A courageous canine takes a caper from the history books and onto the big screen in Oddball, the latest Australian family-oriented film to try to find live-action movie magic in a real-life animal tale. What worked so well for Red Dog, garnering awards, audience fondness and a forthcoming sequel, doesn’t quite strike twice in an effort that also brings penguins into the mix, though not for a lack of animated all-ages antics and earnest emotions.
The titular maremma dog is the black sheep of Warrnambool, a rambunctious pooch beloved by his chicken farmer owner Swampy Marsh (Shane Jacobson, The Dressmaker), even more adored by Swampy’s pre-teen granddaughter Olivia (Coco Jack Gillies, Mad Max: Fury Road), but known for causing trouble every time he wanders away home. Narrowly avoiding a dire outcome after interrupting the launch of a new tourist attraction in the coastal Victorian town, Oddball’s future looks limited, until the Marsh duo discover his winning ways with the penguins Olivia’s wildlife ranger mother Emily (Sarah Snook, Holding the Man) has dedicated her life to protecting.
That Oddball recreates actual attempts to save a sanctuary ravaged by years of fox attacks indicates the path director Stuart McDonald (TV’s Playing House) and writer Peter Ivan’s (shorts Kill and Tell and Barry’s Obsession) narrative takes, bounding through the onset of adversity and towards firm feel-good territory. A predictable but palatable offering results, complete with colourful distractions — a well-meaning mayor (Deborah Mailman, Paper Planes), a creepy dogcatcher (Frank Woodley, Kath & Kimderella) and an American interloper (Alan Tudyk, Maze Runner: The Scorch Trials) who doubles as Emily’s boyfriend, for example. That the latter two help heighten the histrionics isn’t difficult to foresee.
Indeed, all the expected elements tug at heartstrings and evoke warm sentiments in Oddball, starting with the whirlwind of cuteness and chaos that comprises the central canine, extending to his flightless charges and the young girl concerned for them, and encompassing the theatrics surrounding the fates of both types of animals. Where the feature goes astray is in leaning too heavily upon such calculated charm and convenient drama, as well championing its laid-on-thick brand of Australiana. An amiable comedic effort that will endear young and old may be the desired end product; however in using both flair and local flavour in achieving such an aim, a little goes a long way.
Instead, when the film sticks with the simplicity of its basic story — of a cherished family pet earning his due by caring for other critters — it soars higher than when it overloads on all the surrounding components. Scenic seaside cinematography by Damian Wyvill (Backyard Ashes), with slivers of pooch-inspired choreography, does the same, as do the movie’s performances. While Jacobson’s inflated eccentricity clamours for attention, it is actually Snook’s more genuine turn that serves Oddball best. Alas, much of the rest of the cast sadly fall into the former camp, as does as the affectionate, exaggerated feature itself, as it bounces towards its cartoonish conclusion.
Rating: 2.5 stars out of 5
Oddball
Director: Stuart McDonald
Australia, 2015, 95 mins
Release date: September 17
Distributor: Roadshow
Rated: G
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