Crackerjack (2002)

8/10

Surprisingly funny movie without the grossouts usually expected of Malloy.

suzannebyrne1 November 2002

Crackerjack is a simple but feelgood movie where the good guys are very good and the bad guys are very bad and the central character is tempted by both sides.

The combination of the central character being played by Mick Malloy and the central setting being the local lawn bowls clubs drew an unusually broad crowd ranging from large numbers of teenagers to large numbers of senior citizens - and all laughed at the comedy.

As would be expected of a movie with Mick Malloy and Judith Lucy there was quite a bit of swearing, but it was not overdone and the audience I sat with certainly enjoyed it!

Mick Malloy did a good job as the lazy bloke who joined the bowls club (three times) simply to get parking spaces (one for himself and two for leasing to others at a premium) but who has everything fall down on him when he is required to play or lose his membership.

Judith Lucy does a fine job as his local journalist/love-interest and there are fabulous performances from Bill Hunter, Frank Wilson, Monica Maughan, Lois Ramsey and many others.

John Clarke's dour role as the bad guy is not one of his funniest but he gives a solid performance.

The not so subtle swipes at pokies provide a bit of a serious note to this otherwise light comedy.

I'm sure that those who enjoyed The Castle and The Dish would also enjoy this movie.

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7/10

Bowls Buster Of A Movie

lloyd21927 November 2002

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.

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8/10

One of the Better Auusie Movies

andrewb2326 January 2006

This is the first feature film from Australian comedian Mick Molloy. Mick wrote the film with his brother Richard with help from John Clarke, another comedian and actor. Mick & John also have starring roles along with several other iconic Australian actors - Bill Hunter, Frank Wilson et al. The basic premise of the movie is that slimy Jack Simpson (Mick Molloy) has become a member of a Lawn Bowls Club for the sole purpose of getting a free car park near his work. The Club is in dire financial straits and calls on Jack to help. John Clarke plays the clubs arch nemesis - he is trying to take the club over and turn it into a "Poker Machine Slum" Jack and the other club members band together to try and save the club with many funny twists and turns and Jacks eventual redemption. This is quite a clever little movie. It is well above Mick Molloys usual gutter humor. It is pretty well written and well acted. The older Aussie actors are brilliant (Bill Hunter, Frank Wilson Monica Maughan and ors) The film meanders along rather then going at break neck pace, but that adds to the charm of the movie. There is low level coarse language.

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Mick Molloy -- A comedic genius.

The-Gent4 December 2002

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.

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7/10

Unique

e_e_manny30 December 2006

Crackerjack is another classic Aussie film. As so many Australian films like The Castle, The Dish and Sunday Too Far Away, it goes somewhere that hasn't been widely explored in film before, this time it is the game of Lawn Bowls and bowling clubs. Crackerjack is a much slower paced sports movie than many you will find such as Remember the Titans or Million Dollar Babybut the characters involved are athletes in their own right. This movie is a show case of a large area of Australian culture and features a sport that is popular and on the rise of popularity in Australia. Mick Molloy presents a classic, unforgettable character. It really is a must see.

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7/10

Hilarious Aussie humour

neale-whittaker7 March 2011

Crackerjack was a refreshingly light hearted film about a couple of blokes, both old and young who just want to play bowls.

I liked the concept of the film, my grandfather and i watched it and we both found it easily relate-able, so i'd imagine they tailored the film to suit a wide range of age's.

i also liked how they addressed peoples addiction to poker machines and other electronic gambling devices instead of getting outside and being active. Which i immediately linked to the issue with kids and there addiction to gaming devices instead of going outside and being kids.

The story line didn't grab as much as i would have liked, however i thought the humour had great rhythm and hilarious one liners that i now use! great film to watch if you want to relax your brain for a few hours and have a laugh!

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10/10

A slice from the wheel of cheese..

jamesjw11 May 2003

Crackerjack, starring Mick Malloy & Judith Lucy - both part of the cast in the early 90's Saturday night comedy show "The Late Show", Bill Hunter, an Australian movie icon and John Clarke, who we still see regularly on Australian TV along side Brian Dawe.

