Introducing the Dwights

2007

Introducing the Dwights

Critics Consensus

Despite a predictable storyline, Introducing the Dwights succeeds on the strength of its sweet and earnest portrayal of family dysfunction.

52%

TOMATOMETER

Total Count: 87

50%

Audience Score

User Ratings: 11,377
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Movie Info

An already-unstable household becomes a virtual battle zone when the son of a risquà (C) comedienne and a has-been singer finds mom meddling in his love life in director Cherie Nowlan's dysfunctional romantic comedy. Twenty-one-year-old Tim Dwight (Khan Chittenden) comes from a peculiar family; his mother, Jean (Brenda Blethyn), is a bawdy stage comic renowned for her scatological sense of humor and his father, John (Frankie J. Holden), is a faded country-music star who now works as a low-rent security guard. While dad is busy trying to revive his flat-lined career, mom spends most of her time doting on Tim and his developmentally disabled brother, Mark (Richard Wilson). Upon meeting the beautiful Jill (Emma Booth), Tim believes his may have finally found the woman of his dreams. Unfortunately in Jean's eyes there is only room for one woman in Tim's life, and that woman is his mother. As Tim's relationship with Jill grows increasingly serious, the stage is set for a battle royal between the woman who once gave him life and the prospective mother of his future children. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi

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Cast

Brenda Blethyn
as Jean
Khan Chittenden
as Tim
Russell Dykstra
as Shane
Richard Wilson
as Mark
Rebecca Gibney
as Lana
Emma Booth
as Jill
Katie Wall
as Kelly
Philip Quast
as Ronnie Stubbs
Tracie Sammut
as Tori
Justin Martin
as Brett
David Webb
as Colin
Susan Fichter Kennedy
as Sharon
Frankie J. Holden
as John
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Critic Reviews for Introducing the Dwights

All Critics (87) | Top Critics (34) | Fresh (45) | Rotten (42)

  • It doesn't quite add up as a convincingly rounded drama, thanks largely to a tepid feelgood ending, but there are many good moments - and the expert acting from Blethyn alone is worth the price of a ticket.

    Sep 21, 2007 | Rating: 3/5

    Derek Malcolm

    London Evening Standard
    Top Critic

  • This heartfelt, good-natured film grew on me, and Blethyn always commands attention.

    Sep 21, 2007 | Rating: 3/5 | Full Review…

    Peter Bradshaw

    Guardian
    Top Critic

  • You can't help but mourn for the hint of an intriguing film that could have been.

    Sep 21, 2007 | Rating: 2/5 | Full Review…

    Wendy Ide

    Times (UK)
    Top Critic

  • In the hands of Mike Leigh, this could be a masterpiece, as it is, it's forgettable fun.

    Sep 21, 2007 | Rating: 3/5 | Full Review…

    Anna Smith

    BBC.com
    Top Critic

  • Introducing the Dwights is funny and poignant, with a tour-de-force performance by British actress Brenda Blethyn.

    Sep 1, 2007 | Rating: 2.5/4

    Claudia Puig

    USA Today
    Top Critic

  • One of those quirky Australian comedies that's almost as charming and sharp as it thinks it is.

    Jul 31, 2007

    Richard Roeper

    Ebert & Roeper
    Top Critic
View All Critic Reviews (87)

Audience Reviews for Introducing the Dwights

  • Aug 18, 2009
    I enjoyed this movie, perhaps because I identified a bit with Tim. There are a lot of insecure people in this movie. Tim's mom cannot stand to have someone take Tim away from her family. Tim is insecure about dealing with girls - even Jill doesn't know what to do with someone as shy as Tim. I enjoyed the actors - especially the mom who is a comedienne who borders on being funny. The part of Mark was a little confusing as there are times he seems quite delayed and others when there is little wrong with him. By the way, this movie was called Clubland in Australia, but Introducing the Dwights in North America.
    Red L Super Reviewer
  • Dec 06, 2008
    Introducing the Dwights is a good comedy starring the very delightful Brenda Blethyn. The Dwights are a family lead by the single and divorced mother (Blethyn). This family with two children live in Australia. This movie centers on a mother whom is a comedian and is noticing her son is getting old enough to have his attentions be on a young lady. The realization that he may not be all her own and live at home is something difficult for her to take. A good and funny movie.
    Mason W Super Reviewer
  • Sep 01, 2008
    I love warner independant flicks...and due to JBit's influence...starting to fall in love with aussie film...but srsly kids it was alrie...nothing terribly special.
    Bannan i Super Reviewer
  • Aug 11, 2008
    A quirky little film which I would recommend for the brilliant Brenda Blethyn!
    Audrey L Super Reviewer
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