RUBEN GUTHRIE

“Let’s get smashed” is the opening dialogue which aptly sums up this Australian comedy/drama about alcohol abuse and one man’s inability to stop consuming it.

Ruben Guthrie (Patrick Brammall) is an advertising guru who loves to party and over-indulge on alcohol. His fiancée gives him an ultimatum – stop drinking within 12 months, or else they’re finished.

Surrounded by drinkers, can he refrain from participating in one of Australian’s favourite pass times?

Highlighting the difficulties in writing comedy, this film would have been more engaging solely as a drama. Most comical dialogue backfired, simply evoking a sense of awkwardness.

A stellar cast including Jack Thompson and Robyn Nevin as Ruben’s parents and Alex Dimitriadis (who portrays a clichéd homosexual) also disappointed, owing to limitations with the material they had to work with.

Targeted at the younger generation, this film does however successfully convey a clear message about alcohol abuse. (MMo)

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