Destined to become an Australian Classic, 'Oddball' is a very enjoyable family friendly flick which says much about the local film industry and audiences. When a good yarn is well produced and marketed, people will go out and see Australian movies. Whilst not perfect, 'Oddball' is a genre pic - the kids movie that the whole family can watch; with cute animals, a wide eyed and intelligent child, a quirky and memorable leading man and a good versus evil motif. What's not to love? For me, the drawbacks were the casting/writing of an American in a major role. Surely this was not for funding reasons! The actor cast is not even a big name. It could have been written for a corporate Australian type; and there are dozens of great local actors to cast here, even if Alan Tudyk is a competent performer for both the comedic and dramatic moments. He has zero chemistry with the current superstar of Aussie cinema the omnipotent Sarah Snook. This actress is the next Cate Blanchett. World domination awaits her. With already a number of lead and supporting roles under her belt, Sarah has shown why she is the next big thing. This seems an odd choice, pardon the pun, with her career trajectory,but as it will turn out to be one of the biggest box office hits this year, perhaps there was strategy from her and her agents to take this role. The child actor playing her daughter is great, and Shane Jacobson once again ('Kenny') creates an unforgettable screen character. He shows a great ability to straddle both humour and gravitas, often from moment to moment. He is becoming a national treasure. Deb Mailman gets to do very little, but doubles up with narration; and Richard Davies ('Offspring') shows why he deserves more screen time and more work. The hilarious Frank Woodley goes somewhat against type and is terrific. But the obvious stars of the movie are the animals. They are just delightful, although it was not seamless when dog and penguin were spliced into one frame - not quite, for these eyes, anyway. With a movie like 'Oddball' its ending was always going to play out as it did, but there was a lot of fun and tension getting there. It has a very sweet heart to it this film, and I recommend it on that basis.
23 Reviews
Not enough Oddball
tomsview29 December 2015
It was W.C. Fields who said, 'Never work with animals or children.' He may have had a point because the actors in this film become almost irrelevant when Oddball, a beautiful Maremma sheepdog, shares the screen with the fairy penguins.
The film is based on real events. Apparently, Middle Island off the Victorian coast at Warrnambool, used to be home to a thousand fairy penguins until foxes started to snack down on them, reducing the population to just ten of the little guys.
Finally, a chicken farmer, Swampy (Shane Jacobson), and his dog, Oddball, come to their rescue and rid the island of foxes after hunting and trapping had failed.
The film is described as family fare, and Oddball steals every scene he is in, but I think children would be a little restless with the amount of story taken up with the affairs of the adults. Maybe the filmmakers tried to cram in too much. Along with the case for conservation, every character in the film seems to have a back-story. But it's all at the expense of more time with Oddball and the real stars of the show - the fairy penguins.
No doubt the scenes with the penguins would have been hard to do, but the film could have used a lot more of the confrontation between Oddball and the foxes - there are few long shots and much of the action seems either very close-up or off camera. Here and there the film gets to the heart of the matter - the human drama can't compete with the tension in the scene on the island when the fox sticks its head into the fairy penguin's burrow, or when Oddball saves the egg from going over the cliff.
Although no rival to "Babe", "Oddball" is nicely made, and no one will hate it, but I feel that the filmmakers missed the opportunity to make it more memorable than it is.
The film is based on real events. Apparently, Middle Island off the Victorian coast at Warrnambool, used to be home to a thousand fairy penguins until foxes started to snack down on them, reducing the population to just ten of the little guys.
Finally, a chicken farmer, Swampy (Shane Jacobson), and his dog, Oddball, come to their rescue and rid the island of foxes after hunting and trapping had failed.
The film is described as family fare, and Oddball steals every scene he is in, but I think children would be a little restless with the amount of story taken up with the affairs of the adults. Maybe the filmmakers tried to cram in too much. Along with the case for conservation, every character in the film seems to have a back-story. But it's all at the expense of more time with Oddball and the real stars of the show - the fairy penguins.
No doubt the scenes with the penguins would have been hard to do, but the film could have used a lot more of the confrontation between Oddball and the foxes - there are few long shots and much of the action seems either very close-up or off camera. Here and there the film gets to the heart of the matter - the human drama can't compete with the tension in the scene on the island when the fox sticks its head into the fairy penguin's burrow, or when Oddball saves the egg from going over the cliff.
Although no rival to "Babe", "Oddball" is nicely made, and no one will hate it, but I feel that the filmmakers missed the opportunity to make it more memorable than it is.
Entertaining family fare
faaus722 May 2017
Oddball is, if a bit formulaic, well done and rewarding.
The intertwined elements of family-love, nature's treasures and a heartwarming dog combine for our pleasure.
The location of the story is one of magical beauty.
The characters are well-drawn and believable.
The fact that it's based on a true story makes it even more special.
