I first saw this movie when it came out on VHS video, not certain of the year, but it must have been around 1987 or 1988. It turned me into a HUGE fan of anything Colin Friels was in. I was already a Bud Tingwell fan from watching Catweazel, I liked John Hargreaves and I will always be a Chris Haywood fan.This movie just hits the spot, simple, quirky, very very funny and with a bit of romance.Colin Friels plays the simple and innocent, but brilliant Malcolm to a tee.To some probably a forgotten gem, to me an old favourite that I have had the pleasure of watching many many times.

This is one of those seldom heard of classics.Malcolm, a hard working Melbourne suburbanite, with autism, has been fired from his job at a Melbourne tram yard for undertaking personal work at the Melbourne rail's expense. To help substitute his pay he takes in a rough yet lovable couple as boarders. Malcolm is a mechanical genius, whose Rube Goldberg'Esq inventions are a laugh-out-loud comical situation, and which offers Malcolm an invitation into the Melbourne underground scene of a high life of crime.On a personal note, this was a childhood favorite of mine and is one of those movies that is just as enjoyable and suitable for children as it is for adults. Those in the Nepoleon Dynamite cult will also recognize the underscore as that of Penguin Cafe Orchestra. The score fits this film to a tee, as if the movie was made with the music in mind, or vica-versa.Americans will enjoy the Australiana, with an absolute! vision for Australian suburban life, but may not understand the humor, please don't let that stop anyone from watching what is most likely one of Australias best comedic films.Watch for the bin ballet. A highlight of the film.

A brilliant low budget off beat Australian comedy that is well worth tracking down. Easy to watch and light hearted. It is rare that I go out of my way to recommend a film but this one is worth it. It contains one of the most amusing bank robberies portrayed in a film. The getaway sequence has to be seen to be believed. The soundtrack is provided by The Penguin Cafe Orchestra. Watch it if you can. A friend managed to catch it on TV many years ago and taped it and it is almost worn out. I have been trying to get a proper copy since then but have failed miserably. I have had to hide it to prevent anyone borrowing it again. One of these days it might be worth going to Australia just to track down a copy ( well, almost!)

I have to say it is a good few years since I saw this film, but it has a place in my heart. As a shy person in my teenage years, I had a small affinity with Malcolm. He was so shy that he crossed the road near the beginning to avoid some kids. Not your average film lead. Some of the gadgets and vehicles were clever, and well implemented into the film. This film could not work anywhere else in the world. The sense of humour is typically Australian, and definitely adds to the film. If you ever get the chance to catch this film, do so. The music by the Penguin Cafe Orchestra also gives the film something extra.