Crackerjack, losely is about a guy in his early 30's (Jack Simpson, played by Mick Malloy) who pays his yearly memebership at the local bowls club in order to get a few car park spaces for which he uses himself and rents out to others as cheap inner city parking.

The club falls on hard times, and pulls all the resources and memebers together it can, Jack gets a phone call telling him to turn up to next Saturday's bowls match or lose his membership (and conseqently his car park space)

I wont spoil the rest, but the film is funny, light hearted and contains everything a good aussie film should.

If your not Australian, then some of the jokes and humour will no doubt baffle you, if you are an Aussie - do yourself a favor and sit yourself down to Crackerjack.. Its now available on DVD, I already have my copy!

10/10.. Awesome flick!

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7/10

A cult comedy film for lawn bowls aficionados?

Groverdox12 April 2023

I have loved Mick Molloy, Tony Martin and Judith Lucy, in addition to the rest of the D-Generation, for almost my whole life now, having started my love affair with these comedians at about the age of seven.

I never saw "Crackerjack" before, though, and I'm not sure why. Was it because Mick fell on hard times after "The Late Show" and "Martin Molloy"? Some of you may still be unfortunate enough to remember "The Mick Molloy Show", which was so laid back and lazy in execution it felt like they weren't even trying.

It might also have been because the movie is about lawn bowls, surely one of the top three most boring spectator sports ever invented, alongside golf and cricket.

It's true that you do need some understanding of bowls to follow the movie's climactic scenes (an understanding I don't have, nor care to acquire).

The movie begs the comparison to "Happy Gilmore", but in Australia with bowls instead of golf. However, whereas "Gilmore" went all out with typical Adam Sandler goofiness, "Crackerjack" is in some ways an affectionate homage to the culture of lawn bowls clubs for senior citizens. It's actually kind of realistic, which I wasn't expecting.

The movie's pretty funny at times, though never hilarious. The humour is light and ever-present, but I only found myself laughing a few times.

Seems strange to say, but I think "Crackerjack" may have been made with a very specific audience in mind: lawn bowls enthusiasts. It has just the right amount of realism and affection that I bet elderly folks down at the bowls club would love it.

And you know, I have to hand it to filmmakers who are that true to their purpose that they make a film for such a specific crowd of people, and one which is sure to please them.

Not that the rest of us can't enjoy it too.

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10/10

Classic Mick Molloy.

UselessRob12 March 2003

WORTH IT FOR: If not for Mick Molloy's work, then for Judith Lucy. She brings her usual classy style of unbridled foul-mouthery to the role, and steals the show in parts.

IMHO: I'm not much of an autograph hunter, but I have collected 3. The first is Samuel L. Jackson's, the other 2 are in this movie: Tony Martin and Mick Molloy. Altho Martin only makes a cameo appearance, Molloy not only stars but co-wrote and co-produced this flick. I've been a fan of their for years now (apparently I was the only one laughing during the on-set urination in the first episode of the short lived The Mick Molloy Show), so I went in to this with high expectations. I'm happy to say I wasn't disappointed. With Mick doing a lot of the work on this thing there's plenty of his usual trademarks. Phrases like "blow it out your arse" and "these bowls are s***house" are all over the place, aswell as plenty of Winnie Blues being sucked down. It's also the sort of stupid, original story you'd expect from someone like him. This is like one of those cliqued, American, sporting comedies where they make a baseball team out of prisoners or something. But rather than trying to make a dull American sport like baseball or gridiron interesting, this movie focuses on a sport usually left to grey army: Lawn Bowls. But the main difference between this and other sporting type comedies is that this is actually very, very funny. What's even better is that even tho the subject of this movie is a young lout joining an old folks game, it's never insulting to the elderly, and it never gets sickeningly soppy or anything. It's just good laughs at genuine 1972 prices. Mick is great in the first real acting role I've ever seen him in, as is Judith Lucy and the rest of the cast, but then most of them have had a lot of practice... This is the best Australian comedy I've seen in a long time. Go see it and learn the joys of Lawn Bowls!

