When you look at casting, you probably won't find great names; but this adventure-comedy flows extremely well without the need of great acting performances. The story is simple and it works because it doesn't take place in USA but in Australia, and also because almost everybody is concerned with the amazing australian kangaroos and its environment. There are great shot compositions, and I suppose its natural to expect more from its director's work.
11 Reviews
Great for kids
curst_saden31 May 2010
Warning: Spoilers
So this was one of my favorite movies when I was a kid. It put me into a Kangaroo and Australia phase for a while. Now that I'm older I watched some of it and I realize it's definitely more of a kid's movie. There's nothing wrong with that, there are many kids movies that are really good, but adults probably won't have much reason to watch this one without kids present. The acting is OK, I realize now that the music is ridiculous (but perfect for the movie) and there are some scenes that are kinda silly or campy. There may be one or two things I would understand better if I was an Australian.
Long story short it's an OK movie in the eyes of an adult but it is AMAZING in the eyes of a kid.
Long story short it's an OK movie in the eyes of an adult but it is AMAZING in the eyes of a kid.
Kinda goofy but OK for family fare
jconnell1114 November 2004
This movie is reminiscent of the Wonderful World of Disney from the 1970's. It is similar in many ways to "Air Bud" or "Monkey Trouble" but a little bit more on the slapstick side. It has a fairly predictable plot line and some corny lightning shots, but nothing too scary for young kids (and the kangaroos are sort of cute).
Young Billy is a bit of an oddball locally because he is very fond of animals (even giant ants). When the obnoxious neighboring farm hires a city slicker to clear the 'roos off their property, one baby kangaroo (Joey) is left behind. Billy then strikes out for Sydney in an attempt to reunite Joey with his parents. Along the way he meets the American Ambassador's daughter and they team up to stop an illegal kangaroo fight. The cops are bumbling, the villains are melodramatic, and the kids are plucky. Just what you'd expect, but a diverting watch nonetheless.
Young Billy is a bit of an oddball locally because he is very fond of animals (even giant ants). When the obnoxious neighboring farm hires a city slicker to clear the 'roos off their property, one baby kangaroo (Joey) is left behind. Billy then strikes out for Sydney in an attempt to reunite Joey with his parents. Along the way he meets the American Ambassador's daughter and they team up to stop an illegal kangaroo fight. The cops are bumbling, the villains are melodramatic, and the kids are plucky. Just what you'd expect, but a diverting watch nonetheless.
Stupid... just stupid
IMDb_wanderer15 December 2006
Warning: Spoilers
I saw this movie three years ago and thought it was terrible. The kid follows a group of thugs from the bush to Sydney, hooks up with the daughter of the new US ambassador to Australia, and it basically goes silly from then on. The scene where he goes with her to get diplomatic immunity was unrealistic, due to the fact that the boy (I refuse to say his name) is not American, and would be turfed out in a second, while the American girl gets immunity. Also, the end of the movie is also stupid, with the thugs turning out to be brainless.
If you want to watch it and find it funny, switch off all touches with actual reality, and it may become enjoyable.
If you want to watch it and find it funny, switch off all touches with actual reality, and it may become enjoyable.
Possibly the worst movie....ever
sammyfitch14 December 2003
Do not look at the cover, do not read the back, avoid this movie like the plague! The story is horrendous, everytime the kid mentions his dad lightning flickers in the backround, which is extremely fake. It is a pointless, stupid, absurd movie which should of never of been made. Watch this movie solely if you're in the mood for a comedy.
Promoting stereotypes and inappropriate scene
hilarylforgie26 January 2024
Warning: Spoilers
This is geared towards 7+ on Amazon Prime and noted as a family movie for "all", but it is not for all.
There is a scene where an older man kisses the young girl's hand and the scene is not appropriate for anyone really. The girl looks about 11 or younger. I was disgusted also by the sound effect in that scene sounding like a spring.
The lead younger boy character promotes care for animals, and care for values such as to not fight girls, but there are also stereotypes promoted. Stereotypes include scary homeless people and an intimidating police officer who pinches the ears of kids at the beginning. I can tell that the young girl's look was inspired by Clueless, but the girl is too young for a short dress and the first scene she is in, the camera is basically up the dress.
Besides these issues, there is a lot of gun use throughout the movie, likely due to kangaroos being poached/tranquilized.
Definitely not for young kids when there is a weird-looking man with a helmet and spike mitts chasing after the kids when they find the kangaroo.
There is a scene where an older man kisses the young girl's hand and the scene is not appropriate for anyone really. The girl looks about 11 or younger. I was disgusted also by the sound effect in that scene sounding like a spring.