The intertwined elements of family-love, nature's treasures and a heartwarming dog combine for our pleasure.
The location of the story is one of magical beauty.
The characters are well-drawn and believable.
The fact that it's based on a true story makes it even more special.
Australian movie, dog named Oddball protects the tiny penguins.
TxMike20 January 2021
This is a true story, I presume embellished in places to make it a more interesting movie. All the actors are good and I was especially impressed with the cinematography.
There is a small island just offshore and only protected by a shallow patch of water. It was the home of hundreds of very small penguins. But then foxes discovered they could cross and soon the penguin population dwindled until it was down to under 20.
There are a few subplots going on but the main one is this curious dog named Oddball takes a liking to penguins and ultimately is utilized to scare off the foxes and help reestablish a healthy penguin population.
My wife and I watched it on Amazon streaming movies, it is a very nice and entertaining movie.
There is a small island just offshore and only protected by a shallow patch of water. It was the home of hundreds of very small penguins. But then foxes discovered they could cross and soon the penguin population dwindled until it was down to under 20.
There are a few subplots going on but the main one is this curious dog named Oddball takes a liking to penguins and ultimately is utilized to scare off the foxes and help reestablish a healthy penguin population.
My wife and I watched it on Amazon streaming movies, it is a very nice and entertaining movie.
A cute and cuddly family yarn
eddie_baggins14 January 2016
A lovable based on a true story family movie that's partly filmed in one of the worlds most naturally beautiful locations and most livable cities (no bias here at all) in the form of regional Australian city Warrnambool, Oddball is a film that's enjoyable for the young and young at heart and one of the better Australian feel good stories in some time.
A huge success at the local Australian box office in the later half of 2015, and in particular in the town of Warrnambool where Oddball played at the local cinema for 3 months, Oddball's the type of film even the biggest of movie grouches will have fun with despite its slight narrative and overacting from a talented cast.
A dramatization of eccentric chicken farmer and genuine "oddball" Alan 'swampy' Marsh, Oddball sees one of Australia's great larrikin characters Shane Jacobson inhabit the overalls of the great bearded man who developed the ingenious idea of using Maremma sheep dogs to protect a local fairy penguin colony that had been decimated by pesky foxes.
It's a unique scenario but not one that exactly makes for thrilling viewing and Oddball's major struggles come from trying to draw dramatic tension from a simple idea that just doesn't have the cinematic qualities of other such true tales. Well respected actors Sarah Snook (breakout star of Predestination), Alan Tudyk and even Australian comedy legend Frank Woodley all feel a little lost with some pretty lame supporting characters.
Oddball flys on the back of Jacobson's work, young actress Coco Jack Gillies likability, the great locations and of course the lovable animals that make penguins and fluffy dogs even more adorable than one would've thought possible.
A film that's appropriate for all ages and a tale that has appeal for animal lovers the world over, Oddball is a slight yet wholeheartedly enjoyable Australian film that's likely to become a new favourite of the youngest members of the family and an Australian film that holds a more universal appeal than the average homegrown movie.
3 Great Ocean Road shots out of 5
A huge success at the local Australian box office in the later half of 2015, and in particular in the town of Warrnambool where Oddball played at the local cinema for 3 months, Oddball's the type of film even the biggest of movie grouches will have fun with despite its slight narrative and overacting from a talented cast.
A dramatization of eccentric chicken farmer and genuine "oddball" Alan 'swampy' Marsh, Oddball sees one of Australia's great larrikin characters Shane Jacobson inhabit the overalls of the great bearded man who developed the ingenious idea of using Maremma sheep dogs to protect a local fairy penguin colony that had been decimated by pesky foxes.
It's a unique scenario but not one that exactly makes for thrilling viewing and Oddball's major struggles come from trying to draw dramatic tension from a simple idea that just doesn't have the cinematic qualities of other such true tales. Well respected actors Sarah Snook (breakout star of Predestination), Alan Tudyk and even Australian comedy legend Frank Woodley all feel a little lost with some pretty lame supporting characters.
Oddball flys on the back of Jacobson's work, young actress Coco Jack Gillies likability, the great locations and of course the lovable animals that make penguins and fluffy dogs even more adorable than one would've thought possible.
A film that's appropriate for all ages and a tale that has appeal for animal lovers the world over, Oddball is a slight yet wholeheartedly enjoyable Australian film that's likely to become a new favourite of the youngest members of the family and an Australian film that holds a more universal appeal than the average homegrown movie.
3 Great Ocean Road shots out of 5
About a dog and his master who gave a new hope the little creatures.
Reno-Rangan14 July 2016
An Australian adventure-drama inspired by the true story about the wildlife conservation, but it does not follow actual details. Like in the real life, it was between father and daughter, unlike grandfather and granddaughter in this. So there many other changes were made in order to get the film right shape, but the theme remained true to the original.
