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The Seamstress told me I should watch this film. I fear it was talked up to me a bit too much, but then again, I did watch it whilst making dinner, so I was somewhat distracted for the first portion of it.
It seems a decent film. It didn't change my life or anything, but I did enjoy it. I must admit though, it didn't leave me with a great deal to say about it. The underdog-makes-good storyline is a safe bet to receive audience support.
Alan Rickman's presence elevates the film. Rachael Taylor, though I find her wonderful, her character isn't really there for any particular reason other than to foist irrelevant sexual tension on the tale.
I didn't really connect with it though, so I just... don't have much to say about it.
Final Thought: Perhaps I should have paid more attention to the first half of the film...
Up Next: The Bourne Identity (2002)
When I was in primary school, my mother would take me to a local library on the way home from school. It was a modest library, but with beautiful grounds overlooking the water, soft manicured lawns for skipping around in bare feet, ponds, fish, dragonflies, weeping willows and a sundial that fascinated me due to its being placed in the shade and therefore completely lacking in functionality. The slope of the library's location meant that it spread over two levels. The upper level was the main, adult library, and the lower level, to my delight, was purely for kids and completely separate from the (what I then considered to be) boring, adult section.
So I would roam the children's library without complaint, choosing books to add to my regular rotation for reading. If a book became a favourite, it would be borrowed pretty much whenever I had the opportunity, and at times I would take it as a personal affront if someone else had the nerve to borrow it before me.
My criteria for being interested enough to read a book for the first time was pretty simple: if there was an animal on the cover, I was likely to be interested. That is how I found "The Sheep-Pig" by Dick King-Smith. I can still remember picking it up and reading the blurb on the back for the first time. I was particularly drawn to this one as it mentioned sheep dog trials, and it quickly became one of my regular reads.
Having grown up with the book, I was naturally intrigued but tentative when I heard a film was being made. I felt protective of the narrative, and the fact that they'd changed the title did not sit well with me. If they were going to change that, for no reason that I could tell, what else would they change? As it turned out, the sheep password, which I had memorised from the book (Just in case. I hoped one day to be able to talk to animals like Doctor Doolittle), was also completely wrong. Unfortunately I can no long remember what the original was, but I still maintain my outrage from my childhood over that one.
Despite my hesitancy, this film is a pleasure. James Cromwell is perfect. So absolutely perfect, it makes me joyful. I quickly forgave the changes mentioned above, and reveled in the other little touches throughout the film (Singing field mice!). It's a beautiful, simple film and it will never lose its charm.
Final Thought: Were the opportunity ever to arise, I would snap up a chance to work with the animal trainers for this movie. It's really quite amazing what they did. Hint hint, Universe.
Up Next: Back To The Future (1985)
After watching this film, The Bassist commented that it wouldn't have worked if the actors had been American. The idea that Australians are laidback and don't take themselves too seriously is a stereotypical one, but it's very true. And in a well made Aussie film, particularly in those by Working Dog, that is often the central feature of the film which makes the entire thing work.
Had this film been made in the American rom-com fashion, the entire premise could easily have been too trite. Guy has existential crisis and falls for girl, whatever. It needs that easygoing manner in order to not set your teeth on edge.
Josh Lawson's character reminds me very strongly of a dear friend of mine, so much so that the first thing I did after seeing this movie originally was to contact said friend and tell him as much. I received a rather bemused reply. I should check whether my friend has seen this movie yet in fact.
And Rachael Taylor is just plain wonderful. She's just so damn likeable, without resorting to being "adorable" or "kooky" or "clumsily cute" or any of those other slots that many female actors seem to unfortunately be allotted. She's intelligently likeable and relaxed, and there need to be more women in the movies like her.
Basically what I'm saying is that I'm a fan of the Aussie talent that is showcased in this film and I hope they do great things. The cast is ace.
I remembered liking this film in the cinema, but, despite it coming out so recently, I wasn't sure just how much I liked it, so buying it was a bit of a gamble. I'm glad I did.
Final Thought: I went to the same uni at Felicity Ward. She was bloody funny back then too.
Up Next: The Aristocats (1970)
