Ginger Meggs (1982) User Reviews

A bit of a disappointment

[CabbageCustard · 5/10 · 4 September 2019]

Anyone who grew up reading the antics of Ginger Meggs in their morning newspaper will no doubt be intrigued to see his adventures transferred to the big screen. Ginger Meggs, like Fatty Finn, is an Australian institution. This movie is not likely to become one though. To be sure, it looks good. The film makers have gone to a lot of trouble to get the look of the movie correct. There is a cast that includes cameos by some great Aussie acting stalwarts too. That's not to say the acting is good in this. Some is, most isn't. Unfortunately, that's all that can be said in this movie's favour. Sadly, the producers have gone for buffoonery rather than any real attempt at humour here. The plot is a bit of a mess and there is an absolutely horrendous soundtrack of completely forgettable and tedious songs that don't fit in with the film's aesthetic or time period at all. (The actual era this is set in isn't mentioned, however it is mentioned in one scene that Princess Elizabeth is heir to the throne, so we know it is set sometime between 1926 and 1952). This movie's worst downfall, however, is that it is pretty dull. My kids, who didn't grow up reading Ginger Meggs, lost interest about half way through. I stayed with it out of loyalty to the character and in the interest of nostalgia, but I was pretty pleased when it came to a conclusion. Five stars for effort.

Great memories - poor storyline

[sean-43554 · 5/10 · 18 December 2021]

Loved this movie growing up. Knew a couple of the actors as kids, whilst growing up in the. 80s in Sydney The memories / nostalgia and sets are great.

Producers did a great job making a 1930s Sydney Suburb of Hornsby (where Ginger grew up) . Bowral still looks the same. The bridge where Ginger pulls up the cart is still there , the lake setting in Mittagong etc etc. The school still looks the same, (other than the fencing ) . The use of vintage cars pony carts etc is great and the extras are dressed in detailed perfect tine period clothing

That corner / ice cream bar construction set was well made , should have been kept - it looked that great.

The child acting is poor , and comes over as they are reading a book with no full stops. Minimal emotion But the script isn't the best , some lines don't make sense relating to the movie .

Coogan - Daniel Cumerford is the best child actor , with Mini the worse Meggs / Paul Daniel has minimal charisma

RIP - Daniel Cumerford.

Could have been a contender

[safenoe · 6/10 · 13 August 2022]

I remember seeing Ginger Meggs ages ago, and it's a decent film from Australia. Through the American lens, Ginger Meggs was quaint because it was pre-Crocodile Dundee, and it was fascinating seeing a Greek actor, Mark Kounnas playing an Australian red-head.

I'd love to see a reboot, perhaps a short-run series that takes a darker look at Ginger Meggs, with tattoos and addiction issues abounding in the series.

I remember this one too..

[bunniesormaybemidgets · 9 October 2004]

It's good to see that someone else saw this movie as well, because I remember as a kid watching it, and again when I was about 14, for old time's sake...I remember thinking 'oh my gosh, the acting is SOOOOOO bad!'

But the happy ending was what sucked me into watching the movie again and again as a child. I used to have such a crush on the kid who played Eddie Coogan, but was shocked to see that he was sadly hit by a train not too long after Ginger Meggs was made.

I can still vaguely remember the song that plays at the beginning and end of the movie, it went something like, 'Ginger Ginger Meggs...hey there Ginger!'

I remember the tune, just not the lyrics...but would love to hire it out again one day, just for a laugh, although I'm not sure whether it is still available. Definitely a movie to watch when you're not sober, makes it all the more funnier :-)

Ginger Meggs

[kingdom-9 · 10/10 · 2 January 2007]

This is an absolute Australian classic. It's up there with Fortress (Rachael Ward).

I had this on video tape when I was just a girl about 15 years ago. I LOVED it so much and so did my entire family and any friends who stopped by and viewed it.

It's such a tragedy that this is not available on DVD.

It is definitely bright (but not too bright), and a little weird and wonderful but that's why I loved it.

It's rare to see a family friendly movie these days that's full of innocence and adventure. This is a must see!..............But, good luck finding a copy of it.

Awesome Aussie movie

[juliatobrien · 10/10 · 8 December 2011]

I saw a lot of this movie being made, in fact I met Ginger Meggs and other characters whilst the movie was being made. I have friends and relatives in the movie also, which makes the movie a personal favorite.