This was the second film after the last week 'Brothers of the Wind' about the wildlife I had watched and I'm very happy with both. A film for everyone with the balanced contents between the film characters and the message it wanted to tell. I mean it was not about the dog or a girl or the penguins, but they all equally shared the parts. I think the animals were used well.
The film focused on a southern Australian small coastal town, where on a tiny island the little penguins are living for the centuries. But now the numbers are going down due to the fox attacks. So the people are worried that the place might lose its special status. Then they decide to protect it, but all the effort was in vain until a chicken farmer and his mischievous dog named Oddball become the game changer, while everyone was in the panic mode.
It is a modern fairytale, that's what they say in the opening. Because fairy tales do not have any violences and so in this the fox attacks were merely a concept to develop the plot. In reality those were obviously heartbreaking if you are an animal lover. The good thing is, the film does not have them like a Disney Nature film. So those who seek facts, logics and strong appeal in a film, I would advise them to stay away from it or you can just put away your adultness to have a good time with it.
"If you want the biscuit you gotta risk it."
This film was not based on a rare concept, but definitely very rare on what it deals with. Like as my knowledge I don't remember seeing a film or a documentary film about these little penguins. So it is totally worth, but disappointment was it was a human perspective story. About the human's intervene while nature fighting among themselves to extinction. Fox hunts penguins and that's a natural order, but when the balance was disturbed, the human's involvement to restore it is not questionable as we're the dominated species on the earth.
Most of the cast was Aussies and a couple of them were internationally recognised. Predictable story, especially the ending is not a complicated part. Somewhat fun, but most of the time the drama takes over like the struggling relationship between father and daughter. Sometime innovative ideas come when one in a such scenario. The film explored on that basis to tell a decent tale.
The kid was good, along with the dog, and the farmer who was also known as Swampy, the only one who tried very hard in the comical role to keep rhythm up. In a few scenes the camera work was great, the aerial view of the seaside was lovely. It was nominated for the best cinematography in the last Australian Academy Awards, but did not win.
This is not a massive hit film or well recognised in the rest of the world. Even if you watch it today, you will go to forget it tomorrow. Then you might be wondering why it should be watched. Well, it is one of the finest family films of the recent time and a message deliverer. In one film many plots were covered, like a man-dog, father-daughter-granddaughter relationship, midlife crisis, wildlife conservation; this film was full of sub-plots and yet it makes an overall decent film. I won't recommend it, but definitely not a waste of time.
7/10
This was the second film after the last week 'Brothers of the Wind' about the wildlife I had watched and I'm very happy with both. A film for everyone with the balanced contents between the film characters and the message it wanted to tell. I mean it was not about the dog or a girl or the penguins, but they all equally shared the parts. I think the animals were used well.
The film focused on a southern Australian small coastal town, where on a tiny island the little penguins are living for the centuries. But now the numbers are going down due to the fox attacks. So the people are worried that the place might lose its special status. Then they decide to protect it, but all the effort was in vain until a chicken farmer and his mischievous dog named Oddball become the game changer, while everyone was in the panic mode.
It is a modern fairytale, that's what they say in the opening. Because fairy tales do not have any violences and so in this the fox attacks were merely a concept to develop the plot. In reality those were obviously heartbreaking if you are an animal lover. The good thing is, the film does not have them like a Disney Nature film. So those who seek facts, logics and strong appeal in a film, I would advise them to stay away from it or you can just put away your adultness to have a good time with it.
"If you want the biscuit you gotta risk it."
This film was not based on a rare concept, but definitely very rare on what it deals with. Like as my knowledge I don't remember seeing a film or a documentary film about these little penguins. So it is totally worth, but disappointment was it was a human perspective story. About the human's intervene while nature fighting among themselves to extinction. Fox hunts penguins and that's a natural order, but when the balance was disturbed, the human's involvement to restore it is not questionable as we're the dominated species on the earth.
Most of the cast was Aussies and a couple of them were internationally recognised. Predictable story, especially the ending is not a complicated part. Somewhat fun, but most of the time the drama takes over like the struggling relationship between father and daughter. Sometime innovative ideas come when one in a such scenario. The film explored on that basis to tell a decent tale.
The kid was good, along with the dog, and the farmer who was also known as Swampy, the only one who tried very hard in the comical role to keep rhythm up. In a few scenes the camera work was great, the aerial view of the seaside was lovely. It was nominated for the best cinematography in the last Australian Academy Awards, but did not win.
This is not a massive hit film or well recognised in the rest of the world. Even if you watch it today, you will go to forget it tomorrow. Then you might be wondering why it should be watched. Well, it is one of the finest family films of the recent time and a message deliverer. In one film many plots were covered, like a man-dog, father-daughter-granddaughter relationship, midlife crisis, wildlife conservation; this film was full of sub-plots and yet it makes an overall decent film. I won't recommend it, but definitely not a waste of time.
