Oddball

Along the lines of Babe and Red Dog comes an inspiring true story of a farmer who with the help of his dog saves an entire colony of dying penguins and revives tourism in his small seaside town.

This ‘magical’ (the narrator reminds us repeatedly) tale involves an eccentric chicken farmer (brilliantly acted by Shane Jackson) and his clever grand-daughter (Coco Jack Gillies), alongside a mischievous dog (Oddball), cute fairy penguins and sly foxes. When these unusual characters collide, there is enough heart and humor to please both young and adults alike.

Director Stuart McDonald brings depth to the characters by exposing them to a series of emotions of love, sacrifice and courage.

Picturesquely set in Victorian countryside, the story of Allan ‘Swampy’ Marsh and his dog is one that should not be missed.

Also starring Sarah Snook, Alan Tudyk, Deborah Mailman and Richard Davies, Oddball is Australian cinema come of age. (JR)

***1/2

By Joseph Rana