Crackerjack (2002 film)

Crackerjack
Company type	Film
Industry	Entertainment
Founded	2002
Headquarters	Melbourne, Australia
Products	Comedy film

Crackerjack is a 2002 Australian comedy feature showcasing performances by Mick Molloy, Bill Hunter, Frank Wilson, Monica Maughan, Samuel Johnson, Lois Ramsey, Bob Hornery, Judith Lucy, and John Clarke.

Plot

Jack Simpson leads an aimless life as a telemarketer and is part of the Cityside Lawn Bowls Club, which faces closure due to financial difficulties caused by developer Bernie Fowler, who intends to transform the club into a pokies venue. To prevent this, club members must actively participate in bowls, compelling Jack to join despite his initial reluctance and brash demeanor. Although he quickly reveals an innate talent for the game, his attitude alienates the older members until Stan, a seasoned player, takes him under his wing.

Following the loss of both his job and girlfriend, Jack devotes himself to the club. His roommate Dave becomes involved as well and begins a relationship with journalist Nancy. When Bernie uncovers Jack’s unauthorized car park rental operation, it nearly leads to Jack’s expulsion. Cityside enters a high-stakes tournament at Bernie’s establishment, with the prize money essential for the club’s survival. Despite challenges arising from Jack’s selfish behavior, collective effort ultimately triumphs.

The club president Len is arrested after marijuana is discovered on club grounds—secretly cultivated by the greenkeeper—and Jack is initially held responsible. Dave and other members persuade the State Governor to lift restrictions on Cliff Carew, the club’s star player who replaces Len. Cityside progresses through the competition; Stan executes the winning shot but tragically suffers a fatal heart attack. Although Bernie objects, Jack secures a re-shot and wins using his signature 'Flipper' move. Subsequently, Nancy reveals Bernie’s unlawful activities at the club, resulting in his disqualification from holding a gaming licence.

While celebrating their victory, the club mourns Stan’s death and dedicates the green in his memory. The greenkeeper is dismissed, and Jack assumes his position. With support from Len and Nancy, Jack embraces his new role at Cityside as the film concludes with an epilogue detailing the characters’ futures.

Cast

Jack Simpson – Mick Molloy
Stan Coombs – Bill Hunter
Dave Jackson – Samuel Johnson
Nancy Brown – Judith Lucy
Bernie Fowler – John Clarke
Len Johnson – Frank Wilson
Eileen – Monica Maughan
Gwen – Lois Ramsey
Norm – Cliff Ellen
Ron – Bob Hornery
Cliff Carew – John Flaus
Edgar – Peter Aanensen
Mrs Jenkins – Esme Melville
Mandy – Robyn Butler
Greenkeeper – Brett Swain
Supervisor – Christopher Kirby
Official – Denis Moore
Governor – Joan Murray
Announcer – Tony Martin
Security Guard – Steve Hutchinson

Reception

Paul Byrnes of the Sydney Morning Herald characterized Crackerjack as "a good-natured comedy" that unexpectedly delivers a social commentary, emphasizing its nostalgic depiction of Australian camaraderie and community spirit. He pointed out that bowls serves as a symbolic arena addressing themes such as honour, loyalty, and cooperation.

Megan Spencer from Triple J commended the film for its genuine narrative and nuanced portrayal of middle Australia culture, setting it apart from other Australian films like The Dish, Welcome To Woop Woop, and The Castle. She highlighted that Crackerjack refrains from condescending toward its characters or excessively relying on cultural clichés.

In contrast, David Stratton writing for Variety described the film as "mediocre," criticizing Mick Molloy’s limited capacity to lead the project while recognizing strong contributions from seasoned actors including Esme Melville and John Flaus.

When broadcast on free-to-air television via Network Ten, promotional material obscured much of the film’s concluding narration, prompting Mick Molloy to voice his dissatisfaction during an interview on ABC TV's Media Watch.

Filming

Principal scenes, such as those on the bowling greens, in the carpark, and interior shots, were captured at the Melbourne Bowling Club located in Windsor, Victoria. Additional filming took place at the Carrum Bowling Club in the Melbourne suburb of Carrum, with the concluding scenes shot at the Corowa Bowls Club in New South Wales.

Box office

Crackerjack achieved a box office total of $8.6 million within Australia, making it the top-grossing Australian movie during its release year. The film received two AFI Award nominations recognizing direction by Paul Moloney and screenplay by siblings Mick and Richard Molloy. Furthermore, it secured a GOLD Award for Cinematography at the 2002 Victorian & Tasmanian awards, credited to Director of Photography Brent Crockett ACS.

External links

Crackerjack at the National Film and Sound Archive