The lead younger boy character promotes care for animals, and care for values such as to not fight girls, but there are also stereotypes promoted. Stereotypes include scary homeless people and an intimidating police officer who pinches the ears of kids at the beginning. I can tell that the young girl's look was inspired by Clueless, but the girl is too young for a short dress and the first scene she is in, the camera is basically up the dress.
Besides these issues, there is a lot of gun use throughout the movie, likely due to kangaroos being poached/tranquilized.
Definitely not for young kids when there is a weird-looking man with a helmet and spike mitts chasing after the kids when they find the kangaroo.
Satisfying Slapstick
nevadaluke4 April 2012
This is a great way to spend 90 minutes watching a movie with your kid.
The comedy is broad and lighthearted, the child actors are cheery and enjoyable to watch and the mother, played by Rebecca Gibney, is a sympathetic and well-crafted character.
It's not often a baby kangaroo shows up in an animal movie, and this one (or however many played the part of Joey) is deployed with plenty of charm.
I might also add that this was an especially fine turn for Miss McKenna, who comes across as lovable without being the least bit annoying.
And, thankfully, the Australian accents by the actors from down under were also softened for the American ear. I, for one, find that the harshest Aussie accents are among the most painful sounds made by the human voice.
I give this a strong recommendation -- it's easy to find on the Netflix instant queue.
The comedy is broad and lighthearted, the child actors are cheery and enjoyable to watch and the mother, played by Rebecca Gibney, is a sympathetic and well-crafted character.
It's not often a baby kangaroo shows up in an animal movie, and this one (or however many played the part of Joey) is deployed with plenty of charm.
I might also add that this was an especially fine turn for Miss McKenna, who comes across as lovable without being the least bit annoying.
And, thankfully, the Australian accents by the actors from down under were also softened for the American ear. I, for one, find that the harshest Aussie accents are among the most painful sounds made by the human voice.
I give this a strong recommendation -- it's easy to find on the Netflix instant queue.
A classic example of Australian humor
fieldmarshal-mitch14 December 2008
This is a great example of Australian humor which is prevalent throughout the movie.
With less known names such as Jamie Croft ("The Real Macaw") and Richard Moir ("Round the Twist"), this movie is bound to be enjoyed by those who appreciate and understand the Australian culture, and more importantly, the humor.
Although a couple of Americans appear in this film, they fit in well with the storyline, which is presented as them being introduced to the Australian way of life, which makes a nice change from the usual attempts which American film makers make to put an Australian spin on what is essentially an American film, mostly unsuccessfully. Being made by an Australian film company and including Americans, this movie simply works.
The storyline is consistent and demonstrates perfectly a true Steve Irwin style approach to animal activism and conservation, in this case, the protection of Australia's most well known animal icon: the kangaroo. I would recommend this movie to anyone who is interested in Australian movies, movies about animals and movies about conservation. But most of all, those who enjoy a good laugh and appreciate the uniqueness of Australian humor.
With less known names such as Jamie Croft ("The Real Macaw") and Richard Moir ("Round the Twist"), this movie is bound to be enjoyed by those who appreciate and understand the Australian culture, and more importantly, the humor.
Although a couple of Americans appear in this film, they fit in well with the storyline, which is presented as them being introduced to the Australian way of life, which makes a nice change from the usual attempts which American film makers make to put an Australian spin on what is essentially an American film, mostly unsuccessfully. Being made by an Australian film company and including Americans, this movie simply works.
The storyline is consistent and demonstrates perfectly a true Steve Irwin style approach to animal activism and conservation, in this case, the protection of Australia's most well known animal icon: the kangaroo. I would recommend this movie to anyone who is interested in Australian movies, movies about animals and movies about conservation. But most of all, those who enjoy a good laugh and appreciate the uniqueness of Australian humor.
My favourite movie i was kid
M4deadpool7 June 2019
Good for kids
Grey_Stig8 November 2019
Kept Me Occupied
Cabekka12 May 2005
I wasn't expecting to much from this film on a Sunday afternoon with rain etc. but I was quite surprised. The concept of character saves animals is definitely not original, but I feel the film competes quite well with some of the films that can slip out from Australia. After seeing it once or twice it gets a little tedious, and so do the jokes, even if the film was slightly out of my age group. But the first time I watched it I laughed a little. Even though I had not heard of many actors in the film (if any, given my knowledge on Australian films & TV), they all seemed to be comfortable in their roles. Let's face it, it was never going to be a big successful movie, but I think, given the time, it could definitely help fill up a rainy day.
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