IT'S A BIT LIKE: Major League?

SCORE: 8 / 10

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6/10

DVD Review - Flawed and routine, but worth a look

Marco_Trevisiol14 February 2005

Warning: Spoilers

WARNING: Contains Spoilers

I managed to watch Mick Molloy's film on DVD for the first time a while back. For those who don't know it's about a call centre worker (Molloy) who gets hooked up into the world of Lawn Bowls after the club finds out he's been a member of their club for several years just so he could profit from the inner-city parking space at the club.

I'd seen this film before on tape a few months back and on repeated viewings, it holds up quite well. It's never hilarious but it does have some amusing and memorable scenes.

My favourite is the team meeting in the call centre because it's based on truth. Anyone who's worked in an office environment can relate to the pretentiousness of the supervisor who rates each of the calls the workers up to the decimal point (e.g. 85.17%). It also illustrates the alienating nature of these places very well.

But there are some significant weaknesses in this film - the romance between Molloy and Judith Lucy's character is a complete bust - formulaic and routine in the extreme. There is no chemistry between the two (heaven forbid) and just seems to be put in there because the filmmakers felt it "obligatory" to have a love interest. When they do kiss at the end of the film it almost seems like a spoof of films that have the female and male lead kiss during the happy ending.

And Molloy's acting performance is a mixed bag - on one of the commentary tracks he wasn't originally intended to be the lead in the film. Perhaps it would've been better if he hadn't have been. He's good when it comes to some of the comic aspects of the film (especially the team meeting scene), but is unconvincing during the dramatic scenes in the film - acting like he's in a Late Show sketch instead of a proper character.

The plot line and trajectory for this film is predictable from an early stage - I've seen this innumerable times before in run-of-the-mill Hollywood productions. It was so obvious that the entire film would end with the club's future resting on the final bowl of the tournament and Molloy having the chance to win the championship... can you guess whether he wins it or not? And the way the elderly members of the club is also a mixed bag - in certain scenes the film tries to make them into real flesh-and-blood characters, in others they go for easy laughs by relying on stereotypes of old people (really slow drivers, pedantic, prejudiced against younger people). All in all, the film treats them pretty well and people like Bill Hunter are given the chance to deliver fine performances.

John Clarke's performance as the bad guy looking to take over the club for his own purposes is a definite plus. I think the reason why it's so good is said by the director in the commentary - because he underplays a role which could easily have turned into a vicious, snarling thug. Clarke avoids the obvious path and as result comes up with a sophisticated, impressive performance.

I think the film's best strength is the comments and observations it makes on society today. It shows the appeal of the friendly, sociable atmosphere of Molloy's bowls club compared to the pokies infested, garishly designed structure of the upmarket Boggara bowls club where the finale is held.

I especially liked how talkback radio was inserted (usually as a link between scenes) where inane talkback callers spiel all their prejudices against the usual suspects (refugees, the unions while the shock-jock radio announcer unsurprisingly agrees were put into the film.) However, a lot of these social issues brought up are cast aside due to the obligatory 'happy ending. I mean, what if Molloy hadn't managed to win the match with his final 'flipper' and win the title and, hence, save the club? It would've meant that the Clarke would've got his wishes and the club would've been taken over into a pokies venue (or closed down).

As for the DVD itself, it has many features. The most noticeable feature was that there were two commentary tracks on the DVD. One featured Molloy and his brother (co-writer) as well as Judith Lucy; at first the Molloys provide some interesting insights into the ideas of the film, but then it becomes like a Martin/Molloy show in the 2nd half which is often amusing but the film is barely discussed. But that doesn't matter as the 2nd commentary (with the director and others) discusses the film in substantial detail. So they complement each other well.

And then there are 5 deleted scenes (with commentary) and probably two of them could've been kept in the film. Thankfully, the segment with Prince Phillip's hat wasn't.

And they also have the original theatrical trailer for the film, which actually made the film less appealing then what it actually was.

All in all, this isn't a bad film, notable as being virtually the only Australian film in the last 18 months to gain any significant response from the Australian public.

