Watch Crackerjack

Crackerjack is a comedy movie from 2002 directed by Paul Moloney and starring Mick Molloy, Bill Hunter, and Frank Wilson. It provides a humorous and satirical commentary on lawn bowls and the sense of community surrounding the sport. The film follows the story of Jack Simpson (Mick Molloy), a lazy salesman who gets fired from his job after a series of mishaps. To make ends meet, he agrees to play for the Westside Whackers lawn bowls team, thinking it is an easy way to make some cash. He soon discovers that his team is an underdog, and they must win the championship to save their club from being closed down.

As he gets to know his teammates and develops a newfound love for the sport, Jack starts to appreciate the sense of community that surrounds lawn bowls. He also learns some valuable life lessons about loyalty, teamwork, and perseverance. Along the way, he encounters some colorful characters, including his coach, Mr. Bull (Bill Hunter), who is a cantankerous, old-school curmudgeon with a heart of gold, and team captain, Stan Coombs (Frank Wilson), a glue-sniffing fanatic who is obsessed with winning at all costs.

The film's humor is often crude and irreverent, with a lot of slapstick and physical comedy. It also lampoons some of the more ridiculous aspects of lawn bowls, such as the elaborate rituals and the use of biased bowls. However, the movie never becomes mean-spirited or too cynical, and it always maintains a warm, affectionate tone towards the sport and its players.

One of the strengths of the film is its cast, who all give excellent performances. Mick Molloy is hilarious as the lovable loser who finds himself in way over his head. He brings a lot of energy and charisma to the role, and his chemistry with his co-stars is excellent. Bill Hunter is also wonderful as Mr. Bull, bringing a gruff, no-nonsense charm to the character. He delivers some of the film's funniest lines and provides a great foil for Molloy. Frank Wilson rounds out the ensemble nicely as the slightly unhinged Stan. He brings a manic energy to the role and is never less than entertaining.

Another strength of the film is its pacing. Clocking in at just under 90 minutes, Crackerjack never outstays its welcome. The movie moves briskly from scene to scene, with plenty of wacky hijinks and heartfelt moments along the way. The director, Paul Moloney, does a great job of balancing the film's comedic and dramatic elements, never letting one overpower the other.

The movie also benefits from its light, breezy tone. It never takes itself too seriously, and its charm and humor are infectious. Crackerjack is the kind of movie that's perfect for a lazy afternoon or a night in with friends. It's not groundbreaking or profound, but it's a lot of fun.

In conclusion, Crackerjack is a hilarious, heartwarming comedy that satirizes lawn bowls and celebrates the sense of community that surrounds the sport. It features a talented cast, top-notch comedic writing, and excellent pacing. While it may not be for everyone, those who appreciate irreverent, feel-good comedies will find a lot to enjoy here.