Kath & Kimderella
| Company type | Film |
|---|---|
| Industry | Motion picture |
| Founded | 2012 |
| Products | Film |
| Website | www |
Kath & Kimderella is a 2012 Australian motion picture and serves as a spin-off derived from the television series Kath & Kim, originally created by Gina Riley and Jane Turner. The screenplay was penned by and features performances from Riley, Turner, and Magda Szubanski. The film debuted in Australian cinemas in September 2012, followed by its release on Blu-ray and DVD on 23 May 2013, with a subsequent television premiere on the Seven Network.
Plot
Kath Day-Knight (Jane Turner) continues to reside in Fountain Lakes, Melbourne, while Kel (Glenn Robbins) has become somewhat dull following their honeymoon. Kim (Gina Riley) returns after divorcing Brett (Peter Rowsthorn), despite undergoing marriage counselling with Marion (Marg Downey). Kath wins a vacation to the fictional "Kingdom of Papilloma" in Italy (filmed on location in Positano). Kel opts out due to his fear of flying and commitment to watching MasterChef, so Kath invites Kim and Sharon (Magda Szubanski) to accompany her. Meanwhile, Prue (Turner) and Trude (Riley) secretly travel to Italy.
After a long journey, the trio arrives exhausted but energized by their bargain shopping exploits. Their booked lodging is unavailable; however, King Javier (Rob Sitch) mistakes their imitation designer clothing for wealth and invites them to his castle, hoping it will save him from financial ruin. Sharon develops an attraction to the page Alain (Richard E. Grant), while Prince Julio (Erin Mullally), Javier's son, pursues Kim under the false belief she is of royal descent.
Javier is widely disliked by locals and imposes harsh regulations, including a ban on homosexuality. During a royal ball, Julio proposes marriage to Kim; she initially declines because he wears a mask but agrees after he reveals his face. The wedding attracts international media attention.
A fire erupts in the castle caused by the allegedly "insane" queen, who dies accidentally. Javier reassures everyone about her unstable condition.
Back in Australia, Kel overcomes his aviophobia through hypnosis but triggers chaos during a flight to Papilloma after an announcement unsettles him. Upon arrival, Kel confronts Javier for Kath's affection and triumphs in a sword duel. Meanwhile, Kim and Sharon become lost but uncover imprisoned townspeople and homosexuals detained by Alain; they manage to free them.
At the wedding ceremony, it emerges that Kim is not of royal blood, Julio is not Javier’s son, but Kath descends from an exiled royal lineage, crowning her queen and Kim as princess. Alain confesses paternity of Isabella (Jessica De Gouw), who harbors feelings for Julio.
Javier abdicates his throne, allowing Papilloma to transition into a democracy. A celebratory banquet follows where Sharon meets Stephanie (Tasneem Roc), bonding over shared interests like golf and netball. Kath and Kim reflect on returning home after their storybook-like vacation.
Cast
- Jane Turner portraying both Kath Day-Knight and Prue
- Gina Riley as Kim Craig and Trude
- Magda Szubanski playing Sharon Strzelecki
- Glenn Robbins as Kel Knight
- Peter Rowsthorn cast as Brett Craig
- Rob Sitch in the role of King Javier of Papilloma
- Richard E. Grant as Alain
- Barry Humphries appearing as Dame Edna Everage
- Alex Perry appearing as himself
- Marg Downey as Marion
- Nicholas Bell cast as Priest
- Glenn Butcher portraying Sergio
- George Calombaris appearing as himself
- Jessica De Gouw as Isabella
- Julie Forsyth playing Queen Christina
- Bryce Hardy as Bryce Waterhouse (flight attendant)
- Mick Molloy cast as Gary Poole
- Erin Mullally in the role of Prince Julio
- Robert Ratti portraying Tony
- Tasneem Roc as Stephanie Murdoch
- Lisa Spurrell as Cloaked Person
- Mark Trevorrow appearing as Marko
- Frank Woodley performing as Castle Translator
Production
Initially named Kath & Kim – The Filum, the movie's title was altered to better capture its fragmented fairy tale narrative, as explained by co-creator Gina Riley. Scenes depicting the holiday were shot in Positano, Italy, with the entire filming process wrapped up within a two-week period.
Reception
Upon release, the film secured the top position at the Australian box office, generating $2.1 million and achieving the second highest opening weekend for an Australian production in 2012, trailing only behind The Sapphires.
By July 2020, 26% of nineteen reviews listed on Rotten Tomatoes were favorable, with an average score of 3.64 out of 10. The ABC Television review program At the Movies awarded the film two stars out of five; critic David Stratton mentioned he was not particularly fond of the original television series.
Box office
As recorded on 16 October 2012, the film had accumulated a total of $6,150,771 in revenue from the Australian box office.