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Review by: Katherine Kaminsky | Rating:
Two
DVD SPECIAL FEATURES: None stated.
STEVE Myers (Billy Connolly) is an ex-lawyer who jacked it all
in to become a fisherman.
Living on a boat off the coast of Australia with Arthur, the
dog, was perfect until his boat gets struck by lightening. All
Myers worldly goods along with the boat are sunk.
He tries to claim on the insurance but is told he is entitled
to nothing, the insurance company declare it an 'act of God'.
And if that wasn't bad enough, the boat was secured against the
caravan park where his ex-wife and daughter live with the park's
owner.
So, with the pressure on, and a hangover, Myers decides to use
his former legal skills and sue God.
Soon the case is making headlines and the whole thing escalates
rapidly. Hundreds of people write sympathetically to Myers, sharing
their experience with Insurance.
Journalist, Anna Redmond (Judy Davis), a well known media personality,
embraces the story and Myers reluctantly finds himself with an
unlikely ally.
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Meanwhile, God can't be present at the trial, so representatives
of the church employ nefarious lawyer Gerry Ryan (Billy Brown),
who gains not only the support of the financial and media establishment,
but also Myers' betraying brother, David (Colin Friels), to win
the case.
In the courtroom, both sides battle out the religious polemics
and you begin to wonder whether this case could actually work.
Then Myers realises Acts of God work in mysterious ways.
This is a feelgood movie giving insurance companies the kicking
they deserve, with a well thought out argument.
Just as you think the script will cross over the banal barrier,
the engaged humour bats it back.
Connolly lost a few loyal fans over the years, as his stand-up
routine became more about raking it in, than struggling through
life, and let's face it, recently, we've seen a lot of good stand-up
comics be rubbish in films.
Connolly proves he is not one of them. His delivery is spot on
and this entertaining film should win back those deserting fans.
Davis is also exceptional as Anna. A refreshingly cool but vulnerable
contrast to the chaotic Myers.
And refreshingly, for a leading lady and love interest, she
is over 30. You know this film wasn't made near America.
Well worth seeing this Summer, especially for Arthur the dog.
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