7/10
An mediocre family film about an amazing true story
maccas7514 May 2016
I was excited about this film ever since learning it was in production. Being a Shane Jacobson fan and already knowing about this incredible story, I was curious to see how it would translate onto the big screen.
Shane Jacobson brings a few laughs while playing his most "Aussie" character since Kenny. It's his family dramas and associated story line which at times bog the story down. Perhaps the film chose to focus on that aspect in an effort to draw attention away from just how fake the Middle Island penguin scenes were. In what is such a beautifully natural setting, I felt like I was watching a cheap TV-movie set.
Alan Tudyk's character of Bradley was incredibly irritating and unlikable - the casting of such an Americanised character in a quintessentially Australian tale may grate some viewers. Meanwhile, comedic legend, Frank Woodley, plays a character resembling a poor rendition of 101 Dalmations', Cruella De Vil - annoyingly "comical" for adults, kids might still get some laughs.
While not remarkable, it is an easy-to-watch family movie whose story steadily plods along to a predictable conclusion. I can't help but feel this movie could've been something really special, but instead becomes another reflection of the inconsistency currently plaguing Australia's film industry.
Shane Jacobson brings a few laughs while playing his most "Aussie" character since Kenny. It's his family dramas and associated story line which at times bog the story down. Perhaps the film chose to focus on that aspect in an effort to draw attention away from just how fake the Middle Island penguin scenes were. In what is such a beautifully natural setting, I felt like I was watching a cheap TV-movie set.
Alan Tudyk's character of Bradley was incredibly irritating and unlikable - the casting of such an Americanised character in a quintessentially Australian tale may grate some viewers. Meanwhile, comedic legend, Frank Woodley, plays a character resembling a poor rendition of 101 Dalmations', Cruella De Vil - annoyingly "comical" for adults, kids might still get some laughs.
While not remarkable, it is an easy-to-watch family movie whose story steadily plods along to a predictable conclusion. I can't help but feel this movie could've been something really special, but instead becomes another reflection of the inconsistency currently plaguing Australia's film industry.
manufactured story
SnoopyStyle11 October 2019
In a small Australian town, thousands of penguins would nest on Middle Island every year. Then foxes discover the island and the colony of penguins gets devastated. There are only 20 left. In order to maintain their sanctuary status, they need at least 10. Their savior comes in the form of eccentric chicken farmer Swampy Marsh (Shane Jacobson) and his dog Oddball. After all, penguins are just chickens in tuxedos.
I love the simple dog saves penguins idea. The rest of the family drama and whale watching drama feels manufactured. The movie is manufacturing a villain and it's not good at it. I can live with the family drama if it's done a bit better. I do like the late mother being the origins story. Much of the story feels like a weaker 80's movie. I'm not opposed to making up a fictional story for this feel-good situation. I am opposed to doing it badly.
I love the simple dog saves penguins idea. The rest of the family drama and whale watching drama feels manufactured. The movie is manufacturing a villain and it's not good at it. I can live with the family drama if it's done a bit better. I do like the late mother being the origins story. Much of the story feels like a weaker 80's movie. I'm not opposed to making up a fictional story for this feel-good situation. I am opposed to doing it badly.
Great family film based on real events
chrislythgoe77719 September 2016
Oddball, is a great family film that really is engaging because of the true nature of the events. The cinematography is wonderful and bright, the actors are believable and the film combines small elements of conflict with comedy that pulls the film onward seamlessly. Dogs, penguins and lighthouses are always a winning combination and somewhat unique. This film is much more than just one neatly defined genre. It is a documentary, drama, comedy, action, suspense all rolled into one. I had the pleasure of speaking with the producer after a screening and what sets this film apart from many is the sheer level of dedication in regards to time and overcoming weather challenges to bring this film to the public eye and it is indeed a treasure that will leave you wanting to learn more and perhaps even become an advocate.
A sweet family movie with a great message
ComedyFan201011 April 2018
The great thing is that it is based on a true story. I have never heard about this before since I live far away from Australia, but there was indeed a chicken farmer who trained his dog to protect penguins from foxes and let the colony flourish.
The movie adds more fictional elements to make it an adventure story. It would be mainly interesting for kids but adults can watch it with them without a problem and enjoy it.
The acting is good. No real overacting as often happens in the genre of family movies. Shane Jacobson is great as a farmer and there is definitely a rising talent there when it comes to the child actress Coco Jack Gillies.
And in addition to humans we also get the pleasure to watch the adorable penguins and the dog in it that add a lot of fun to the movie. And of course it is filmed in the beautiful setting of Australia.
If you have kids I would recommend it. Kids usually love animals and it also has a great message of conservation that may inspire them for the future.
