Josh Jarman

I went along to Josh Jarman at the Melbourne International Film Festival without knowing anything about the film, except that it was a comedy/romance. I was somewhat worried because a number of Australian comedies over the last couple of years had certainly failed to bring much of a smile to my face, let alone a laugh. But was I in for a surprise. Not only does this film provide plenty of laughs throughout, with two or three really hilarious scenes, but it also manages to pull a heart string or two at just the right places.

Quite simply, this movie is a little gem. Well written, brilliant acting and creatively directed. If you're expecting to see Marcus Graham as a cool, suave hero character like in his TV work, then think again. Here he plays a down on his luck, nervous and somewhat gawky playwright trying to get his play produced in a big theatre, and he is fabulous. Daniela Farinacci, Kestie Morassi and Kim Gyngell are very strong in their parts but it is Damien Richardson as Josh's best friend and flatmate who almost steals the show. He is both funny and tragic in a performance that I hope will result in him getting lots more work in the future.

The audience seemed to enjoy this film as much as I did. There was plenty of laughter throughout and indeed in the more dramatic climax (of which I won't spoil the story here) you could almost hear a pin drop in the theatre. Indeed I heard two audience members proclaim on the way out that it was the best Australian film they'd seen since Lantana.

I see a lot of Australian films and it is along time since I've come out of the cinema feeling so happy and satisfied. Well done to the filmmakers, I look forward to their next effort.

Josh Jarman is a struggling play write.His one ambition is to have his play performed in a proper theatre the way he wrote it. However success comes at a price in the form of Sasha a producer's daughter. Matters are further complicated when Josh meets his neighbor Maxine a cello player with a string ensemble and a rather unusual problem. Russ his flatmate is not without his problems either.

This is a delightful romantic comedy with unusual twists that keeps you laughing and the smile on your face. Marcus Graham plays Josh with just the right amount of naiveté and Damien Richardson is a great comic actor.

Australian films have a bad reputation, and this film is a prime example of why. It embarrassingly fails to entertain in any way whatsoever.

The sad truth is that it is not in any way funny. It uses some of the oldest and lamest comedy clichés imaginable. It was hard to believe this was written in the 21st century. I remember Australian comedy from the 70s which was more adventurous and cutting edge than this.

Seriously, when I think that the makers of this film are hoping that I will laugh at the use of rhyming slang, a bloke being unsubtly seduced by his girlfriend's mother and uncool dance moves, I'm insulted.

When i was about five or six, I might have been amused. The scary thing is that when I was five or six, I was indeed amused by pretty much the same stuff. It was called Adventure Island, a TV series that drew on pantomime theatre traditions.

Unfortunately, this is film designed for adults, and someone needs to explain to the makers of this film that the world has become a lot more sophisticated since 1970, and that grown- ups expect a bit of wit in their entertainment.

I saw this film in March this year when I was in Austin, Texas. It was playing at the SXSW Film Festival and I went along cause I was a bit homesick for Australia and wanted to see an Ausie film. I'm so glad I did! This film was so much fun. There were lots of laughs and it also managed to be a bit moving at times. The audience seemed to love it, and were laughing heaps. Marcus Graham was sensational as the struggling playwright. It was great to see him in such a character role. The director from Australia was there (can't remember his name) and answered questions at the end, and the audience were so positive it made me proud to be an Ausie. Lots of people commented that it was one of the best films they'd seen at the festival in the last five years and wanted to know if it would be released in America.

A great feel good film.

I watched this film on DVD with 2 friends the other night and we loved every minute. People complain that there are no good Australian films, but this is one of the best I've seen. Great story, looks good and fabulous acting - Marcus Graham is terrific as the passionate playwrite and Kym Gyngell and the other main actors are very well cast.

The film is at times very funny, with three or four scenes resulting in us laughing so hard we had to pause the DVD. We also shed a tear or two in the last part, where Marcus Graham's acting really stands out.

I also watched the making of on the DVD and it refreshing to see the director Pip Mushin talk so honestly about making the film and what he was trying to achieve.

The music is also great. Highly recommended.