A road movie that offers a series of simple but singular pleasures, most of which stem from the way in which Charlie and Boots begin to relax in one another's company.
For some, the film will seem like a drive through an Oz theme park carrying a Father's Day message; others might appreciate its sentiments, but wish for more dramatic weight.
There are parts that are very funny, but this is less an outright comedy than a genial road trip that embraces not only the two travellers but some very typical Aussie folk along the way.
With so many Aussie movies going out of their way to be depressing, it's tempting to hope local filmmakers might lay off the doom and gloom. But here comes Charlie & Boots to remind us to be careful what we wish for.
The shrimp's not on the barbie but on the end of a fishing line ... the pairing of Hogan with Shane Jacobson is not as funny as that of Hogan and Michael Caton in Dean Murphy's earlier film
It's inoffensive and even sweet at times, rather like a friendly puppy. It's a bit scant for a movie, though, and the underlying tension between the men that is supposed to provide the grist is never properly realised. This omission leaves the film with v
There are three main characters in this movie - Charlie McFarland (Paul Hogan), Boots (Shane Jacobson) and Australia - and they're all fantastic!Director/co-writer Dean Murphy succeeds in portraying typical Aussie characters that, no matter how colourful, don't come across as cardboard caricatures. There's so much
heart in this comedy/drama that even the feel-good cliches that it throws at you from time to time seem charming.Most of the film's good-natured comedy comes from the interaction between the main characters, as well as cool cameos. But where Hogan and Jacobson really excel is at hitting all the right dramatic notes without ever falling into cheap melodrama. In the end, Charlie & Boots is a clever road movie that proves that family-friendly is not synonymous with Disney-dumb. It might not be the most original movie, but Charlie & Boots will surely plant a smile on your face - and who can complain about that?
September 3, 2009
Dean McKenna
Super Reviewer
Paul Hogan did everything right... but in this movie a lot from others is missing... few funny lines (mostly funny to Australians) good country music (and very cute performance of Morgan Griffin), a lot of cliche situations... and a director who has to learn a lot!
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