The movie adds more fictional elements to make it an adventure story. It would be mainly interesting for kids but adults can watch it with them without a problem and enjoy it.
The acting is good. No real overacting as often happens in the genre of family movies. Shane Jacobson is great as a farmer and there is definitely a rising talent there when it comes to the child actress Coco Jack Gillies.
And in addition to humans we also get the pleasure to watch the adorable penguins and the dog in it that add a lot of fun to the movie. And of course it is filmed in the beautiful setting of Australia.
If you have kids I would recommend it. Kids usually love animals and it also has a great message of conservation that may inspire them for the future.
Oddball is a confused political critique disguised as a mediocre Australian family film
Likes_Ninjas9017 October 2015
Warning: Spoilers
Oddball is a confused political critique disguised as a mediocre Australian family film. It opens with spectacular overhead shots that sweep over the water and the cliff faces. But if it were not for the high production values and the quality of the cast, this would have been a direct to video film. The only interesting aspect of Stuart McDonald's film is its awkward transition between two conflicting political messages. Oddball is primarily driven by a left-leaning environmental green message about protecting endangered animals and remaining highly critical of bureaucracy, red tape and American intervention. Simultaneously, the film is old fashioned in dramatising the techniques of environmental preservation and the way it mirrors American movies should be deemed politically conservative, with the retention of the family unit a chief concern of the narrative and its characters.
The film is based on the real story of Allan 'Swampy' Marsh, who saved a colony of endangered fairy penguins by protecting them with a Maremma Sheepdog. In the film, Allan is played by Shane Jacobson (Kenny), who has lost is wife but is happily working as a chicken farmer in Warrnambool, a Victorian coastal town. His daughter Emily (Sarah Snook) is working as a conservationist and must preserve up to ten penguins or else their sanctuary will be lost. Emily is not only a single mother to Olivia (Coco Jack Gillies), but also dating Bradley Slater (Alan Tudyk), an American who becomes involved in a development plan that could overtake the penguin habitat. Simultaneously, Allan and his granddaughter are worried about losing their dog Oddball, who is in the eye of the local dog catcher (Frank Woodley), after he is deemed by the local council to be on his last warning if he causes anymore disruptions in the town. Allan and Olivia realise Oddball still has one useful purpose: he is able to protect the penguins from the foxes at night but they decide to keep this a secret from Emily, who doesn't want any further interference.
Oddball's major thematic goal is about challenging the establishment. In the film, the rulings of local government, laws and enterprise threaten to dissolve the Australian family by creating a domino effect over multiple aspects of society. The loss of Oddball, the free spirit and a symbol of a rural-style of protection, would mean losing the sanctuary and consequently Emily, who warns her father its one of the few things keeping her within the town. Meanwhile, her partner Bradley isn't an outright villain but characterised unsympathetically as an ugly caricature of shallow, consumerist American culture, who tries winning Olivia's love with expensive gifts. By accidentally disrupting the penguin's home with an overlapping development plan, he represents how modernity and business trample contemporary green values and families. His suggestion that Emily and her daughter move to New York, which is met with reluctance, typifies the film's strange antagonism to modern life in favour of traditional values and small town favouritism. Despite keeping his granddaughter away from school an alarming number of times, Allan personifies traditionalism. This simple chicken farmer is best summarised by a scene in which he gate crashes Bradley's date with Emily in a fine dining restraurant, dramatising his resistance to modern life and the upper class. While content to share thematic parallels to Paul Thomas Anderson's There Will Be Blood (2007), like the resistance to modernity and land ownership,Oddball's contradicting political trajectory is typified by awkwardly juggling these dual political goals: a contemporary green and progressive message about the environment, on top of a conservative view of retaining the family unit by dismissing exciting new life experiences, such as travelling and re-establishment.
These political and social aims were perhaps lost on the small children at the screening, some of whom grew visibly restless. The political ambitions aren't matched by lasting comedy because it's simply not as funny as one would hope and arguably too talkative for young children. Despite incorporating slapstick humour, a middling family drama, a minor mystery and those arching political goals, it's overly predictable and lightweight. Its greatest crime is throwing the potential of its cast into the wind. Shane Jacobson's Allan is not a fully realised character but a half-written comedy sketch that supplies the occasionally light quip or humorous remark and Sarah Snook's role doesn't stretch her talents as far as we have seen recently. Ultimately, it's the underdeveloped side roles which are most disappointing. Woodley is a hilarious comedian whose comic touch is never used and Debra Mailman doesn't feature anywhere near enough in her meager role as the town's mayor. The character Bradley Slater is a painfully obvious and grating caricature, whose relationship arc is clumsily resolved in the film's closing moments. While determined to tear down the establishment in favour of contemporary ideas and progress values, Oddball mirrors the shape of the Australian film industry itself. Its modern political trajectory is contained by conservative ideological goals that subdue its progressive aims. Along with its predictable, forgettable narrative and its failure to settle on one particular style, the adults in the audience had the right to be as fidgety as the kids.
