Swinging Safari

This Australian comedy takes place in the 1970's in a cul-de-sac in a suburb near a beach-front. Its knockabout story focuses on the three families who live there. Written and directed by Stephan Elliott, this film is an autobiographical account of his life as a kid back in the day, with a few inventions added for good measure.

This is a movie which will mainly appeal to those who can remember the 70's. It benefits from a colourful look which celebrates that decade's style and décor in all its gaudy excess. Just for its period detail alone, it is quite a good watch. The story is split 50/50 between the perspective of the adults and the kids. The comedy is often pretty broad and not in all honestly always fully funny, although it does definitely provide a few chuckles throughout. There is no narrative to speak of really and nothing of especial consequence happens more or less. Amongst other events, there is a beached whale, a swinger's party, kids making violent DIY movies, shag-pile carpets, K-TEL records, an Evel Knievel costume and unfortunate pets. Everything is a bit random and several scenes don't particularly lead anywhere. The concoction adds up to a sporadically amusing comedy which ultimately gets by on its fun 70' vibes.

Off beat, nice pace, thoughly enjoyed it. The attention to detail was fantastic for the period. So many subtle period references. Sound track and editing was clever. It is different and refreshing.

Enjoy this for what it is. So many memories came flooding back. I was a young policeman in the late 70,s and the kids at the blue light disco were how i remembered them, the ways the tried to sneak alcohol in was a laugh every disco. The characters were people i dealt with every shift when on patrol. Its not a classic by any stretch of the imagination, but just forget everything and drift back into a time when everything didn't appear to be that bad.

If you were born like me in 73 you'll love this film. From the evel knievel stunt kid to the fondue, it's all that was oz in the late 70's. Hell we even had the same pool. I laughed my head off. Even the swinging bit was spot on for the time with all the parents getting pissed up and having a crack at the neighbours wife.lol The mo's are spot on and the clothes are like looking at photo's of my parents. Good to see the political correct 2000's didn't come into the making of this film, This is how it was back then, if you didn't do as your told you got a wack. I'm all the better for it and it was a better Australia than the nanny state we live in now, take a ride down memory lane and relive the golden years of Oz.

I think everyone else here saw a different movie! I thought it was a great film. I mean it's no Puberty Blues but it was a silly light hearted comedy.