Freaktana
A Major Disappointment
Stoutor
It's not great by any means, but it's a pretty good movie that didn't leave me filled with regret for investing time in it.
Gary
The movie's not perfect, but it sticks the landing of its message. It was engaging - thrilling at times - and I personally thought it was a great time.
juneebuggy
This was a decent Aussie comedy-crime caper. Granted it takes a bit to get going but is worth watch for a young Sam Worthington and a knock out performance from David Wenham as 'Spit' the lovable, mullet spouting drug addict. Friends in prison, both men are paroled around the same time and determined to put the past behind them and stay straight.Spit struggles with heroin, noisy flip-flops and a lack of pants while 'Barry' gets a job at the Texas Rose, a restaurant owned by another ex-con trying to go straight as a family man and lose some unwanted pounds -played by the excellent Timothy Spall.All three men are being targeted by a local crime boss, a shifty accountant and a corrupt detective and get pulled into that one last heist. There's a bit of a love story between Worthington and his parole officer, lots of twists, some good laughs (mostly during the courtroom scene) and a fantastic soundtrack. 10/19/16
kursart-1
This is an excellent Aussie movie that is not as well known as it should be. Like anyone who's seen it, I believe David Wenham stole the show and the role shows what a versatile actor he is. An unforgettable comedy performance. The courtroom scene is just brilliant Aussie comedy and superbly done by Wenham. His appearance complete with an Aussie bogan mullet, tight jeans, flannel shirt & of course the scene-stealing double plugger's is classic,It never have the potential to be a worldwide success because of the pure Aussie characteristics, language & references. That's what makes it even more likable. Excellent Aussie music too. It's a great ocker portrayal without being over the top & embaressing.It wasn't as predictable as some people seem to over-emphasise here I believe. Some predictability, yeah sure but totally predictable, no it isn't that bad. Although I quite enjoyed Crackerjack too, watch that for a predictable & somewhat corny ending. It somehow beat Getting' Straight for best comedy movie in the AFI's that year.Watch this soon if you haven't seen it before!
intelearts
Without a shadow of a doubt one of the best caper movie from Oz in a while.Sure the plot may not be 100% original but it has enough twists and turns to make it zip along and a script that is blue enough to turn Granny's hair white, but somehow it all works.There's a strong balance between believable drama and very good comedy that makes this very easy to watch.Excellent performances by all involved, great entertainment, the court scene may be one of the best comedy scenes in Australian Film history (seriously) with its' perfectly incomprehensible dialogue, and overall Getting Squared it one to really enjoy and deserves to be seen.Great Viewing!
Yeah Me
Getting' Square is just another crime movie. Filmed in Brisbane, this Australian film has extra yobbo comedy which contrasts its complex plot. This film was directed by Jonathan Teplitzky (Two Hands and Dirty Deeds) and written by Chris Nyst who was a criminal lawyer for many years. Getting' square is about two very different middle aged guys who get out of jail on parole wanting to 'get square'. The yobbo comedy, and fantastic camera and editing techniques is let down by the complicated storyline.Getting' Square wasn't the best Australian film however there were some funny bits. Comedy is probably the only interesting aspect in this movie. This movie itself isn't very funny, however saved by Johnny Spiteri who adds a contrasting dash of humor. His stupidity and lack of common sense enhances the interest level of the film. Most of the characters were serious because of their roles' as lawyers, accountants and criminals. Johnny Spiteri is a typical male yobbo. It seems that he has no clue about what is going on around him but most of the time he really does not care. He runs around in tight pants (which are too small for him) and thongs. In most of the funny Spiteri doesn't mean to be funny however the fact that her doesn't know and understand what is happening makes it funny. Especially in the court scene where the lawyers ask him questions and he doesn't quite understand their language. There is a distinct class difference which adds to the humor.David Wenham has actually been named one of Australia's sexiest men. This is difficult believe after seeing him run around in thongs with a greasy mullet.The movie was visually appealing and would have been difficult to tell apart from an American movie if it wasn't for the Australian flavour, humor and accents. This was because of the films' high quality visuals. This film had all the essentials for an excellent production (except plot). The lighting and visuals were very professional unlike some other Australian movies (Hating Alison Ashley). The editing too was outstanding. Each and every shot was composed very well.This complex crime movie was written by criminal lawyer Chris Nyst. It would have been an excellent movie if it wasn't for the complicating story line. Most audiences watch comedies like this to relax and have a laugh; however they find themselves concentrating to try and keep with the plot and having to read between the lines. Comedies are usually light hearted and not serious. This may be a stereotype and there is a need to experiment with different genres and types but a serious, complex plot clashes with this comedy. This film is also has a similar genre to 'Lock Stock' and 'Two Smoking Barrels'. The comedy matched the film and worked well together but it wasn't very pleasing. It also can be said that men will appreciate this move more than some ladies.Barry Wirth is fresh out of prison after being in there for eight years because of a murder he did not commit. He and Johnny Spiteri are released on parole determined to 'get square' but find it harder than they thought. Barry's mother has died and is out to look after his younger brother Joey.At first it is difficult for Barry to get a job as a cook because of his past in jail, but later is offered one at the Texas Rose in the Gold Coast, which isn't doing very well. It is owned by English man "Dabba" Darren Barrington who is also trying to go straight and lose weight. Soon Texas Rose is swarming with people, thanks to Barry's skill and ability to cook. His best friend Johnny Spitieri is still hooked on drugs and is caught trafficking Heroin. On the outside there are old scores and old enemies, as well as a few new ones, like the newly formed Criminal Investigation Commission. With the CIC breathing down their necks and pressure from criminal world boss Chicka Martin (Gary Sweet) and corrupt cop, Arnie DeViers (David Field), it takes Barry, Spit and Dabba all their street smarts and rat cunning to stay one step ahead and become square-heads.It was disappointing to see that a movie that had potential to be very good was let down by its overwhelming plot. There were too many ideas at the same time. It was like hitting two birds with one stone. The storyline is one of the most important elements in a movie. When the storyline is dull or too much it ruins the whole movie.Comedies and complex plots should not mix.