The film is based on the real story of Allan 'Swampy' Marsh, who saved a colony of endangered fairy penguins by protecting them with a Maremma Sheepdog. In the film, Allan is played by Shane Jacobson (Kenny), who has lost is wife but is happily working as a chicken farmer in Warrnambool, a Victorian coastal town. His daughter Emily (Sarah Snook) is working as a conservationist and must preserve up to ten penguins or else their sanctuary will be lost. Emily is not only a single mother to Olivia (Coco Jack Gillies), but also dating Bradley Slater (Alan Tudyk), an American who becomes involved in a development plan that could overtake the penguin habitat. Simultaneously, Allan and his granddaughter are worried about losing their dog Oddball, who is in the eye of the local dog catcher (Frank Woodley), after he is deemed by the local council to be on his last warning if he causes anymore disruptions in the town. Allan and Olivia realise Oddball still has one useful purpose: he is able to protect the penguins from the foxes at night but they decide to keep this a secret from Emily, who doesn't want any further interference.
Oddball's major thematic goal is about challenging the establishment. In the film, the rulings of local government, laws and enterprise threaten to dissolve the Australian family by creating a domino effect over multiple aspects of society. The loss of Oddball, the free spirit and a symbol of a rural-style of protection, would mean losing the sanctuary and consequently Emily, who warns her father its one of the few things keeping her within the town. Meanwhile, her partner Bradley isn't an outright villain but characterised unsympathetically as an ugly caricature of shallow, consumerist American culture, who tries winning Olivia's love with expensive gifts. By accidentally disrupting the penguin's home with an overlapping development plan, he represents how modernity and business trample contemporary green values and families. His suggestion that Emily and her daughter move to New York, which is met with reluctance, typifies the film's strange antagonism to modern life in favour of traditional values and small town favouritism. Despite keeping his granddaughter away from school an alarming number of times, Allan personifies traditionalism. This simple chicken farmer is best summarised by a scene in which he gate crashes Bradley's date with Emily in a fine dining restraurant, dramatising his resistance to modern life and the upper class. While content to share thematic parallels to Paul Thomas Anderson's There Will Be Blood (2007), like the resistance to modernity and land ownership,Oddball's contradicting political trajectory is typified by awkwardly juggling these dual political goals: a contemporary green and progressive message about the environment, on top of a conservative view of retaining the family unit by dismissing exciting new life experiences, such as travelling and re-establishment.
These political and social aims were perhaps lost on the small children at the screening, some of whom grew visibly restless. The political ambitions aren't matched by lasting comedy because it's simply not as funny as one would hope and arguably too talkative for young children. Despite incorporating slapstick humour, a middling family drama, a minor mystery and those arching political goals, it's overly predictable and lightweight. Its greatest crime is throwing the potential of its cast into the wind. Shane Jacobson's Allan is not a fully realised character but a half-written comedy sketch that supplies the occasionally light quip or humorous remark and Sarah Snook's role doesn't stretch her talents as far as we have seen recently. Ultimately, it's the underdeveloped side roles which are most disappointing. Woodley is a hilarious comedian whose comic touch is never used and Debra Mailman doesn't feature anywhere near enough in her meager role as the town's mayor. The character Bradley Slater is a painfully obvious and grating caricature, whose relationship arc is clumsily resolved in the film's closing moments. While determined to tear down the establishment in favour of contemporary ideas and progress values, Oddball mirrors the shape of the Australian film industry itself. Its modern political trajectory is contained by conservative ideological goals that subdue its progressive aims. Along with its predictable, forgettable narrative and its failure to settle on one particular style, the adults in the audience had the right to be as fidgety as the kids.
Sweet
bevo-1367816 November 2020
A wonderful story, padded out by a formulaic sub-plot
buckythewonderhorse7 October 2017
Warning: Spoilers
Ah, the trouble with having to make a movie last 90 minutes.
At its core, "Oddball" is a wonderful story. Swampy Marsh (marvellously played by Shane Jacobson), is a widowed chicken farmer with a lovable but trouble-prone dog (Oddball); while his conservationist daughter is struggling with a penguin colony being decimated by foxes. Marsh has an inspiration - get Oddball to guard penguins from foxes, in the same way his other dogs guard his chickens. It works brilliantly, and along the way he bonds with his granddaughter and daughter.
Unfortunately, this story would struggle to stretch to an hour. So the movie is padded out with a rather formulaic sub-plot about a rival business having a vested interest in the penguin colony's demise. This sub-plot also resolves rather strangely and abruptly.
Yes I recommend this movie, for the performance of Jacobsen, some very touching family scenes between the three main characters, and the delightful dog and penguins. But I wish the sub-plot wasn't there, or at least was handled differently.
