Great Film overall

A story that's too fascinating to pass by...

While it doesn't offer any answers, it both thrills and makes you think.

This film is so real. It treats its characters with so much care and sensitivity.

I was excited about this film ever since learning it was in production. Being a Shane Jacobson fan and already knowing about this incredible story, I was curious to see how it would translate onto the big screen.Shane Jacobson brings a few laughs while playing his most "Aussie" character since Kenny. It's his family dramas and associated story line which at times bog the story down. Perhaps the film chose to focus on that aspect in an effort to draw attention away from just how fake the Middle Island penguin scenes were. In what is such a beautifully natural setting, I felt like I was watching a cheap TV-movie set.Alan Tudyk's character of Bradley was incredibly irritating and unlikable - the casting of such an Americanised character in a quintessentially Australian tale may grate some viewers. Meanwhile, comedic legend, Frank Woodley, plays a character resembling a poor rendition of 101 Dalmations', Cruella De Vil - annoyingly "comical" for adults, kids might still get some laughs.While not remarkable, it is an easy-to-watch family movie whose story steadily plods along to a predictable conclusion. I can't help but feel this movie could've been something really special, but instead becomes another reflection of the inconsistency currently plaguing Australia's film industry.

Oddball is very well-written and will keep you engaged throughout! The film has moments of tears and moments of laughter as our hearts all unite to despise the villain and love the hero. Adults and children alike will enjoy this production, and more than likely will identify with one of its diverse lineup of characters who each did a fantastic job portraying their role in the film. Swampy is the widow of a wildlife sanctuary manager and has a daughter, Emily, who is trying deeply to continue her mother's legacy on the Middle Island penguin sanctuary. Her daughter and Swampy's granddaughter, Olivia, is a too cute proponent of saving the penguins and has a sense of vision and optimism that only a child can render. Her and Swampy's beloved dog, Oddball, is the star of her plan. The town's mayor, judge, and city council all play into the roller coaster of events that try to sabotage the preservation of the sanctuary, which has an unlikely villain working to destroy it's existence, and the feel-good outcome.

This movie will remind you of the old classic Disney movies like "Old Yeller". It is entertaining and fun for the whole family. (Why anyone reviewing this movie would get hung up on a political angle is beyond me!) In order for there to be a plot there has to be a challenge, and no surprise, it's the establishment! The point is, it's a feel good movie, based on a true story with an outside the box concept, not a political statement. The characters are strong and interesting and deeper than expected. There is something for everyone in this movie. If you get the DVD, the extras are very much worth watching! Hopefully a US version will be released soon! There are many Maremma owners in the US frothing at the chance to see this great movie! Hopefully the producers will see that and either release a theatrical version or at least a US region DVD version.

Destined to become an Australian Classic, 'Oddball' is a very enjoyable family friendly flick which says much about the local film industry and audiences. When a good yarn is well produced and marketed, people will go out and see Australian movies. Whilst not perfect, 'Oddball' is a genre pic - the kids movie that the whole family can watch; with cute animals, a wide eyed and intelligent child, a quirky and memorable leading man and a good versus evil motif. What's not to love? For me, the drawbacks were the casting/writing of an American in a major role. Surely this was not for funding reasons! The actor cast is not even a big name. It could have been written for a corporate Australian type; and there are dozens of great local actors to cast here, even if Alan Tudyk is a competent performer for both the comedic and dramatic moments. He has zero chemistry with the current superstar of Aussie cinema the omnipotent Sarah Snook. This actress is the next Cate Blanchett. World domination awaits her. With already a number of lead and supporting roles under her belt, Sarah has shown why she is the next big thing. This seems an odd choice, pardon the pun, with her career trajectory,but as it will turn out to be one of the biggest box office hits this year, perhaps there was strategy from her and her agents to take this role. The child actor playing her daughter is great, and Shane Jacobson once again ('Kenny') creates an unforgettable screen character. He shows a great ability to straddle both humour and gravitas, often from moment to moment. He is becoming a national treasure. Deb Mailman gets to do very little, but doubles up with narration; and Richard Davies ('Offspring') shows why he deserves more screen time and more work. The hilarious Frank Woodley goes somewhat against type and is terrific. But the obvious stars of the movie are the animals. They are just delightful, although it was not seamless when dog and penguin were spliced into one frame - not quite, for these eyes, anyway. With a movie like 'Oddball' its ending was always going to play out as it did, but there was a lot of fun and tension getting there. It has a very sweet heart to it this film, and I recommend it on that basis.