A wholesome Aussie adventure as true blue as the Great Barrier Reef itself, The BBQ is quite possibly the most Australian film of all time – and not one to miss.
While it may not be winning any awards anytime soon, the Victorian-made family comedy has more heart than you could fit on a grill. Following a classic Australian archetype of an average, working-class Aussie bloke, this is a celebration of one of our nation’s most notable icons – the Barbeque.
Starring Shane Jacobson as BBQ-fanatic, Dazza Cook (supposedly related to ‘Captain Cook’), and supported by an ensemble of local personalities including the talented Magda Szubanski and My Kitchen Rules’ own Manu Feildel, the film presents a charming story that is both unique and just a little bit familiar. After the BBQ-loving Dazza accidentally gives his whole neighbourhood food poisoning at their weekly Saturday BBQ, his reputation is thrown out the window. When all seems lost, Dazza gets the opportunity of a lifetime (well, of his lifetime): to represent his work (Barbecues Galore) at the Australian BBQ Bonanza.
After seeking help from his mentor, The Butcher (Szubanski), and gaining a bit of rivalry from the arrogant French Chief, Andre Mont Blanc (Feildel), what results is a glorious tale of prawns, steak and turmeric in this culinary instant classic. But beware – this isn’t one to watch if you’re already feeling peckish.
While it may not be a perfect movie by any stretch, The BBQ is just too fun to miss. Australian writer/director/producer Stephen Amis (who directed, co-wrote and co-produced the film) has proven that he at least has a good sense of humour. From its less than accurate account of Australian history, to Shane Jacobson cementing himself as the Australian Kevin James (in a good way), you’ll struggle to take your eyes off the screen.
Following in the steps of Australian parody films before it, the film gives a look at the everyday life of your average Australian – as satirical as it is completely relatable. Whether you’ve never stepped foot in Aus or lived here your whole life, you’ll struggle to fight the urge to fry up a couple of snags after finishing this one.
Perhaps the best part of this film is how warm it’ll make you feel after watching it (and that’s not another BBQ joke). While the story itself isn’t ground-breaking and there’s nothing incredible about the overall production value, the complete piece is something to marvel. A spirited exploration of a national icon, there’s a lot to love about this cheerful piece of Australian cinema; and to not enjoy it would be as un-Australian as taking the bat of Bradman.
A meaty slice of the Australian dream, The BBQ is as close to our fine continent as a film can get. Between the laughs and the joy of it all, at its core it’s the embodiment of a nation, and above all else – it’s an Aussie Barbeque.
