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Australian cinema loves a family film about a lovable animal. We have our fair share of dogs films - 'Oddball', 'Runt' and, of course, the 'Red Dog' films. However, one of our native animals is always missing from the cinematic spotlight. Of course, you have last year's 'The Red', featuring a zombie kangaroo, and of course, the Kids' Choice Awards Winner for Favourite Fart, 'Kangaroo Jack', but a feel-good family flick featuring kangaroos has been missing from Australia's filmography.
'Kangaroo' follows TV weatherman Chris Masterman (Ryan Corr, 'Ladies in Black', 'Hacksaw Ridge') who, after an incident, is fired from his job. Trying to get back on his feet, he gets an offer to host a show in Broome. On his way there, he accidently hits a kangaroo and only the joey inside the pouch survives. He meets a young girl named Charlie (Lily Whiteley, in her cinematic debut), who has recently lost her dad who used to take care of injured joeys, and the two form an unlikely friendship.
'Kangaroo' is a really heartfelt and enjoyable Australian film. You come for the cute animals and leave feeling like you are a part of this small rural town. There is some great Aussie talent on display here - Corr is still as charming and dreamy as he was in 'Blue Water High' and the supporting cast is some of our finest talent. As always, Deborah Mailman ('Paper Planes', 'The Sapphires') just puts her heart into everything and has such a warmth every time she on screen, while Wayne Blair ('Top End Wedding', 2020's 'Rams') and Ernie Dingo ('Crocodile Dundee II', 'Bran Nue Dae') are always a treat to see, but our Kiwi sister Rachel House ('A Minecraft Movie', 'Moana') as always is a scene-stealer.
'Kangaroo' is a really heartfelt and enjoyable Australian film. You come for the cute animals and leave feeling like you are a part of this small rural town.
The film is "inspired" by the true story of Chris Barns who founded The Kangaroo Sanctuary, and that's really the only thing it takes from his story. While the movie is removed from its real-life connection, it's really enjoyable and heartfelt, and so the need to tie it to a true story hinders the film. Barns' story would have been just as impactful if not more so if it was adapted as his actual story. Also putting the film into this family box pulls the film in two directions. You have to have a young protagonist, but because this is inspired by Chris' story, the core plot has him at the centre. It doesn't suffer because of this, but it puts the film in a bit of an awkward middle ground. Young kids might lose interest at points, but adults will find some of the humorous moments to be a tad cheesy.
'Kangaroo' might not reach the heights of a 'Red Dog', but its talented cast make this an enjoyable romp with one of Australia's most iconic native animals.
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