Spit: Good Aussie Comedy Is Back With This Hilarious Crime-Thriller
Image: Spit: David Wenham
Making moviegoers laugh is not an easy feat, as Australian filmmakers have discovered in recent years, failing to capture the heart and soul of likeable characters. Finally, the drought is over with the release of Spit, a comedic crime thriller directed by Jonathan Teplitzky.
Spit has generally been described as a standalone rather than a sequel to 2003’s Getting Square, also directed by Jonathan Teplitzky, which starred Sam Worthington and David Wenham in pivotal roles.
David Wenham reprises his role as Johnny Francis ‘Spit” Spitieri a lovable ‘thong-wearing’ larrikin who after 22 years on the run re-enters Australia on a false passport only to end up in an Immigration Detention Centre. He’s an unlikely international fugitive and criminal mastermind who becomes the target of underground figures who want retribution for old scores.
Is Spit really as unintelligent as he appears to be or is it just a front to mislead and manipulate people? Can he outsmart the shady characters, and more importantly does he have the capacity for affection and love?
Whereas Getting Square surrounded an ensemble cast of characters, Spit is a character piece which explores the essence of what makes Spit tick. Audiences will learn of the tragic events in his past and how the aftermath of those events brings a new fresh positive chapter into his life.
He has low intelligence as noted by one of the other characters who states, “If Johnny was a clock, he couldn’t tell the time!”. This is just one of the many hilarious pieces of dialogue that compound to the hilarity of the narrative.
Aside from the comedy there are many elements in the story which highlight the plight of illegal immigrants who see themselves as innocent victims of cruel circumstances. Spit befriends several Muslims in the detention center which conjures many heartfelt moments as he learns of their past lives. The mood then traverses to high comedy, especially in scenes where he teaches them English.
Spit isn’t an astute instructor so inevitably audiences should find the hilarity unbearable, especially when he teaches them about mateship, and his fractured version of what it means to be a true Australian.
Some of the gags surrounding the stereotyped bad guys and cops feel contrived and cheesy, but this is overshadowed by the majority of comedy, which is fresh, witty and at times side-splitting.
David Wenham’s performance is simply unmissable. After a 22-year absence he has successfully brought the character back to the big screen – perhaps stepping back into those thongs performed the magic!
Spit
★★★1/2
Spit is in cinemas on March 6.
