SUBDIVISION (REVIEW)
This
is a very good attempt at an Aussie slice of life comedy / drama from young writer
and star in the making Ashley Bradnam.
Set in sunny North Queensland
location of Hervey Bay, the story is based around a small community and a bunch
of tradesmen who work on the ever growing surrounding property development. Jack
Kelly (Bradnam) works for his gruff old school dad Digger, played by veteran Gary
Sweet. Continuously clashing as father's and son's do, things are about to get
a whole lot worse. Tiffany, a beautiful city slicker executive visits the area
with a full clipboard of plans to take over the building schemes. Local employers
are as worried as employees about the proposal, but Jack decides to take things
into his own hands to get inside information.
Deciding to date the new girl
in town makes matters worse when push comes to shove. Loyalty is tested among
the townsfolk when Jack sets up his own business, ultimately against his father's
ideals.
Digger is a stoic gentleman with a clear idea of what
a good day's work is. He limits any kind of change but soon realises he may lose
more than just a contract, but his family. Gary Sweet is perfect in this role
creating a strong Australian character who many may identify with. All the ingredients
for a familiar story is attended to with plenty of heart, life, love and loss
of inhibitions are held together by pride.
The current economic
situation is relevant in the events leading up to the finale where a crisis meeting
is called. Rugby league and netball play a role in the story too - used almost
as a metaphor of how people can work together to achieve anything. Based on certain
actual experiences from Ashley Bradnam, he wrote the screenplay with his mum and
also as the lead in the film, he holds a certain likable presence on screen. Some
of his monologues may seem improvised, but they are delivered with plenty of larrikin
cheek.
When not bouncing around in short shorts, the lovely
Brooke Satchwell is actually charming as Tiffany. Her scenes with Ashley are magic
and believable - their chemistry is perfect. Among other familiar faces are Steve
Bisley, and the obscenely underused Bruce Spence (Matrix, Mad Max 2). They are
both plying their trade, so to speak, with ultimate ease. Picturesque Harvey Bay
is like a postcard in certain scenes, as laid back as the plot is thin that borderlines
a mediocre midday movie. Australian comedy has long been missing on the big screen,
Ashley Bradnam has put it back in the right direction.
'Subdivision'
is ambitious but too light, at least it's fast-paced and continuously entertaining
with winning performances all round - just not too memorable.
Shane
A. Bassett