But one hopes Molloy sets his sights higher for his next script.

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5/10

Worthwhile watch, but poor dialogue and acting

faded2314 July 2003

I watched this film expecting an 'OK' Aussie comedy about a bowling club. That is exactly what it is. The film is filled with many laughable moments and interesting characters. The music is also catchy and there is clean cinematography. However, the plot is too predictable and the dialogue is very unpolished.

Most of the acting is appalling and not convincing - especially by lead character Mick Molloy (playing Jack Simpson). This, in combination with bad dialogue, ruins the most of the movie. I felt myself cringing at too many lines that were poorly executed. Like Mick Molly, Monica Maughan (Eileen) and Samuel Johnson's (Dave Jackson) characters were also more irritating than entertaining. John Clarke (Bernie Fowler) made an excellent performance, and in my opinion, saved the film.

Overall, this film is still worth a rental as it delivers many laughs. However, it could have been a lot better if more attention was paid to dialogue and acting.

Rating: 5/10

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8/10

Comical satire, Good incite to world of bowling club mentality.

ozdogster17 November 2002

A very comical but down to earth look into the behind the scene workings of an Australian bowling club. The way they deal with various problems such as takeovers, memberships and general running of the club, not to mention the car parking dilemma was well scripted.

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5/10

Barely Cracks A Smile

sophie_summerfield19 December 2012

Crackerjack 2002

Crackerjack sees the debut of renowned Australian comedian Mick Molloy in his first ever film role, not only as the star but also the writer and producer to boot. This film illustrates the gap between generations by telling the story of an unenthusiastic bowls club member whose only objective is to sell his parking space but is then forced to play or forfeit said membership and the income that the parking space provided.

Said gaps are exemplified through the elderly characters unwillingness to look to the future and maintain reminiscing about the past by having parties where they "dress as their favourite decade". However, such gaps are bridged with titter worthy comparisons to youth culture made by protagonist, Jack Simpson, the fore mentioned reluctant bowls player, who states that the elderly "pop pills like they're malteasers" allowing the audience to clap feeblemindedly as they enjoy a reference to a popular chocolate.

The film itself is a typical light hearted comedy with no stimulating, or particularly intriguing plot, although in a way it's these qualities that aid the fulfilment of the criteria of such a category. The antagonist, Bernie Fowler (John Clarke) is particularly nonthreatening and therefore provides an unsatisfactory amount of conflict and, disappointingly, even resorts to a cartoon-like resolution to a restraining order by dressing up in disguise. This could be considered as being so unfunny that it works, nevertheless, in my opinion it does nothing but reach towards the ridiculous.

Although, I must consider the appropriateness of such lack of conflict and reflect that it worked well in regards to create a piece which requires no huge effort to digest. However, there are some elements of the plot which aren't completely without merit; an example of such would be the issue of cancer being briefly addressed and therefore providing a realistic way of pushing forward character development in Jack. In addition to this, the father figure which character Stan Coombs (Bill Hunter) whose approval is craved by the rebellious teen of a man which is our main character; an area of the plot that is arguably slightly tedious and unsubtle, but no less heart-warming.

Overall, Crackerjack is an unimpressive, unexciting, easy watch. This piece is only recommended if you're craving an uninspiring, mediocre evening; expect nothing more from this film but barely snigger inspiring, dull banter.

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A cracker of a film...

Loz811 November 2002

Being dragged along to the cinema by my best friend, I was rather worried when she said "There's a new ozzie film called Crackerjack, wanna see? oh... come on... please"

I grimacingly acquiesced. The lead is played by Mick Molloy, well known to the Australian radio airwaves, and was actually pleasantly surprised.

The film had a lot more substance than one would think from the advertising, and the jokes were a great deal quicker, and more humourous than you would imagine.

The performances were brilliant, especially from the 'old folk' all Australian legends in their own rights, and I was actually touched by Mick Molloy's acting. Judith Lucy made her foray from stand-up comedy to acting successfully as well.

It was well worth the money, and I think I'll even borrow it when it comes out on video.

