movies
Sydney Morning Herald
Monday September 7, 2009
The Full Monty(1997), Ten, 8.30pmIn a touching display of concern, Ten has cancelled a screening of Notes on a Scandal following Cate Blanchette-Dubois's unfortunate Radiohead incident last week. Joel Edgerton is said to have sought upskilling from Russell Crowe on the correct throwing of electrical appliances and the show goes on. This gentle sitcom concerns a group of unemployed working-class men driven to the level of desperation that confronted Bob in Ken Loach's Raining Stones. Guys pledged to make make a quid €“ legally €“ come what may. Inspired by the success of male stripper troupes such as the Chippendales, they initiate their own trousers-down performance. This is not as easy as it sounds either artistically or socially and, as their moment of truth approaches, a host of obstacles arises. The story mirrors elements of the New Zealand stage comedy Starkers but it shines with the ENP of new Sheffield steel and an irrepressible spirit that seems only to exist in small, boutique films.The Whole Nine Yards(2000), Nine, 9.45pmFull Monties, Whole Nine Yards €“ what a night of superlatives! Here's a flick with something vaguely approaching suburban savagery at its most refined. The wife of a suburban dentist puts the acid on him to sell personal information about their next-door neighbour, a retired hitman who dudded the Mafia. Jimmy "The Tulip" Tudeski (Bruce Willis) fled Mob retribution, lobbing in Canada and taking up residence next door to Nicholas Oseransky (Matthew Perry), a debt-ridden dentist. Nick and the missus decide to finger the Tulip and claim a spotter fee the syndicate has offered. Meanwhile, Oseransky's ex-wife (Rosanna Arquette), is scouting for a hitman, hoping to have Nick rubbed out so she can claim on the only thing of any value he has left €“ his life insurance policy. Wild and er €“ whacky €“ but the darker elements that might have made it strong and cynical are surrendered to popcorn sitcom. Pity.Nine Months(1995), Seven, noonYards ... Months? If you warm to the boyish charm of Hugh Grant, this re-tread of a French flick, Neuf Mois (1994), might be your cup of tea. Grant stars as yuppie child psychologist Sam Faulkner, the guy who has everything, including a red Porsche, swish condo, spunkbubble girlfriend €“ the total Playboy Lifestyle as specified by Hugh Hefner €“ but a slender grasp of reality. When Rebecca announces she has a bun in the oven, Sam is flabbergasted. So that's where babies come from! He can't hack it and goes into denial. Rebecca moves out while he attempts to re-activate his former lifestyle €“ with Jeff Goldblum of all people. You know how it concludes: Cary Grant wrote the archetype years ago and Hugh Grant only manages to look cringeingly embarrassed €“ as well he might. Those who persevere will have to endure the awful Robin Williams as a Russian vet who becomes gynaecologically involved with the estranged couple. Add Grant's ferocious mugging and Goldblum's steadfast dreadfulness €“ save electricity.
© 2009 Sydney Morning Herald
Share This