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The Argues: The Movie (Film)
Rating: PG
Running Time: 80
Country: Australia
Director: Mark Hembrow
Cast: David Argue, Patricia Argue, Leon Skank, Steven Tandy
Distributor: Blue Pie
Release Date: September 24, 2011 (Visit www.thearguesthemovie.com for dates and venues)
Film Worth: $8.00
FILMINK rates movies out of $20 - the score indicates the amount we believe a ticket to the movie to be worthUnfortunately the onslaught of wacky elements and wild antics distract from the compelling personality at the film’s centre.
From its opening credits, The Argues: The Movie will leave you dumbstruck. Like a train wreck that you can't look away from, the film is an assault on every preconceived notion that you may harbour about film.
Out of work Australian actor David Argues (Gallipoli, Razorback) decides to embark on a world trip with his mother Pat, visiting the destinations that his parents once toured when they were ice skaters with the show ‘Holiday on Ice.' While abroad however, David decides to reboot his career with the help of his alter ego, Leon Skanks, a duck puppet whom he thinks will gain him the attention of Hollywood bigwigs. Nutty hijinks ensue as David, Pat and Leon travel the globe attempting to tap the struggling actor an agent and trying not to kill each other in the process.
Sometimes the film feels like an excuse for Argue to basically act the fool across several locations. In a way, the wackier elements do a disservice to the actor and his mother. Considering the duo have an undeniably interesting dynamic, one has to wonder whether the film wouldn't have been better served as a straight up exploration of their relationship. Both are interesting enough as people to make puppets and alter egos feel like an unwanted distraction.
The film is unique to say the least. Even by mockumentary standards the tongue in cheek witticisms are extreme. Featuring scripted and improvised dialogue as well as elements from Argue's real life, the film has a somewhat deranged quality to both its style and editing.
The Argues: The Movie will not hold broad appeal, yet it is an experience. One can't help but admire the bravery of everyone involved with the film for producing such a strange piece of cinema.