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9/10

Crackerjack indeed

Spleen8 May 2003

It was while watching coverage of the 1990 Commonwealth Games that I realised: lawn bowls is not just one of the few sports that isn't unbearably tedious to sit down and watch, it's positively tense and exciting; minute for minute, probably more so than any other sport.

Am I disappointed, then, that we see so little lawn bowls footage in "Crackerjack", and we never get even an overview of a complete game? Not at all. Lawn bowls isn't really cinematic in that way; unlike a game of cricket or chess, a game of lawn bowls has little in the way of narrative structure. It's shot-by-shot skill, and that's what the camera in "Crackerjack" concentrates on. We aren't even told the rules of the game, apart from what we need to know to understand individual shots. What we see of the game is still nail-biting, and it's still enough to make me wonder why I taken up the game myself in the past thirteen years.

A decade ago I thought of Mick Molloy as the Ringo Starr of the D-Generation comics - or failing Molloy, I thought of Judith Lucy in that role. Yet here they both are in a comedy far more assured than either "The Castle" or "The Dish"; better in every respect, in fact: wittier, much funnier, better structured, in the end more heartwarming, and with more bite. The swipe at poker machines is motivated by real anger - as it should be, since you could probably crowd every single citizen of Australia, who honestly believes that poker machines are a good thing, into the one garage, yet for dubious economic reasons which surely can't REALLY persuade anyone the machines are allowed to invade anyway.

The basic premise of "Crackerjack" is all too common in reality. A lawn bowls club has stood solid for decades, is still in use, still benefits people, still has all the equipment and staff it needs, cannot in any obvious way be changed for the better and is of more value than what would replace it if it were to disappear. Yet someone comes along to tell its members that they can no longer "afford" to keep the club the way it is. Can anyone take this seriously? Nobody in THIS film, thank goodness.

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8/10

Surprisingly Entertaining

Vaggs30 October 2002

Considering the appalling track record of Mick Molloy since going out on his own, I had rather low expectations of Crackerjack. Even the promotional posters for the movie had me nervous. In fact, if it wasn't for the fact that I'd received free tickets to the preview, I would have resisted the pressure from the missus (who thinks Mick's a hunk - there's a worry) to pay money for it.

The first few minutes of the movie had me worried - it starts with one of Micks tired "get angry at insignificant things" routines, but that was given a neat touch, which at least made it a little refreshing. The rest of the script was pretty good, and very light hearted - even the typical Mick Molloy (and Judith Lucy) humour was delivered well and whilst I never had to pick myself up from the aisles, it generated a lot more chuckles that I was expecting (and it was consistant).

There's nothing new in the plot - pretty predictable, but it moved along quickly between one-liners and other jokes - I never felt it harboured on any element too long or too short; Mick must have worked hard on polishing his script. There were a one or two "Late Show" in-jokes, and one or two jokes that only Melbournians would get - but certainly there's plenty of generic stuff in there for a wider audience.

Something that I found disappointing was the relative unfunnyness of John Clarke - he just didn't seem to work as the bad guy, but that doesn't detract from the movie too much.

Over all, I enjoyed this Australain comedy, and was pleasantly entertained for the duration of the movie. I left the cinema with a decent sized grin - a pretty hard thing for an Australian comedy to do in my books. 7.5/10

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4/10

Crackerslack

Chase_Witherspoon18 June 2011

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.

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9/10

Sit back and enjoy, with a VB in hand

smithyana10 November 2002

While not for everyone, Crackerjack is a delight to watch, with tongue planted firmly in cheek. The likeable character of Jack Simpson, played by Mick Molloy, is scamming the local "bowlo" for free parking and making a couple of dollars on the side, selling the parking space to work colleagues. When the Bowling Club members need to raise some money to save their club, they call upon Jack to join their bowling team and play competition bowls.

Filled with Aussie Charm, the laconic wit of Mick Molloy is showing through (he also co-wrote the script) reminding this viewer of his earlier work in Radio. Perfect Aussie casting with Bill Hunter as Jack's bowling mentor Stan Coombes, John Clarke (of The Games fame) as the ruthless businessman and rival bowls club owner Bernie Fowler, with Samuel Johnson as Jack's flatmate Dave, and Judith Lucy as the jaded Journalist, Nancy.

