Ethan Lee
If you are looking for a gentle film that makes you feel good - then I don't think you could do much better than watching this film. Definitely on my top 10 for this category. The basic background to the story is well trodden with a Son dragging his mourning father away from the dark journey into depression that he is about to begin. This he does by literally dragging him on the 'fishing trip of a lifetime' that the father originally promised the son in his boy-hood.It isn't just the re-bonding that takes place. It's also the re-kindling of the gentle mischief within the character played by Paul Hogan (Charlie) and the gradual revelation of the past sorrow that Shane Jacobson's character (Boots) has stoically borne. You'll laugh out loud at the humorous scenes and feel sadness in others. The jokes are not new but played with a believable realism by both main actors.You'll know where the story is going but you'll love the characters they meet on the way and be glad for them that they get there without real mishap.
patlightfoot
I think the extras in Tamworth and other places would have been pleased if they had been paid even by a small beer or whatever for contributing to what is a very good travelogue for Australia.Personally, I didn't enjoy it as much as Crocodile Dundee, nor was I expected to. I enjoyed Boots, I thought he brought home what some kids do when trying to placate and 'bond' with parents who never seemed to bond with them.Personally I think the film could have be more dynamic, but from an Australian point of view was a great travelogue, and hopefully generate tourist interest!
3xHCCH
I saw this film on a Qantas flight to Sydney last week. It was about a grown-up son's (Shane Jacobson) efforts to re-establish bonds with his dad Charlie (Paul Hogan) after the unexpected death of his mother. To do this, he brings his dad on a long road trip in order to fulfill a long-time promise to fish at the northern tip of Australia's west coast.We have seen plenty of this prodigal son stories, as well as road trips, so the unique quality here for me is the Australian background and characters. It is only OK for me. The actors are both very good. I have not seen Paul Hogan since "Crocodile Dundee" and here he is as an elderly cantankerous dad. It was just so apparent that the two actors could never be father and son in real life because of they do not look a bit alike.The best parts of the film were those with young hitch-hiker Jess charmingly played by Morgan Griffin. She is a welcome (and pretty) addition to their road trip. Too bad her screen time is not longer than it was.
bassrourke
The iconic (in Australia) Paul Hogan, Crocodile Dundee himself, returns to the big screen in a fairly good comedy/drama which is essentially a road trip that tourism Australia would relish. Charlie is grieving the loss of his wife and is taken by his estranged son Boots, on a trip up to north Queensland. Their ambition is to go fishing at the most northern tip of the country in Cape York. Along the way through Victoria, into New South Wales and up in Queensland they visit many famous locales. The banter between the two is great, they have good chemistry. Shane Jacobson as Boots is best known as Toilet cleaner Kenny, a popular Aussie comedy of the same name There is some amusing, but obviously set up comical moments, especially involving one very butch female truck driver and her attention towards Charlie. Over all, seeing this with a big crowd as I did will help the ambiance of the laid back jokes. There are some serious moments, but not many beyond sentimental family issues. The young hitchhiker is the best inclusion of the story. A travelogue of sorts disguised as a movie, but stay on during the credits for a sly remark from Hoges when crossing the Sydney harbor Bridge, a place where he once worked as a painter.