simonotsimple Reviews

Eggshells (1991–1993)

Another brilliant TV series

[6 September 2004]

I just loved this series. Gary MacDonald at his best and supported by a wonderful cast.

Gary is left looking after his two children while his ex-wife is less than enthusiastic about sharing the burden. She is portrayed as a self-indulgent, insecure and irresponsible mother more interested in pursuing fleeting romances than her own children.

Gary portrays a man trying to make up for lost time, in the bedroom department, with the burden of two children.

Although this is a fairly common scenario in many broken families today it was not considered politically correct (and probably still is) thus only fifteen episodes. Women being portrayed as reckless and indifferent to their own children was not popular with the feminists.

Shame because the scripting is brilliant, the acting is good and it really is a laugh.

Takin' Over the Asylum (1994)

A brilliant piece of work

[2 September 2004]

I won't re-tell the story. I will simply say that the casting is creative, the script scrupulous, the production perfect, the direction indiscreditable. A wonderful artistic construction.

However, as we move into the 21st century Governments, all over the western world, are closing the very services that are desperately needed by mentally ill people. They are now integrated into society while the hospitals are closed down.

But at what cost to those who are mentally ill?

Where are the patients of those hospitals now? Prisons, park benches or cemetery.

Crackerjack (2002)

Cohesive free flowing comedy with a great storyline

[10/10 · 17 July 2003]

Coming from Oz I probably shouldn't say it but I find a lot of the local movies lacking that cohesive flow with a weak storyline. This comedy lacks in nothing. Great story, no overacting, no melodrama, just brilliant comedy as we know Oz can do it. Do yourself a favour and laugh till you drop.

Age of Consent (1969)

A wonderful movie, controversial in its time

[8/10 · 17 January 2003]

This was a wonderful movie. Those who criticise it probably missed the sixties. It was a liberating expression of moral freedom in its time. Cora spent most of the film frolicking about naked and what a wonderful lindsayan figure of a woman she was! I just loved this movie and would recommend it to anyone to see. Take a moment out to travel back in time to the beginnings of your moral freedoms.

My Name's McGooley, What's Yours? (1966–1968)

Praise for a great series

[12 January 2003]

I watched this series when I was a young child. I will always remember it as being true Australian comedy with the genius of Gordon Chater and John Mellion. Who could forget Wally (John Mellion) going straight to the fridge on arrival home from work, opening the beer bottle and sitting at the kitchen table to join Rita and her father McGooley where they would argue about everything possible. Mellion's brilliant facial expressions as he is interrupted constantly by McGooley.. ah... how I would love to see it all again.

The Mavis Bramston Show (1964–1968)

Brilliant Australian comedy

[12 January 2003]

Treat yourself to some great early TV laughter. This comedy series enhanced many successful careers for some of the best Australian comedians to draw breath. Ron Fraser's "second best friend" routine, Chater eating a meat pie covered in tomato sauce that ends up running down his singlet, Noelene Brown/Barry Creyton's "togetherness, togetherness, there should be more togetherness" duet, the 'Hairy Nosed Wombat' sketch and much much more. Unfortunately I was sent to bed as a child who "wouldn't appreciate the humour" for most of it but still I ache for a re-run of this series.