The BBQ

source: The BBQ

So much Aussie only humour. Take in the vein written. Loved it!

"The BBQ" is the story of an Aussie bloke Dazza, who just loves to BBQ, so muc, that he BBQs every weekend, much to his wife's distress. Just when he promises to stop, his boss enters him into the great Australian BBQ competition, where he will be up against some of the best BBQ champions from around the world. Like the Karate Kid, Dazza must go to the master of BBQ, to learn how to BBQ like a champion. Shane Jacobson as Dazza, plays this role in a realistic and comedic way that is entertaining. Magda Szubanski is the Scottish butcher known as "The Butcher", who must mentor Dazza. Overall, a great Aussie movie, featuring the traditional Aussie meal - BBQ steak.

The Australian film "The BBQ" combines the mockumentary style of film making of "The Castle" with the obsessiveness theme of "Strictly Ballroom". Instead of a ballroom dancing competition we have a competition to determine who can cook the best BBQ meat. Most of the scenes are set outdoors. Unfortunately for the audience expecting a breezy comedy from the talented Shane Jacobson and Magda Szubanski there is nothing remotely funny to laugh about. The actors appeared to have turned up on the film set with their own predetermined mannerisms and accents (with Magda it's a Scottish accent) and the film maker has no idea how to mold the ensemble of actors together. Neither does he have any idea of where to place a camera. The result is an incoherent mess. One could make allowances if there was one hint of originality in the film script. Alas there isn't. Even the musical score is over the top. For the poor viewer one doesn't know when parody stops and the seriousness takes over. Of course the one thing we know at the very beginning of the film is that the Shane Jacobson character will come out on top at the end. If you're a sentimentalist you might find this film mildly interesting. For everybody else please avoid.

So much advertising everywhere, I honestly don't know anyone in Australia who bbq's ike this every weekend.

This was a perfect family movie. A little bit of everything: comedy, tragedy, education, food, and a happy ending. Shane Jacobsen is amazing and someone we can all relate to. Manu with a mullett? Yes, girls, still sexy, but a bad boy in this one. Lots of fun for everyone, a real feel good movie. It might not be to everyone's taste, but I don't understand the low ratings. I thought it was great.

The plot for this film, appears flimsy, but it isn't. It has some very funny scenes, in places, it shouldn't. The film is a bit tedious at the beginning, but it's well worth the wait as the ending is a feel good surprise for all. The producers and writers need to distance themselves from the references in this film, to the Simpsons and the Australian film the Castle. The Castle it ain't. This is in large part where the film, falls. They either need to be changed or removed. This, and the casting, could've been improved upon. Madga szubanski is miscast as a Scottish butcher is painful, making it appear she's channeling her inner samurai warrior. Someone who is Australian and of Scottish descendant, would've been better, without the fake Scottish accent, that doesn't work. Don burke, and the Irish comedian jimoeon should have bit roles, as tradesmen. Nicholas Hammond was miscast, a carver, who conducts business wearing a business suit? This clearly isn't a Jason Bourne film. Shane Jacobson's boss should've been played by a woman, one with balls, like the understated Judy Davis. Had Julia zemiro not been cast as his wife, she would've played it, with a fag hanging out of her mouth. The Australian actor John Howard from seachange, or Steve Bisley, could've played Julia zemiro's father. This scene would've been better, had Shane tossed a beehive at him, or insinuated that he'd done with his wife. The girl who plays Shane Jacobson's daughter, should've had a speaking part. Larry edmur's all too brief appearance, must be expanded upon, or find another host to take a dig at Shane, like Karl Stefanovic. Manu feilel from my kitchen rules makes an appearance, which could've easily been done, by an Australian celebrity chef like Iain hewitson, or Justine Schofield. Manu should've judged the competition, along with someone like Gabriel gates, Billy Connolly, and don burke. Manu's appearance was way too short, like Larry edmur's. An Australian country singer like John Williamson could've written the soundtrack for this underrated film. While Chad Morgan could've played, his song, the Sheik from scrubby creek, during the judging of the competition, while people dressed as mascots, like pigs, made their appearance. The film has heart, and it successfully wins you over. Don't judge this film, because Shane Jacobson from Kenny stars in it.

This movie had promise but the comedy was forced. Julia Zemiro was wasted, Magda had a lovely accent but the backstory was sad. Manu was dreadful as the baddie. The Japanese wagyu breeder was offensive stereotyping. This Could have been much better.

This is not a movie that is going to stress you intellectually. It's a bit of light-hearted and unpretentious Australian fun. The characters are a bit cookie cut and some of the acting is not Oscar award stuff but it does poke a bit of fun at a national passion and some of the pretentiousness of food preparations in today's super chef world. I didn't go expecting much but I enjoyed it for what it was. I think some of the critics who panned it were over-reading the point of the movie. That said I didn't appreciate the blatant advertising of stores and products in it though I recognise this is par for the course in many movies today.

I honestly don't know why this movie has a low rating and negative reviews, this film is simply an easy comedy for the family to enjoy. Shane, Madga, Manu and always wonderful Julia Zemiro are very good in this film. I love that delclaimer at the end having a crack on people who illegally download their films...BRAVO! Highly recommended