Gettin' Square

If you like the films "Lock, Stock, and Two Smoking Barrels" and "Snatch" by Guy Richie (AKA "Mr. Madonna"), then I guarantee that you'd luv "Gettin' Square", and Aussie film that Robin and I just saw. Set in Surfer's Paradise, a beach community just a few km from Brisbane, it tells the story of Barry Wirth, a 29-year-old convict released from prison and attempting to "get square" (become a law-abiding citizen). While in prison, Barry becomes a chef. When released, he scores a chef position at a restaurant in Surfers Paradise called -- of all things -- "TEXAS STAR". Cowprint booth seats, longhorn skulls, and wagon wheels throughout . . . Is this what Aussies think of Texas? Well, the description is pretty accurate, to be honest. They just need to add a few bluebonnets, Mexican blankets, German lederhosen, Polish accordians, Czech flags, and Irish shamrocks to be a bit more authentic.

Further, the scene stealer is David Wenham as Johnny Spitieri - "Johnny Spit". ¿Who is David Wenham?, you wonder. Ever see "Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers"? Wenham interprets the role of Faramir. A right good Aussie bloke he is, fair dinkum!

Heaps of great camera angles, plot twists, and Australian-specific references --- all served up with a large dose of Aussie-accented slang. (Admittantly, sometimes I wish there were subtitles.) As it has only released in cinemas on 09 Oct here in Oz, it may take a while for it to become available away from Down Undah. When it does reach your shore, be sure to grab on for a wild ride.