At its core, "Oddball" is a wonderful story. Swampy Marsh (marvellously played by Shane Jacobson), is a widowed chicken farmer with a lovable but trouble-prone dog (Oddball); while his conservationist daughter is struggling with a penguin colony being decimated by foxes. Marsh has an inspiration - get Oddball to guard penguins from foxes, in the same way his other dogs guard his chickens. It works brilliantly, and along the way he bonds with his granddaughter and daughter.
Unfortunately, this story would struggle to stretch to an hour. So the movie is padded out with a rather formulaic sub-plot about a rival business having a vested interest in the penguin colony's demise. This sub-plot also resolves rather strangely and abruptly.
Yes I recommend this movie, for the performance of Jacobsen, some very touching family scenes between the three main characters, and the delightful dog and penguins. But I wish the sub-plot wasn't there, or at least was handled differently.
Inspiring, Warm & Lovely. The most incredible part is, it is based on true story!
kiltshien22 April 2020
Warning: Spoilers
I love true, meaningful & entertaining movie, and this movie is one of them. The love & trust of the owner to the dog, the responsibility & loyalty from the dog, how the family bonded again, & the great part is dog's owner put it's talent on the right place, let it shine and rise. Great movie inspires & touches our souls, and this dog reminds me that everyone of us is gifted with an unique gift when we are born. It is okay to be an oddball and different from others, when we let it shine and rise, it can impact and do good for the world.
As a family film should be
hiimdebbielee1 October 2019
This movie is heart warming, funny, thoughtful, and educational. This is how the movies were when I was growing up. They are informative about endangered species or situations, but entertaining at the same time. Based on a true story, I think they did a wonderful job. The storyline was great, most of the acting was perfect, and had a thoughtful message about several different things running through the movie. Very much advise anyone to watch this. You won't be disappointed.
Awesome little film!
jdarwal21 September 2016
This is a great little film! I wasn't sure what to expect before I saw it but it turned out to be quite the very pleasant surprise. The acting was good, with apparently really well-known Australian actors who would equal "A-Lister's" in the United States. I particularly enjoyed the performance of the young actress Coco Jack Gillies--she was really good for such a young performer.
I will show this film to my children as soon as I can. I think they will easily be able to grasp the idea that some things are worth fighting/sacrificing for. This film has something for everyone... kids and animals with a sweet story keeps the kids entertained and the adult issues plus the animal drama keeps the adults engaged. I highly recommend this film to anyone wanting to see a great family film. Deals with loss, divorce (indirectly), forgiveness, honor, etc. Just a really nice film!
I will show this film to my children as soon as I can. I think they will easily be able to grasp the idea that some things are worth fighting/sacrificing for. This film has something for everyone... kids and animals with a sweet story keeps the kids entertained and the adult issues plus the animal drama keeps the adults engaged. I highly recommend this film to anyone wanting to see a great family film. Deals with loss, divorce (indirectly), forgiveness, honor, etc. Just a really nice film!
Awesome Family Movie!
ransx28 December 2015
Warning: Spoilers
This movie will remind you of the old classic Disney movies like "Old Yeller". It is entertaining and fun for the whole family. (Why anyone reviewing this movie would get hung up on a political angle is beyond me!) In order for there to be a plot there has to be a challenge, and no surprise, it's the establishment! The point is, it's a feel good movie, based on a true story with an outside the box concept, not a political statement. The characters are strong and interesting and deeper than expected. There is something for everyone in this movie. If you get the DVD, the extras are very much worth watching! Hopefully a US version will be released soon! There are many Maremma owners in the US frothing at the chance to see this great movie! Hopefully the producers will see that and either release a theatrical version or at least a US region DVD version.
Cute Movie
aligraham-3597312 April 2016
Oddball is very well-written and will keep you engaged throughout! The film has moments of tears and moments of laughter as our hearts all unite to despise the villain and love the hero. Adults and children alike will enjoy this production, and more than likely will identify with one of its diverse lineup of characters who each did a fantastic job portraying their role in the film. Swampy is the widow of a wildlife sanctuary manager and has a daughter, Emily, who is trying deeply to continue her mother's legacy on the Middle Island penguin sanctuary. Her daughter and Swampy's granddaughter, Olivia, is a too cute proponent of saving the penguins and has a sense of vision and optimism that only a child can render. Her and Swampy's beloved dog, Oddball, is the star of her plan. The town's mayor, judge, and city council all play into the roller coaster of events that try to sabotage the preservation of the sanctuary, which has an unlikely villain working to destroy it's existence, and the feel-good outcome.
A Great Story
bradgad-9834416 June 2020
Such a great (true) story. I kinda wish they hadn't made it as a kids' movie. They should have hauled Morgan Freeman out of his mansion and made him do it in the vein of March of the Penguins. But, I guess kids need movies too. Maybe.
