Rated: M
Running Time: 107 mins
Director: Daina Glen
Starring: Brendan Cowell, Peter Dinklage, Yvonne Strahovski, Peter Helliar, Megan Gale
Release Date: 6th May 2010
It’s pretty rare that we see an Australian romantic comedy. These days, our cinemas are flooded with American rom coms, all following the same predictable format, with the same unrealistic characters, sold to us as an “escape” from our lives. Are our lives really that boring?
Thank the Aussie film gods for Peter Helliar (from TV show “Rove”), who has crafted a cute little local “bromance” with a few surprises.
Brendan Cowell plays Jim, a commitment phobe who just can’t say those three little words to his girlfriend Alice (Yvonne Strahovski). After patiently waiting for 3 years for her love to be returned, Alice has had enough, and dumps him. Jim turns to his best mate Blake (Peter Helliar), new mate Charlie (Peter Dinklage) and sister Marie (Bridie Carter) for support.
The cast are fantastic, Brendan Cowell (fresh from starring in “Beneath Hill 60”) is so likeable on screen, and Yvonne Strahovski (“Chuck”) is very sweet as the British Alice. Megan Gale does well too, in her first film role, playing the Italian supermodel Francesca Moretti. You might imagine this role is not too much of a stretch for the former model, but I think she had a tough job on her hands, considering the fact we all know her as “Megan Gale”. But the standout performance is from American actor Peter Dinklage (“Death at a Funeral”, “Elf”), who brings much gravitas to his role. He is very funny yet touching as well, in fact he is so good, he almost shows up the other actors!
Reviewed by Alicia Malone
The film does drag a little in the second act, but comes together really nicely for a sweet ending. The characters are all very relatable, and there are quite a few laughs to be had. It’s refreshing to see an Australian romantic comedy done this well. Bring on more!
3 ½ out of 5
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Reviewed by Alicia Malone.
