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.

Crackerjack is a funny movie, everyone at the bowlo has seen it and all say the same. The wheel of cheese was a great part of the movie, also the loud speaker "dear Mr so and so you have left you right indicator on". Or when Jack goes home and lays down on the couch and cracks a beer, "bowls is hard work" cracked me up. And when his roommate shows interest by joining the club and calling bingo number. Jack buying all the raffle tickets to win the meat tray. Bloody great movie if you are into lawn bowls as you can relate to it, if your not a lawn bowler forget it i think. The Evans Head Bowlo would rate as the best club in Aus, friendly people, great company.Hi to Evans Head Bowlo Steve

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.

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