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Review
Archives
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Today's
Date is:
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The
Dish
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Reviewed
by: |
B.
Lou Goodwin |
| Genre: |
Comedy
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| Video: |
Widescreen
|
| Audio: |
English |
| Language: |
English,
French |
| Subtitle: |
English,
French, Spanish |
| Length: |
101 Minutes |
| Rating: |
PG-13 |
| Release
Date: |
8-31-01 |
| Studio: |
Warner
Brothers |
| Commentary:
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None |
| Documentaries:
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None |
| Featurettes:
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None |
| Filmography/Biography:
|
Yes |
|
Interviews: |
None |
| Trailers/TV
Spots: |
Theatrical Trailer included |
| Alternate/Deleted
Scenes: |
None |
| Music
Video: |
None |
| Other:
|
None |
| Cast
and Crew: |
Sam Neill,
Tom Long, Kevin Harrington, Patrick Warburton, Genevieve Moody,
Tayler Kane, Bille Brown, Roy Billing |
| Screenplay
by: |
Written by:
Santo Clauro, Tom Gleisner, Jane Kennedy, & Rob Sitch |
| Produced
by: |
Michael Hirsh |
| Directed
By: |
Rob Sitch
|
| Music: |
Edmund Choi
|
| The
Review: |
Thank god
for the independent and foreign filmmakers. If it were not for
these poor souls, I would begin to wonder if all comedies had
been reduced to bathroom humor and sexual innuendo. I know,
I know, I also enjoy a raunchy snicker occasionally but I sometimes
crave an intelligent comedy that engages my mind. I hope you
will agree that this movie is one of those rare gems that let
you think and laugh. 'The Dish's is a quirky Australian film
with an interesting plot and a subtle sense of humor. On July
20th 1969, man walked on the moon and the world as we know it
changed forever. Many people can still remember huddling around
the television in the living room and seeing those first steps
on the moon's surface but what they don't realize is that without
a remote satellite dish in Parkes, Australia, none of it would
have been possible. NASA spent billions of dollars on the Apollo
11moon flight but without the giant satellite in Parkes the
pictures that were viewed that day would not have been possible.
'The Dish' is based on the true facts of the events that occurred
at that remote station. While the world waited with baited breath,
a dedicated staff of Aussies and one NASA official work around
the clock to solve multiple catastrophes in secret. As you flip
from the starry-eyed school kids to the gossiping social set,
to the odd ball satellite crew, you will begin to love the ordinary
little town of Parkes and it's inhabitants. If like me, you
were too young to watch the moon landing, this will give you
a chance to recapture some of that youthful awe and daring.
This film is a warm, funny romp that deserves your time and
attention and I hope that you will give it a chance. Although,
the pacing definitely Australian and not American, the slower
pace seems to suit the plot and intensify the humor. Perhaps,
I would consider this film more of a humorous drama than a serious
comedy but let's not argue semantics. Overall, 'The Dish' is
a delightful way to spend an afternoon. I understand your hesitation
about renting movies out of the mainstream but this is a sweet
charmer that will inspire you to nostalgia and bring a smile
to your face. Besides, you will have the popular actor Sam Neill
(Jurassic Park) as a reference point in the film and although
his performance was quite good, my favorite performance was
by Roy Billing. Billing plays the town "mayor", Bob MacEntyre,
a likable, if smarmy politician. I suggest that you keep your
eye out for him in future films, he does a magnificent job of
making a small part shine. Mr. Billing bears watching, I can
only wonder that I have not seen him before. |
| Image
and Sound |
The
original Apollo 11 recordings, which are included in the film,
are scratchy and distorted but the sound technician cannot be
blamed. Unfortunately, a rough audio track is the drawback to
realism. Modern sound tracks have higher sound quality than
the tracks from the 1960's and 1970's can provide. However,
the credibility that the space shuttle communications provide
is invaluable to adding a layer of believability to the plot.
Besides this representation of the Apollo 11 sound tracks is
one of the cleanest copies of the original dialogue that I have
ever heard and that, in itself, is quite an accomplishment.
The rest of the audio is spotlessly recorded. Yet, the audio
is not the only original 1969 feature included in the film.
Much of the original television footage of the moon landing
is shown in its black and white glory. The moon shots are shadowy
and grainy but it gives me the feeling that I am sitting in
my living room, breathless, awaiting that first step by Neil
Armstrong. I think that it will give you the same breathless
excitement. The rest of the scenes are a beautiful blend of
color and great camera work. I think you will find the overall
experience of 'The Dish' to be a worthwhile one. |
| The
Extras |
'The Dish' has very few special
features. It includes the theatre trailer and the cast/director's
film highlights. The theatre trailer give away a little too
much of the plot and I suggest that you avoid it if possible.
It will take away some of the surprise in the plot but not
all of the joy in this film's viewing. The cast/director highlights
are really just a listing of each major film member's movie
credits and his film name. The movie credits are included
for the following people: Sam Neill, Kevin Harrington, Patrick
Warburton, and Rob Sitch. If you are interested increasing
your knowledge of Australian actors or if you would like to
catch some of these new faces is some of their other works;
this is a wonderful way to do it. I do warn you that the listings
are a little hard to use. You must click directly on the bold
version of the person's name to receive a personalized history.
Otherwise, you will be stuck on the entry screen. There are
no other special features included in this film.
The music was composed and put together
by Edmund Choi. It is a blend of our favorite 1960's music
and some beautifully composed instrumental music that blends
smoothly into the film. The instrumental music flows from
the quietly patriotic to romantically wistful. I wish that
the special features included a more detailed description
of the music included. I especially loved the song in the
end credits and I wish that I had a list with its title. The
music was composed and put together by Edmund Choi. It is
a blend of our favorite 1960's music and some beautifully
composed instrumental music that blends smoothly into the
film. The instrumental music flows from the quietly patriotic
to romantically wistful. I wish that the special features
included a more detailed description of the music included.
I especially loved the song in the end credits and I wish
that I had a list with its title.
|
| Commentary |
None |
| Final
Words: |
'The Dish' shines a jewel in Australia's
crown. They should be quite proud of producing this little
gem. It is a film with soft humor and a strong plot. I highly
recommend that you rent this movie if you enjoy independent
comedies, movies about the space program, or if you would
just like a few laughs. As for the families out there, this
is a very clean movie. It lacks violence, nudity, and swearing
plus it is faintly educational. I am so grateful for that
small favor-I hope you will agree with me. This is an appropriate
film for children of all ages, although many young children
may miss the subtle nuances of the plot and humor. In other
words, it may lose their attention. 'The Dish' has not been
as thoroughly advertised as so many summer blockbusters have
been but it is worth hunting up at Blockbuster. Should you
buy this movie? I think so but if you have doubts then rent
it first. I think you will find its blend of history and good
humor to be a lasting experience that you will want to keep
for your very own.
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