Rent The Castle (1997)

It’s the Vibe of the Thing - The Castle review by griggs

There's something wonderfully earthy about The Castle: it clocks its own modest scope, refuses to overreach, and never takes cheap shots at the Kerrigans; instead, it lifts them up. Charming, sharp, unsentimental, and full of a working-class warmth that envelops you like a familiar hug. Michael Caton anchors the clan with a grin you could park a tow-truck in, while Anne Tenney, Stephen Curry, and mates volley lines like backyard cricket sledges. Spot a baby-faced Eric Bana; I swear he speaks scarcely fifteen words. Cult status deserved.

Good Vibrations - The Castle review by Steve

This starts out like the kind of comedy which seems awkward because it invites us to laugh at stupidity; a recurrent motif in Australian cinema. Yet after about 15 minutes who doesn't wish they were a little more like Darryl Kerrigan, a 'bogan' without much of a brain, but with a big heart, who has found happiness within the love of his family?

The production company comes from tv, and it has that sort of feel; cheap and quickly shot. The documentary style realism gives it fake authenticity. This wasn't made to last, but endures because of its extraordinarily quotable script and the all time great comic performances, led by Michael Caton as a crazily optimistic blue collar striver.

His family is cast to perfection, with Anne Tenney outstanding as the dim bulb other half. Darryl takes on big business on behalf of his clueless neighbours when he tries to stop the compulsory purchase of their homes. Okay, the QC who takes up the case is an outrageous deus ex machina, but he's played by Bud Tingwell, and how great is that?

I used to think this lost its way in the last third, but I now love it all. The jokes are still hilarious; it's one of the funniest films ever made; and surprisingly moving. There's even some political commentary about the corporatisation of government! Though, now it's a certified Aussie classic, maybe it's time to cut the shocking racist expletive?