A FEW BEST MEN (REVIEW)
Rated MA - 97 mins
Xavier Samuel, Kris Marshall, Olivia Newton-John, Rebel Wilson, Laura
Brent, Tim Draxl
Oh boy, this is a tough film to talk about! A wedding
disaster movie with zero decorum but not an Australian version of The
Hangover, as people may assume from the trailers. This is much more
low-brow if that's possible.
A world away from his Twilight persona, Xavier Samuel
plays British boy David. Returning to London from a tropical island
holiday, he reveals to his three best friends he has proposed on a whim
to the gorgeous Mia (Laura Brent), a fellow backpacker me met from a
straight-laced political family. The sudden announcement over a few
warm ales sends his terminally adolescent mates into panic mode feeling
betrayed that David may just be moving into adulthood.
However, the trio still follow the groom-to-be down under
to the Blue Mountains for the wedding with plans of drinking themselves
into oblivion. Upon landing, David travels with Mia from the airport
to her secluded family mansion while the others take an ill-advised
detour to pick up some marijuana from a unsavoury drug dealer wearing
nothing but crusty undies. Back at the mansion, the local politician
and father-in-law-to-be shows David around the property, highlighting
a Marino sheep named Ramsey to be his link to parliament house.
By the time of the actual nuptials, a runaway floral arrangement
has bowled over guests, Ramsey has been violated, and the weird drug
dealer is on his way to the ceremony after his bag of cocaine was mistakenly
picked up by tourists. The writer who conjured up this offensive mess
wrote 'Death at a Funeral' which was infectious dark humour with certain
wit. 'A Few Best Men' is vulgar, borderline mean-spirited nonsense.
Broad comedy so wide it runs off the road, wishful thinking from all
concerned, including director Stephan Elliot of 'Priscilla Queen of
the Desert' fame to any demographic. He does filter the soundtrack with
cheesy retro pop tunes, some memorably performed by the unnamed wedding
band.
Glorious picturesque views of the Blue Mountains are a
redeeming feature as is the chance to see national treasure Olivia Newton-John
in a role unlike anything she's done before. But don't be fooled, the
former 'Xanadu' & 'Grease' superstar is simply having fun and we're
invited. As the mother of the bride, her mood enhances as the film wears
on. She cuts loose with a variety of sight gags, a highlight being kicking
off her shoes and swinging from a chandelier.
Most of the ensemble cast are at least energetic, but
absent minded with no logic for some of their antics. The amusing presence
of Rebel Wilson (last seen in 'Bridesmaids') seemed restrained. Daphne,
her mischievous charm glimpsed hilarity but it wasn't to be. It's really
nothing but awkward rubbish setting Australian comedy back into the
dark ages, see it only for desperation. There is an extra scene after
the end credits if anyone is left caring.
Shane A. Bassett
