The filmmakers have dipped back into the well and reprised an iconic Australian character.
I speak of Johnny Spitieri (aka Johnny Spit), played by David Wenham in Getting’ Square (2003).
With a new story, Spit brings together several of the actors and key behind the scenes creatives from the movie released in the early noughties.
I speak of the likes of actor Gary Sweet, who again plays Chika Martin, writer Chris Nyst, director Johnathan Teplitzky and cinematographer Garry Phillips.
After hiding overseas for two decades, Johnny returns to Australia with a new identity, but still with his unmistakable mullet, skinny jeans and thongs.
He is a small-time ex-criminal who slips back into the country on a false passport.
Looking super sus, he is busted on arrival in Queensland and sent to an immigration detention centre, with many other detainees from around the world.
His method of handling the authorities is to deny, deny, deny.
The problem is that Johnny has a massive target on his back, as old enemies, including drug kingpin Chika Martin, have scores to settle.
Struggling to stay a step ahead of the marauding pack, Spit is nothing if not resourceful.
He endears himself to the other detainees by teaching them his own brand of “she’ll be right, mate” English. He gives them all Aussie names.
And he goes into “partnership” with one of them, Jihad Kalif (Arlo Green), which will – in time – prove extremely useful.
The reason some of the authorities are after him is because they are looking to use him to bring down a crooked cop.
Spit is funny – very, very funny, but – of course – humour is in the eyes (and ears) of the beholder and some might suggest this is lowest common denominator material.
There is a lot of buffoonery in play here.
A dishevelled David Wenham is endearing and hilarious as the evasive centrepiece.
He has really nailed the role with aplomb. He does slippery as a snake better than most. And the camera is trained on him the lion’s share of the time.
The cleverness is in both the one liners and the sight gags.
I was impressed by the warmth that Arlo Green imbued into his character, Jihad Kalif. Green comes across as natural – authentic.
Gary Sweet revels in his bad guy persona. You can see that he loves playing mean.
In fact, one of the noteworthy elements of the story is the diverse cast of characters that capitalise upon the larrikin humour.
The few scenes involving Māoris are memorable because of their formidable representation.
But, truth be told, there are many memorable moments in the picture.
I was also impressed by the creativity that distinguished Garry Phillips’ (The Railway Man) cinematography and the choices he’s made.
In summary then, Spit is feel good entertainment, in which you find yourself rooting for the underdog.
Rated M, it scores a 7 out of 10.
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