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List Price: $9.99 | | Label: Walt Disney Video
Salesrank: 5522
Released: November 16, 1999 |
| Our Price: $14.58 |
| Used Price: $13.50 |
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MPAA Rating: R (Restricted)
Media: DVD |
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Editorial Review:
In the laugh-filled tradition of THE FULL MONTY, THE CASTLE is a hilarious comedy treat critics hailed as one of the year's funniest movies! Even though there's an airport practically running through their backyard, the eccentric Kerrigan clan loves their humble home. But when the airfield needs room to expand, the government says that the Kerrigans have to go! With an irresistable charm and irrepressible humor everyone is sure to enjoy, the hilarity then really takes flight when this funny family decides to stay and fight for their beloved "castle" ... no matter how far the conflict goes!
Description of The Castle:
The title of The Castle refers to a ramshackle suburban tract house so close to an airport that planes fly mere yards above the roof. Worse than that, it's built on a toxic landfill and right beside humming high-power lines. But to patriarch Darryl Kerrigan (Michael Caton) and his dim-witted but cheerful brood it's home. Darryl has devoted himself to constantly improving it with modifications like a false chimney that, as he brags to a man sent to estimate the value of the property, makes the house look more picturesque. When the owners of the airport serve Darryl notice that his home is being compulsorily purchased, Darryl hires a small-time lawyer and pursues his case all the way to the Australian Supreme Court. This Australian box-office smash wasn't as successful as The Full Monty in American theaters, but it has something of the same buoyant spirit. The Castle actually plays better on the small screen; its relationship with its characters is much like the farcical intimacy of classic British sitcoms like Fawlty Towers, in which crazed behavior is balanced by the genuine warmth of the whole cast. Caton in particular is a sweet, engaging presence; Darryl Kerrigan is a fool, but a fool with dignity, and he carries you through the movie. --Bret Fetzer
The Castle Reviews:
fine indie comedy with terrific acting all around 
2009-08-30 - The Castle is a very funny film that easily ranks as one of the best and most memorable films I've ever seen! The casting was very well done and the acting couldn't have been better. The cinematography works wonders for the film and the choreography impressed me, too. The plot moves along at a very good pace and I was never once bored--I was too busy laughing! The musical score enhances the film all the more, too.
When the film starts, we quickly meet the Kerrigan family who live in Melbourne, Australia right next to a major airport. The planes may fly directly overhead as they take off and land; but the Kerrigans are blissfully happy anyway and they cherish their home. Darryl Kerrigan (Michael Caton) is the father who has his own small business as a tow truck operator, and his wife Sal (Anne Tenney) always gets compliments on her cooking even when she really didn't do anything more than just make meat loaf! The Kerrigans have children, too. We meet Tracey (Sophie Lee), who marries Con Petropoulous (Eric Bana in his film debut), Dale (Stephen Curry), Wayne (Wayne Hope) who is in prison for armed robbery and Steve (Anthony Simcoe).
Their happiness is shattered, however, when they get a letter in the mail that they are being compulsorily evicted; they will get money for their home but they desperately want to stay put. Their neighbors Farouk (Costas Kilias) and the elderly Jack (Monty Maizels) are also being forced out against their will.
Darryl's first step is to go to solicitor Dennis Denuot (Tiriel Mora); Dennis tells Darryl that this is not his area of expertise but Darryl relentlessly pushes Dennis to defend him. Dennis is unable to sway the judge and just when all hope seems lost Darryl meets Lawrence Hammill (Charles 'Bud' Tingwell), a retired but caring Queens Council lawyer who takes an interest in the Kerrigans and their neighbors.
When they get to Australia's highest court, Darryl and Dennis are sweating bullets and although Lawrence keeps his cool, it seems that whatever he says in defense of Darryl and the others is immediately and brilliantly countered by five lawyers for the huge and impersonal conglomerate that works with the Australian government to do things like forcibly buy people's homes and land for a few extra feet of airport runway. It's not at all clear that Darryl will win his case.
The plot can go in different directions from here. What happens when a pretty nasty, threatening looking tough guy arrives at the Kerrigan's doorstep late at night and tells them there will be "consequences" for them if they don't immediately leave their home? And, if they do have to leave, what happens to Farouk--and Jack who is too frail to withstand the stress of moving? Lawrence is polished as polished can be; but can he take on and win his case against the five lawyers for the huge, huge company that is in cahoots with the government? No spoilers--watch and find out!
I am sorry to read in other people's reviews that there were edits of this film before they released it to American audiences; I hope they can re-release this film on DVD exactly as it was originally made. However, don't let that turn you off and steer you away from this DVD--it's still excellent as it is. I highly recommend this film for anyone who loves feel--good comedies with some drama; they would do well to add this DVD to their collections.
The Supids Have a Ball!
2009-06-14 - D'you remember the children's book "the Stupids have a Ball?" They adapted it into a movie starring Tom Arnold. It sucked. "The Castle," a low budget Australian comedy, captures the spirit of "the Stupids" far better than the actual adaptation.
I love comedy that is played straight. The entire family plays the comedy very honestly -- none of that sitcom winking at the camera type of acting where the actors are aware of the absurdity. These Australian actors play the comedy like they're not aware of their "stupidity" at all. And by the end they've won you over. They're not so stupid after all. I LOVE this show!
The best thing I can say about this movie (or any movie) is that it is RE-WATCHABLE. The comedy is so well executed these jokes never get old.
An Australian Gem
2009-05-20 - This movie is unique in its optimism. Not many movies today take this refreshing perspective on life and family unity. The father is absolutely endearing in his simplicity. Great lines. Quirky humor. Visually interesting. Never a dull moment. This is a feel good comedy with a profound message--"It's all in your attitude."
Very Funny
2009-05-11 - I love this movie!! It was recommended to me by some Australians as beomg a classic Australian movie. It is sort of like Napolean Dynamite .... except completly different. The humour is similar. It has a good message too.
One of the SWEETEST Movies EVER MADE !!!!!
2009-05-04 - THE CASTLE is an Austrailian comedy about a LOVING Family !!!!
It is totally BRILLIANT !!!!
