Fatty Finn (1980) User Reviews

nice childhood memory

[saskia-sch · 7/10 · 3 August 2006]

I haven't seen the movie lately, but when I was a kid, before I saw E.T., it was my most favorite film to watch. I laughed my ass off many times, great kids movie. If you get the chance, watch it! With your kids. Its hysterical.

The ways for him to get the money to buy this transistor radio. I remember seeing the radio and thinking: I want one like that as well. Knowing how it was to be a poor kid, and becoming very inventive to get the things you want. I could see a lot of me in him. Brings back memories.

Good family film, worth watching

A unique retelling of THE LITTLE RASCALS.

[emm · 7/10 · 20 November 1998]

Never in my life have I heard of FATTY FINN, which was based on a comic strip feature. Maybe because I wasn't around when its popularity existed. This is another rare find for the entire family, despite this one coming from Australia. The nifty costumes, props, and characters are magnificent, and the acting is decent. But I must clarify something to all loving parents before trying to find this one for their little ones. There are a couple of scenes of nudity within the first 30 minutes, including one where bullies do a paint job on Fatty's behind for a couple of seconds. It may be offending to those who have children, so please view along with them! Other than the sudden inconvenience, the rest of FATTY FINN has the usual delightful moments as with other "family" movies, with added classic flavor to make it interesting. Sort of like 1930 all over again, only more colorful. It comes up a bit short on humor when compared to THE LITTLE RASCALS / OUR GANG, but it has lots of mischievous comedy to keep you fully enjoyed. And there's plenty of it! I feel this one is too overrated for my tastes, but after all, the young and old alike will appreciate it.

Fatty wins

[safenoe · 6/10 · 13 August 2022]

Fatty Finn is one for the ages, and hard to believe it's over 40 years old. Some funny scenes and I think a reboot is required that explores Fatty's adulthood and struggles with life and so on.

lolly legs kids hero

[ptb-8 · 27 April 2005]

Hugely popular Australian children's comic strip dating from the 1920s was shrewdly made into a BUGSY MALONE style feature set in 20's style Sydney and filmed in the early 80s. Well directed and with a great cast of well known Oz TV favourites FATTY FINN became a big hit on cinema screens across Australia. Colourful and rude and silly and with all the classic Our Gang style antics that speak to kids of any language, it deserves a DVD release worldwide..perhaps together on one disc or release along with its almost-sequel the movie version of GINGER MEGGS who was the mirror image comic strip in a rival newspaper for decades. GINGER MEGGS was a good idea, filmed to follow up FATTY FINN and equally as successful. Not seen on moviescreens since the 80s and not on TV for 15 years, they would be big hit films all over again today if the effort was put in to them. Internationally on DVD too. Fatty Finn lead actor the cute blond Ben Oxenbould has grown into a skinhead monster with tattoos and can be seen in the recent criminal caper comedy GET RICH QUICK, which just won an award at an indie fest in in Oklahoma of all places!

Don't waste your time with this film

[lytesyde · 1/10 · 26 December 2023]

Besides this being a silly, unrealistic look at life in the 1920's Australia, there are some seriously messed up elements to the film.

The 'hero' of the story is just a kid caught up in materialism, to the extent that he will do anything, and use all means to get his greedy hands on money. It shows that the way to deal with bullies is to retaliate with violence and even theft, when they steal their clothes causing children to run up the street naked. He takes money from a crime gang for handling stolen goods, and running messages for them. Fatty Finn even prostitutes his girlfriend to be sexually abused by a rich kid. This is a film aimed at young audience, but with some messed up messaging throughout it.

Excellent Film

[Bugsy-8 · 3 October 1999]

What an excellent movie. The acting, writing, costumes to name but a few things were fantastic. Interesting to note that Alison Barrett who did the casting is still around and has many fine casting credits up her sleeve including "Pricilla Queen of the Desert" and "Muriels Wedding". Some of the children who starred in the film have managed to continue with their acting careers - BEN OXENBOULD, REBECCA RIGG and BRYAN WISEMAN...keep your eye out for these talented professionals! Although it's a pity we haven't seen more films directed by Maurice Murphy. He's a fine director.