Initially, I figured only fans of Molloy would like this flick but judging by the number of the blue rinse set exiting the cinema chuckling, this is a film for everyone.

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2/10

Complete disappointed...

funkytuna19 May 2003

Seeing this movie in previews I thought it would be witty and in good spirits. Unfortunately it was a standard case of "the funny bits were in the preview", not to say it was all bad. But "the good bits were in the preview".

If you are looking for an adolescent movie that will put you to sleep then Watch this movie.

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Crackerjack is one of those films that surprises the audience throughout.

Chris_Gardner29 May 2003

The first surprise is that the film, set at an Australian bowls club, attracts more than bowling fanatics. While players of the noble game will appreciate the comedy, which features Australian comedian Mick Molloy in his first feature film role, there's plenty for all ages. Molloy plays opportunist Jack, who joins the club as a non-playing member in order to rent out his club parking space to colleagues for large wads of cash. When the club hits rock bottom Jack is forced to mix with the aging members and play to keep his parking space. When friendships are struck up he ends up playing for far more. He meets the world weary journo Nance (Judith Lucy) who has been relegated to reporting bowling tournaments after turning down the advances of her editor. Frank Wilson is more than gentlemanly in his role of club president Len, Bill Hunter puts in a sterling performance as Stan, who takes Jack under his wing, while female support comes from Monica Maughan, Esme Melville and Lois Ramsey. In fact the cast reads like a Who's Who of Australian film. John Clarke appears as bowling-big wig Bernie bent on buying the club and installing pokie machines, much to the charign of members.

While bowls has been in the public conscience since Elizabethan times when Sir Francis Drake insisted in finishing a game at Plymouth Hoe, on the south coast of England, before defeating the Spanish Armada, this film will put it back on the map. Crackerjack, now showing at Te Awamutu's Regent Theatre, made me laugh out loud as well as Richard Wallace (who was sat behind me). It's a must see for Te Kuiti and Otorohanga bowling club members as well as those who loves films like Dalkeith, Brassed Off and The Full Monty.

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10/10

Cohesive free flowing comedy with a great storyline

simonotsimple17 July 2003

Coming from Oz I probably shouldn't say it but I find a lot of the local movies lacking that cohesive flow with a weak storyline. This comedy lacks in nothing. Great story, no overacting, no melodrama, just brilliant comedy as we know Oz can do it. Do yourself a favour and laugh till you drop.

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8/10

Typical but good

camsean7325 November 2002

A fairly typical Australian movie where the underdog saves the day inspite of himself. I guess there is no real reason to see this pic if you have seen "The Castle" or "The Dish". It still leaves you with a positive feeling at the end and it as good or better than most Hollywood stuff.

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5/10

Mildly amusing time killer

Bernie-562 April 2004

This is a light-weight piece of flummery with, I think, appeal only to Australians. If you're in the US or the UK watch this only if you either (i) have a morbid fascination with Australian cinema, or (ii) you have 90 minute to fill in before doing the ironing and walking the dog. I can't see how it would travel. It's a mildly amusing time-killer. It's financed by the Australian taxpayer, which is probably an indication that it was fair bet for a non-starter in the first place.

Having carped this is entertaining enough and captures the pointlessness of Australian suburban existance.

In the flashes of the newspapers the props person took the lazy way out and repeated the first paragraph enough times to fill the page.

In my bachelor days I lived in this area and parked outside the Windsor bowling club while I shopped at Rubenstein's in Chapel Street. This locale is now the gay centre of Melbourne.

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10/10

Lawn bowls

bevo-1367831 March 2020

I like the bit where he stole the bowling arm from that old bloke

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5/10

Funniest Movie All Year

dannyr17 November 2002

Normally (and I do mean normally) Australian movie releases are poor, at best. Crackerjack would, without fail, be one of the best Australian movie I've seen in a long long time, and probably the funniest movie I've seen all year !

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