The Castle (1997) Review

Time: 85 Minutes
Age Rating: Offensive Language
Cast
Michael Caton as Darryl Kerrigan
Anne Tenney as Sal Kerrigan
Stephen Curry as Dale Kerrigan
Sophie Lee as Tracey Petropoulous
Eric Bana as Con Petropoulous
Anthony Simcoe as Steve Kerrigan
Wayne Hope as Wayne Kerrigan
Tiriel Mora as Dennis Denuto
Costas Kilias as Farouk
Charles ‘Bud’ Tingwell as Lawrence Hammill QC
Director: Rob Sitch

The quirky Kerrigan family lives together in a makeshift home they built themselves — with great pride and a bizarre attention to detail — a few yards from the edge of Melbourne, Australia’s busy Tullamarine Airport. When a building inspector condemns the building and reveals that the government plans to use their land for an airport expansion, Darryl Kerrigan (Michael Caton) and his brood recruit hack attorney Dennis Denuto (Tiriel Mora) and prepare themselves for the fight of their lives.

I heard about The Castle from some people, I heard that it was an Australian cult classic and that it was absolutely hilarious. So I’ve been meaning to watch it for a little while. Having finally seen it I can see why it’s so beloved. The Castle is hilarious and entertaining and has such an irresistible charm to it, it is definitely worth giving a watch for those who haven’t seen it (which given the fact that its still only a cult classic is probably most people).

One of the best parts about The Castle of course is that it is hilarious. It’s also not the type or style of comedy that you would usually see, which is always refreshing. I’ll just say that if you live in Australia (or even New Zealand like me) I think you might get something out of it even more than people who don’t. So yes, this movie is uniquely funny but at the same time you are rooting for our main characters, so you actually do care about what’s going on. There is some aspect about this movie that just works and I can’t explain what it is, there is a vibe surrounding this movie and its main characters that really elevates it from just being a typical quirky comedy. It’s easier to understand by seeing it than having it be explained to you. The Castle is short and sweet at an hour and 25 minutes long and that was the right length, it is long enough and it doesn’t overstay its welcome. I honestly can’t think of any issues this movie has, for what it is it is great.

The characters are hilarious and memorable and the cast were really great in their roles, especially the Kerrigan family played by Michael Caton, Anne Tenney, Stephen Curry, Sophie Lee, Anthony Simcoe and Wayne Hope. The stand out is the lead character played by Caton, who is the father in the family. These characters are simple and aren’t exactly that smart but they are likable and they have a charm to them, you’ll know what I mean when you watch it. They do a good job at making you laugh at them but still care and root for them. Other actors like Tiriel Mora, Charles Tingwell and Eric Bana (who makes his acting debut here) are really good as well and usually get a chance to shine. Everyone in the cast does their part.

Rob Stich’s direction isn’t anything outstanding but it was at the level that it needed to be. You really feel like this is a small movie (and it is, being only $750,000 Australian) but it really didn’t need to be anything special. The editing, direction and style really added to the comedy at times, especially with the use of the narration.

Having finally seen it, I can now see why The Castle is an Australian cult classic. On top of it being hilarious, it has some sort of vibe to it that instantly makes everyone enjoy it, I can’t explain it. Honestly I think it’s something you need to watch for yourself. It is a smaller movie and it may be a little difficult finding copies of it but I think it’s worth checking out whenever you can, you won’t regret it.

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