Set in and around the township's of Mittagong and Bowral in the Southern Highlands of NSW, this is a true Aussie film, filmed in one of the most picturesque parts of Australia. It holds a special place in my heart, just like another movie that is also filmed in Robertson in the Highlands, Babe. I guess it takes me back to simpler days, where children were easily entertained and having fun with friends mean't riding push bikes and making mud pies :)

I have been trying to find a copy of this movie for years, but have had no luck! If anyone is lucky enough to find this movie please let me know. :)

Must've been something I ate ---

[poguemathon · 2 September 2004]

Having worked as a projectionist during an L.A. Film Market way back around 1982 (LA- the Tiffany on Sunset Strip), I had the thrill of showing this bit of Aussie weirdness one day. Yeah, there's quite not-so-subtle cultural differences, but who can tell what. Must've been something I ate, like mushrooms or some forbidden fruit, 'cause this oddity left me befuddled but amused by the intense (and I do mean intense) beyondo color palette employed. Quirky and surreal, this baby never made it onto the American market. Someone out there has to have seen this one, too, please tell me, anyone.... Strange but not terribly fascinating. Had the same experience with a 3-D wonder called "Rottweiller," which has somehow slipped under the radar and been on TV. If "Ginger" shows anywhere, watch this truly bizarre kids film unfold in all of its pre-Pee-Wee near Fellini-esque glory.

Awesome memories!

[jenniberry · 10/10 · 20 May 2015]

Not sure why I haven't looked this up before! I was a "Paid extra" in Ginger Meggs at the age of 10 and certainly remember the time fondly. We were all kids... So played together during filming! I remember being envious of Shelly's pink muffs and beautiful hair that was constantly in curlers on set! I remember sitting next to Gwen Plumb and Miss Sharp who played the piano in the school concert scenes that I was in. The concert scenes were filmed in what was an old convent in Moss Vale (now a private school). The days were long, so we entertained ourselves with stories that the convent was haunted (mind you it may well have been... I recall some odd things happening!!!). I recall the feasts we enjoyed from the catering van... I'd never seen such a spread! I was there at least a week and earned a fortune (ahem... Well in the eyes of a ten year old!!!). I was filmed in many scenes, and had the role of the lead ballet dancer on stage... I was meant to go in the wrong direction and Mr Crackett chased me with his stick! Clearly my acting didn't transcend because it ended on the cutting room floor and I'm in the actual movie very briefly!!!

Visually brilliant Aussie delight

[neumann-79925 · 8/10 · 24 June 2015]

I was delighted to view this movie for the first time recently on Foxtel. I always enjoyed the comic strip as a kid. This movie is certainly not politically correct by today's standards but it fairly represents (in a comic book way) life for kids in the 1940-1960 era. It is beautifully filmed but the acting is all over the place. I loved Gary McDonald as Mr Meggs. It is probably a bit too long but very enjoyable for anyone who remembers those good old days. Of course the story is a bit far fetched but forget that and just enjoy the visuals. I would go so far as to say that this is destined to be an Aussie Classic with the increased exposure on Foxtel and DVD. It deserves it.

Totally Eccentric and Great Looking Fellini- fest

[verododat · 11 December 2006]

Most just loved the amazing look of this Aussie eccentric: John Seale (OSCAR for The English Patient) shot it in what was then a very surreal visual style... wild revue acting with a great cast of character actors also made it a lot of fun and it did very well in Oz according to box office figures...the young actors did their best competing with a very stylish set and some Big Top scenes that tended to overwhelm the whole shebang at times. Many of the actors went on to star in other things (John Wood has become a legend in the TV series Blue Heelers, which make the whole movie a rather historic time capsule.

But above all, the sheer high spirited energy and great look of the art direction and cinematography as well as a totally over the top rock(?) soundtrack -when you'd think a mouth organ would have done the job- make this a real and underestimated keeper. But GM never got a DVD release...why?

Most Favorite movie as a kid...

[Darren_Lamont · 10/10 · 26 February 2020]

Loved this movie as a kid...

Watched it over and over on Movie cassette when they were around.

I am 38 and tried tracking down a DVD Copy of it for years and years and finally managed to get hold of a DVD Copy of this movie and watched it, brought back sooo many memories Lol...

Still watch it every now and then, gotta be one of my most favorite movies when I was a kid, along with BMX Bandits with Nicole Kidman in it, I think that movie was the movie that took her to fame...

I also managed to track down a DVD Copy of BMX Bandits...

Old School memories...

As good as I remember it to be!

[honorhoskin · 10/10 · 4 January 2015]

I found a copy of Ginger Meggs on DVD recently. I never expected to see this film on DVD release. I couldn't resist as I loved this film as a kid - and it was only $10! I was so excited but a little concerned that by re watching it, my fond memories would be spoiled. I needn't have worried - it was fantastic! I have a soft spot for corny 80's film and boy, is it corny. The music is typical 80's fare - catchy rock - I somehow could remember all the words even though it would be at least 25 years since watching this. I had a smile on my face the whole time I watched it and I can't wait to show my son. Summing the film up - it's a light- hearted quirky gem. Alcohol usage may increase the enjoyment of watching this if you're an adult who has never viewed Ginger Meggs before. I enjoyed it so much I had to give it a ten.