Charlie & Boots
| Company type | Film |
|---|---|
| Industry | Motion picture |
| Founded | 2009 |
| Products | Film |
Charlie & Boots is a 2009 Australian motion picture featuring performances by Paul Hogan and Shane Jacobson. It achieved the highest opening weekend box office for any Australian movie released in 2009, debuting on Father's Day (1 September 2009). The film highlights numerous small rural communities across Australia and includes a cameo appearance by Reg Evans, who passed away in the 2009 Victorian bushfires prior to the film's release; the production is dedicated to those affected by the fires.
Plot
Boots (played by Shane Jacobson) embarks on a fishing expedition with his father Charlie (portrayed by Paul Hogan) to the northernmost point of Australia, fulfilling a promise made during childhood. Their journey takes them from Victoria to the Cape York Peninsula aboard a Holden Kingswood, passing through towns such as Tamworth. The trip is initiated following the passing of Gracie, Boots’ mother and Charlie’s wife. Observing Charlie’s withdrawn demeanor on their family farm, Boots arranges this trip to mend their strained father-son bond.
During their travels, they explore various towns and landmarks, confronting feelings related to Gracie’s death and the drowning of Boots’ son Ben. Along the way, they assist Jess, a 16-year-old fleeing from her boyfriend Tristan, supporting her aspiration to launch a music career in Tamworth. The group faces obstacles including damaging a vehicle they mistakenly believe belongs to Tristan and experiencing an aerial tour over the Great Barrier Reef with pilot Roy Billing.
Charlie and Boots ultimately arrive at Cape York, accomplishing the journey’s objective. The post-credits sequence reveals Jess achieving success with a song about her toxic relationship. A final scene depicts Charlie and Boots crossing Sydney Harbour Bridge, paying homage to Hogan’s former occupation as a bridge painter.
Cast
- Paul Hogan as Charlie McFarland
- Alan Powell as Rodeo Clown
- Morgan Griffin as Jess
- Shane Jacobson as Boots McFarland
- Deborah Kennedy as Miles Waitress
- Reg Evans as Mac
- Roy Billing as Roly
- Alec Wilson as Rodeo Worker 1
- Val Lehman as Edna (Bowling Lady Driver) (credited as Valerie Lehman)
- Lisa N Edwards as Graeme's Wife
- Di Smith as Strawberry Lady (credited as Diane Smith)
- Anne Phelan as Female Truckie
- Bec Asha as Gunbar Waitress (credited as Rebecca Asha)
- Danny Baldwin as Bucking Horse Rider
- Beverley Dunn as Val
- Andy Pappas as Shearer 2
- Michael Morley as Young Cowboy Rodeo
- Sam Elia as Motorbike Cop
- Scott Harrison as Graeme
- Stewart Faichney as Truck Driver
- Anthony Hammer as Tristan
- Richard Payten as Toilet Guy
- Eloise Grace as Masseuse
- Charlotte Victoria as Granddaughter
- Deb Fryers as Massage Girl 1
- Patrick O'Meara as Rodeo Worker 2
- Fiona MacGregor as Toowoomba Waitress 1
- Patricia Wood as Bowling Lady
- Tanya Cinelli as Toowoomba Waitress 2
- Baxter James Thomson as Ben
- John Nutting appearing as himself
- Anthony Sargeant in Country Band role
- Robert McGluggage as Funeral Guest
- Joe Faulkner portraying Cowboy
- Ann Hurst as Bowling Lady
- John Leonard playing Radio DJ
- Christopher Gaudion acting as Bull Rider
- Rob Mills serving as Rodeo Announcer
- Catherine Thomson portraying Therese
- Barbara MacMillan acting as Marge
- Korey Greehaigh playing Troublemakers
- Adam Knowles featuring as Rodeo Clown
- Bernie Hoefnagels cast as Motel Owner
- Steve Lack appearing as Traveller
- Shelley Minson in Country Band role
- Brodie Greenhalgh portraying Troublemakers
- Laline Engman acting as Massage Girl 2
- Cory Ford performing Bull Rider role
- Dallas Powell cast as Bucking Horse Rider
- Christopher Bruce playing Grandson
- T.J. Alcaniz appearing as Not Mexican Waiter
- Mary Fanello portraying Vendor Lady
- Matt Scullion singing in Country Band role
- Susan McGrath acting as Neighbour
- Peggy Thompson portraying Grace
- Brett Tomlin performing in Country Band role
- Marisa Jones cast as Jogger
- Raheel Abid playing Petrol Station Attendant
- Anne Herd acting in Line Dancer role
- Shelley Moser portraying Leilani
- Dallas Olsen cast as Shearer 1
- Troy Furley appearing in Holden Museum Guide role
- Lesley Hurst acting as Bowling Lady
- Ross Stockham playing Bull Rider
- Helen Hoefnagels portraying Breakfast Lady
- Heidi Williams appearing as Woman with Tray
- Lawrie Minson, Brett Lobsey, and Brett Tomlin featured in Country Band roles
Music
The soundtrack includes the track Jack, written by songwriter Lianna Rose.
Production
Shooting took place in various locations throughout Australia, such as Warrnambool, Horsham, Echuca, Hay, Tamworth, Tenterfield, Emerald, and the Cape York Peninsula.
Reception
Critics generally responded favorably to the film, which held a 58% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on 12 reviews as of July 2019. Sandra Hall of The Sydney Morning Herald referred to it as a "likeable family comedy," while Evan Williams from The Australian commended it as "a superbly relaxed and good-natured film."