Saw the premier showing
Well watched it today before it came out on general release. Theatre packed with families. I must say it was enjoyable, but a little too Australiama for me: that is, the characters were caricatures of people, but I supposed as a comedy it therefore was therefore okay.
But why have an American in the movie? Was there ever a real American involved in the story, or is it a plot device to sell tickets for the American market? That really grated.
Lots of shots of the 12 Apostle area. No where near Warrnambool (1 hour away). Why was Stumpy marsh looking for Oddball that far away? Well maybe it has something to do with marketing to foreign visitors.
The penguins were okay but for the most part obviously CGI. The main island set was too, with too many sunset shots.
The star of the movie was the Marrema dogs! (Don't get one if you don't have average and/or don't mind a strong willed dog that barks and barks). The antics of Oddball in particular got lots of laughs from the kiddies.
So go watch this movie, suspend belief for a while and just enjoy it for what it is.
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I larf in you general direction.