A surprisingly entertaining comedy about a young Aussie promoter (Joel Edgerton) who manages to convince Frank Sinatra and his crew to visit Australia for a few shows. All goes well until Frank Sinatra (Dennis Hopper) runs into a TV reporter (played by Ally McBeal's Portia de Rossi) who claims he spat on her at the airport. Frank won't apologise so in steps the ACTU led by a hilariously boof-headed Bob Hawke (wonderfully played by David Field of Two Hands fame) to bring Ol' Blue Eyes' tour to a stand-still, no room service, no phone, no water!
The story follows the usual Hollywood style of story telling with the end of "act 2" being a big downer (everything just goes wrong) and of course it all comes good in the end. The acting is quite good across the board with cheeky Aussie comedy sitting alongside moving drama effortlessly.
Frank Sinatra's music plays a big part in the film so if you're a fan you'll love the film, of course on the other hand if you can't stand his music then this may not be the film for you. The film makers did think to throw in a bit of 70s rock (think Led Zeppelin) and even an Elvis track to add a bit of variety to the mix.
The only time in cringed during the whole film was when Frank's US-based secretary pronounced Australia with a fake American accent and put an "R" on the end, a common mistake made by Australian actors.
3.5/5
See it if:
- you'd like to visit Australia in the 1970s
- you want to see a hilarious portrayal of a young Bob Hawke (Hazel Hawke included)
- you like Rose Byrne (for the guys) or Joel Edgerton (for the girls)
- you like knuckle busting fist fights
- you don't think Melanie Griffith's top lip isn't too big
Don't see it if:
- you don't like Frank Sinatra
- you can't stand the thought of Sydney in 1974
- you think Bob Hawke was the best PM ever
- you wince whenever you hear a meaty punch
- you think Melanie Griffith's top lip should have its own post code