An excellent kids' movie that can also serve as a feel-good movie for grown ups in troubling times.
An excellent kids' movie that can also serve as a feel-good movie for grown ups in troubling times.
Delightful
greenheart30 July 2023
There's something about these kind of Australian movies that is a little like a warm blanket being put around you.
Based on a true story, this has the elements of a children's foundation movie with loveable animals and slapstick humour.
Some of the wildlife photography and scenery were breathtaking, fantastic to see this area and find out about this heart-warming story.
The comedy was a delight, Jack had glorious comic timing and the scene with him pouring wine in a restaurant had me roaring with laughter, he followed it up with some great work with the trans. Gun.
One for all the family, the perfect length and was just a real feel-good movie.
Based on a true story, this has the elements of a children's foundation movie with loveable animals and slapstick humour.
Some of the wildlife photography and scenery were breathtaking, fantastic to see this area and find out about this heart-warming story.
The comedy was a delight, Jack had glorious comic timing and the scene with him pouring wine in a restaurant had me roaring with laughter, he followed it up with some great work with the trans. Gun.
One for all the family, the perfect length and was just a real feel-good movie.
i'm madly in love with Oddball and the penguins
elyrov29 March 2022
I have to be honest: I only decided to watch this movie because Oddball is terribly beautiful, cute and cuddly. Then obviously the plot intrigued me very much: the story of this good gigantic dog who decides to help the penguins as he can is really super interesting. The only flaw of this film is probably the green screen used in the island scenes, which is almost fake. Favorite character, together with the animals, is the little girl, an absolute boss. Overall the film runs very quickly without empty moments of boredom, the story is taken from a true story and it is, in my opinion, very new, particular and innovative.
A Lovely Film about a Misunderstood Dog
The-Sarkologist18 December 2022
Warning: Spoilers
There were a couple of surprises with this film, the first being that it is an Australian film set in the coastal city of Warrnambool, and the second being that it is actually based on a true story. It's a kids film, and it is one of those films that also appeals to people who like animals, namely because the main character is this dog that happens to be, well, a little odd, which is why he has the name Oddball.
The story is about how this island off the coast of Warrnambool is the home to a colony of Fairy Penguins, but due to it being accessible during low tide, foxes have managed to get over to the island and are devastating the colony. It has been determined if the colony falls to less than 10, then it will lose its sanctuary status and be turned into a whale watching platform.
What is discovered is that Oddball has a particular affinity for fairy penguins, and they come up with the idea that they should leave the dog on the island to see if he scares off the penguins. The problem is that the dog isn't all that liked in town because he has a propensity of causing an awful lot of mischief. Then there is the fact that a consortium wants to set up a whale watching sanctuary.
It's a pretty cool film, and one of those that would be great for children. Okay, there has been some criticism that there is too much of a focus on the grandfather, but the fact that it has a pretty high rating, and didn't flop, suggests that people actually quite like the film. I personally did, especially since it explores a true story, and how the people of Warrnambool looked outside the box to solve a problem. Okay, it is probably more dramatised like most of these types of films, but still, I personally think it works.
The story is about how this island off the coast of Warrnambool is the home to a colony of Fairy Penguins, but due to it being accessible during low tide, foxes have managed to get over to the island and are devastating the colony. It has been determined if the colony falls to less than 10, then it will lose its sanctuary status and be turned into a whale watching platform.
What is discovered is that Oddball has a particular affinity for fairy penguins, and they come up with the idea that they should leave the dog on the island to see if he scares off the penguins. The problem is that the dog isn't all that liked in town because he has a propensity of causing an awful lot of mischief. Then there is the fact that a consortium wants to set up a whale watching sanctuary.
It's a pretty cool film, and one of those that would be great for children. Okay, there has been some criticism that there is too much of a focus on the grandfather, but the fact that it has a pretty high rating, and didn't flop, suggests that people actually quite like the film. I personally did, especially since it explores a true story, and how the people of Warrnambool looked outside the box to solve a problem. Okay, it is probably more dramatised like most of these types of films, but still, I personally think it works.
Funny, Exciting, Clean Kid's Movie!
bethdial-8259817 October 2021
This kid's movie was hilarious, squeaky clean, and had an exciting and well developed plot line. I found myself, an adult, cheering the main characters on during the climax! It also teaches kids about good values concerning threatened species.
My favorite thing about this movie is that it's really funny, I laughed a lot, and it is squeaky clean. There was no adult humor and I admire the directors of the movie for making it so funny while keeping it clean and instilling good values in kids.
My favorite thing about this movie is that it's really funny, I laughed a lot, and it is squeaky clean. There was no adult humor and I admire the directors of the movie for making it so funny while keeping it clean and instilling good values in kids.
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