Crackerjack 2002Crackerjack 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.

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

cast and crewif thats your first movie (mick and judith) then your off to hollywood. mick makes john beluschi look like doris day and judith has a style all of her own ( a subtle pie in the face ). i have been a critic of aussie comedy until watching this. i have bought it, its that good. any show that could have my grouchy wife and daughter in stitches (even after watching it ten times) is worthy of one of the seven wonders of the world awards. loved martins cameo. i thought bill hunter had been washed up along with frank wilson. you have brought them back to life. you can be assured that the movie will end up an icon and in years to come and tell number 1 to keep stroking that white cat. a brilliant effort from clarke. nearly as sleazy as alan rickman in his 'baddy roles'. brilliantmark francisco

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.