me the winner of the film is the relationship between the two best pals Rey and Wade. The pair make a hilarious comedy duo and Wade does a wonderful job as the supportive friend.
What I loved about this movie were the subtle moments of comedy genius, the setups (visual as well as dialogue), the punchlines, but most of all, the reactions. Rey's awkward gasps and noises were delightfully entertaining. Director Jo-Anne Brechin did a masterful job of allowing the space for each joke to land. Her vision for telling the story was executed and delivered to perfection. The soundtrack was also likeable.
You have to see this movie. It's set in Geelong but could be anywhere in Australia especially say the western suburbs of Sydney. I loved the Polynesian family in this film and the rugby game had me laughing out loud and almost waking up my neighbours.
This is definitely an Australian film, but seeing one with such a diverse cast, especially for the lead, really levels up what Australian comedy could be and can be. I want to see more diverse cast members especially in lead roles like in Paper Champions.
Well done to Luke Saliba and Erin Saliba, who plays another hilarious character, Steph, the HR lady in the office, for making this film. They have set a new standard for Independent film in Australia.
I hope they release this in the cinemas as it deserves to be up on the big screen but until then you can catch it on Netflix!
Turned into a feature by writer and star Luke Saliba after creating a successful short film based around the central character Rey, an introverted and shy photocopy salesman in search of his mojo or "mana".
Rey used to dream of becoming a wrestler but as he grew older his dream seemed to disappear along with his mana. Working at a photocopier and printing company he teams up with his best mate Wade, John Tui, to get his mana back and find the girl of his dreams.
This film is full of wacky characters and hilarious moments as Rey journeys towards becoming a man. His mothers boyfriend, ex-wrestler Terry, played by Gary Sweet, mentors him towards his goal, making for some great comedy between the two.
To me the winner of the film is the relationship between the two best pals Rey and Wade. The pair make a hilarious comedy duo and Wade does a wonderful job as the supportive friend.
What I loved about this movie were the subtle moments of comedy genius, the setups (visual as well as dialogue), the punchlines, but most of all, the reactions. Rey's awkward gasps and noises were delightfully entertaining. Director Jo-Anne Brechin did a masterful job of allowing the space for each joke to land. Her vision for telling the story was executed and delivered to perfection. The soundtrack was also likeable.
You have to see this movie. It's set in Geelong but could be anywhere in Australia especially say the western suburbs of Sydney. I loved the Polynesian family in this film and the rugby game had me laughing out loud and almost waking up my neighbours.
This is definitely an Australian film, but seeing one with such a diverse cast, especially for the lead, really levels up what Australian comedy could be and can be. I want to see more diverse cast members especially in lead roles like in Paper Champions.
Well done to Luke Saliba and Erin Saliba, who plays another hilarious character, Steph, the HR lady in the office, for making this film. They have set a new standard for Independent film in Australia.
I hope they release this in the cinemas as it deserves to be up on the big screen but until then you can catch it on Netflix!