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My wife watched this film with me, and we both enjoyed it very much. It was simple humor from simple minded characters. I'm not an Aussie, so some things may have been pop culture jokes that went by me without my understanding, but for the most part it was a very enjoyable film.
Kong thought there was some humor that was overused. I didn't mind the repetitive jokes. I especially liked the way the father got excited about the simple meals his wife cooked for the family. Despite its humor, the joke showed the father's love and appreciation for his wife's home cooking. Kong recognized this when he wrote, "...it also makes them rather wholesome and happy." I think this was the key to the entire film. This family, no matter how stupid they may have been, became very likeable. I was rooting for them the entire way. If their stupidity had led to poor choices, I would have been laughing at their downfall. Instead, I felt good when the lawyer specializing in Constitutional law took their case. I loved how a special bond and friendship was established between the father and the lawyer as we see that they became fishing buddies, etc.
Here's one of my favorite lines, although I don't know what it meant:
The son (narrator) walks up to his father and says, "I just dug a hole in the backyard. Filled it up with water."
I thought it was funny because I remember digging holes for no reason and filling them with water as a kid. For me, it seemed like this was to show the simple mindedness of the family. Was there another purpose for that line? Did I miss something? Is this an Aussie joke?
By the way, Eric Bana seems to be hitting it big (Black Hawk Down, The Hulk, Finding Nemo, and next year's Troy). You Aussie's need to give us a little more background on him. From my understanding, he was a comedian?
Great pick, Nebbit! That was a lot of fun!