For Australians, Bad Eggs is the long overdue reunion between Tony Martin and Mick Molloy. The two first got together on Australian television in the sketch-comedy scene with shows like The D-Generation and The Late Show on the ABC. They later made a return with a national radio show called Martin/Molloy, which became a huge hit, naturally. Considering they have tackled two out of the three major mediums I guess then next logical step is to see if they can botch up cinema. Bad Eggs marks Mick Molloy's return to the big screen after the hailing success of last years hit film Crackerjack but marks Tony Martin's first appearance in a long time. The word appearance is used lightly however as this time the scrawny New Zealander stays behind the camera as writer and director giving Molloy centre stage. If you're clever though you just might notice Martin's presence in several quick shots throughout the picture.
And not since 1997's The Castle have I laughed so loud and so often during an Aussie flick, and it's about time too. Where Crackerjack was a feel-good belly laugh Bad Eggs takes extra care of spoofing the very genre it draws on. It's serious yet outrageous almost simultaneously. The films two larrikins (I mean stars, respectively) are somewhat to blame for the great momentum and balance between laughs. The pay off is in Mick Molloy and Bob Franklin's slipshod slapstick style banter that never goes too far or bows too low. They have great comic timing and know how to handle the material. Also, stand-up comic turned Actress Judith Lucy projects much of her infamous persona into the mix of comedy. She works well as an icebreaker between the two dufus leads (again, said in respect). This camaraderie amongst comics/actors pretty much goes for everyone involved in the project. There's a distinct laidback Aussie feel to Bad Eggs topped off with classic Aussie humour (in an indicative Martin/Molloy approach) that fans will more than likely soak up.
The only coil that might see audience's put off balance is that the story is much more plot-driven than most will be expecting. For some, they just want to sit back and guffaw. For others that like a bit more for their buck you will find it ultimately rewarding. With noticeable appearances from some of the greats of Australian cinema, Bill Hunter, Robin Nevin, Marshall Napier and Steven Vidler keep it all in safe hands (and that's comforting to know). Great performances from Alan Brough who plays the stations computer nerd and Shaun Micallef as the Victorian Premier. Micallef was the only one who played it quite differently than you would imagine. The jazzy music by David Graney and Clare Moore in the Bad Eggs Band is just brilliant. But don't take my word for it, go and see it for yourself. Bad Eggs is a barrel of laughs.
Score - 4 out of 5
And not since 1997's The Castle have I laughed so loud and so often during an Aussie flick, and it's about time too. Where Crackerjack was a feel-good belly laugh Bad Eggs takes extra care of spoofing the very genre it draws on. It's serious yet outrageous almost simultaneously. The films two larrikins (I mean stars, respectively) are somewhat to blame for the great momentum and balance between laughs. The pay off is in Mick Molloy and Bob Franklin's slipshod slapstick style banter that never goes too far or bows too low. They have great comic timing and know how to handle the material. Also, stand-up comic turned Actress Judith Lucy projects much of her infamous persona into the mix of comedy. She works well as an icebreaker between the two dufus leads (again, said in respect). This camaraderie amongst comics/actors pretty much goes for everyone involved in the project. There's a distinct laidback Aussie feel to Bad Eggs topped off with classic Aussie humour (in an indicative Martin/Molloy approach) that fans will more than likely soak up.
The only coil that might see audience's put off balance is that the story is much more plot-driven than most will be expecting. For some, they just want to sit back and guffaw. For others that like a bit more for their buck you will find it ultimately rewarding. With noticeable appearances from some of the greats of Australian cinema, Bill Hunter, Robin Nevin, Marshall Napier and Steven Vidler keep it all in safe hands (and that's comforting to know). Great performances from Alan Brough who plays the stations computer nerd and Shaun Micallef as the Victorian Premier. Micallef was the only one who played it quite differently than you would imagine. The jazzy music by David Graney and Clare Moore in the Bad Eggs Band is just brilliant. But don't take my word for it, go and see it for yourself. Bad Eggs is a barrel of laughs.
Score - 4 out of 5