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 Kangaroo
Jack
 
Starring: Jerry O'Connell, Anthony Anderson and Esyelle
Warren.
Directed by: David McNally
Rated: PG
Kangaroo
Jack was surprisingly enjoyable. January is known for its
blasé films. Frankly it can be a viscous time when the
studios sneak the stink bombs they produced into theaters while
desperately avoiding eye contact. I kept thinking is my laughter
stress related? Am I so abused from the friggitini garbage I have
been force fed for the last two weeks that now any inkling of
comedy gets me to a happy place? Nope. Kangaroo Jack is
silly family fun!
They
can thank the chemistry of the stars - yes even the CGI kangaroo,
Jack. The human talent, Jerry O'Connell and Anthony Anderson are
a refreshing delight. Besides Jerry's an exceptionally handsome
young buck — um yum —that's about six foot something
of pure girly giggle inducing man heroin. He's likable - always.
And unlike the pathetic buddy attempt of National
Security, which I am in anger management therapy over,
you buy the friendship 'tween he and Anthony Anderson.
The
story is nothing particularly brilliant. Mob stepson Charlie Carbone
(Jerry O'Connell) is sent to Australia to deliver a huge amount
of payola to a ruffian with a manly stance that -here- has a striking
DNA resemblance to Russell Crowe. Coincidence? I think not Mr.
Studio Producer!
Charlie's
not having a good day. Once again he has managed to try the patience
of his violent step dad (Christopher Walkin). It's bad enough
Charlie's a hairdresser but when his best friend Louis (Anthony
Anderson), again, involves him in some ridiculous shenanigans
that happen to lead a bevy of police directly into step dad's
emporium of stolen goods, thusly a four million dollar loss prevails
for the mob boss, Charlie has to redeem himself but quick. And
step dad don't want no gift certificates for a lifetime supply
of mullets!
Step
dad decides he can do so by jumping on an airplane and bringing
an associate, Mr. Smith (Martin Csokas) down-under a package…the
goods…the loot. Simple.
Ah,
but Louis is a human trouble seeking missile. After arriving and
setting out easy enough, the mayhem begins when they run their
rent-a-jeep or Cadillac of the outback into a poor kangaroo.
The
creature is dead-o-rama. As they clear the carcass to the side,
Louis notices the kangaroo is the spitting marsupial image of
a guy they know back in Brooklyn named Jackie Legs. Louis decides
to dress the roo up in his Brooklyn jacket and snap some Polaroid's-
just for fun.
Ah,
but Jack's not dead at all. And in one of the funniest reanimation
scenes since Tommy Boy's infamous deer in the convertible,
Jack springs to life and gives the two what for. He kicks their
butts Aussie style. And ricochets off into the unknown.
G'day
seems Louis had stashed the package of cash in the jacket they
dressed Jack up in. Oh, dear. This is not good. They've got no
car, no package and they're in the middle of the nowhereville
aka the dreaded outback. Mr. Smith will understand the delay…not.
Smith wigs and you get the feeling would be delighted at the excuse
to joyfully dismembers them over a draft of Fosters while his
shrimp toast on the Barbie. Sorry.
They
turn to conveniently transplanted American Jessie (Estelle Warren)
a chickbabe that just so happens to specialize in wildlife. Jessie's
willing to assist and you can see the cartoon hearts popping above
Charlie's hornball head as they set off after Jack.
Is
it great? No. But it's a good movie for the whole family to lighten
up a bit get silly and overlook the multiple clichés. The
story's stupiddone before and generic. But, it's not for intelligent
adults. The cast seems to really being having fun and it's contagious.
Hit the Ground Round and then take the whole family for a bit
of nonsensical movie viewing. Goodonya!
Snack
Recommendation: Icees and vegamite.
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