Thunderstruck (2004)

Director:

Darren Ashton

Writers:

Darren Ashton (written by)
Shaun Angus Hall (written by)

Release Date:

20 May 2004 (Australia)

Genre:

Comedy

Tagline:

Break every rule but never break a promise

Plot:

After a near death experience, five Boys, all devoted AC/DC fans, make a pact to bury their best friend next to the grave of Bon Scott. 12 years later, having gone their different ways, they come together to fulfill the promise.

Awards:

4 nominations

Cast

Damon Gameau	...	Sonny
Stephen Curry	...	Ben
Ryan Johnson	...	Lloyd
Callan Mulvey	...	Sam
Sam Worthington	...	Ronnie
Kestie Morassi	...	Amy
Rachel Gordon	...	Molly
Vito de Francesco	...	Head Chef
John Merkel	...	Rob Wallace
Jennifer Wall	...	Twister Woman
Al Clark	...	Gary Geffen
John Sheerin	...	Mr. Jones
Judi Farr	...	Mrs. Jones
Peter Longbottom	...	Male Jingle Singer
Jenny Dunstan	...	Female Jingle Singer / Singing Duo

Also Known As:

Thunder Struck (International: English title) (alternative spelling)

Runtime:

Australia:98 min

Country:

Australia

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Certification:

Iceland:L | Singapore:M18 | Australia:M

Filming Locations:

Adelaide, South Australia, Australia

Company:

BV International Pictures

Trivia:

The State Premier in the film is played by the actual Western Australian State Premier, Dr. Geoff Gallop, at the time of filming.

Goofs:

Errors in geography: The boys head north out of Sydney over the Sydney Harbour Bridge to get to Freemantle. A very long way round.

Quotes:

Sam: [Last lines] Hey Lloyd! You can be in the band!
Lloyd: YEEEEEAAAAAH!

Movie Connections:

References The Karate Kid (1984)

Soundtrack:

Psychomanix

quirky Australian

In terms of genre, this is a cross between a road movie (a drive across Australia by 4 men) and a comedy.

But to appreciate this film, you probably need to know a lot about Australia and its culture and a reasonable amount about the rock group AC/DC, especially their early years. So probably the ideal viewer is a middle-aged Australian! I suspect other viewers simply may not understand the jokes nor recognise the many Australian actors and non-actors in cameo roles, that make the film such a delight.

The pilgrimage to the grave of Bon Scott's grave is a real-life phenomena, with thousands of people visiting the grave every year, and apparently this film has contributed to even larger numbers of ACDC fans making the trip, so life does imitate art!