The filmmakers have dipped back into the well and reprised an iconic Australian character. I speak of Johnny Spitieri (aka Johnny Spit), played by David Wenham in Getting’ Square (2003). With a new story, Spit brings together several of the actors and key behind the scenes creatives from the movie released in the early noughties. I speak of the likes of actor Gary Sweet, who again plays Chika Martin, writer Chris Nyst, director Johnathan Teplitzky and cinematographer Garry Phillips.
After hiding overseas for two decades, Johnny returns to Australia with a new identity, but still with his unmistakable mullet, skinny jeans and thongs. He is a small-time ex-criminal who slips back into the country on a false passport. Looking super sus, he is busted on arrival in Queensland and sent to an immigration detention centre, with many other detainees from around the world. His method of handling the authorities is to deny, deny, deny.
The problem is that Johnny has a massive target on his back, as old enemies, including drug kingpin Chika Martin, have scores to settle. Struggling to stay a step ahead of the marauding pack, Spit is nothing if not resourceful. He endears himself to the other detainees by teaching them his own brand of “she’ll be right, mate” English. He gives them all Aussie names. And he goes into “partnership” with one of them, Jihad Kalif (Arlo Green), which will – in time – prove extremely useful. The reason some of the authorities are after him is because they are looking to use him to bring down a crooked cop.
Spit is funny – very, very funny, but – of course – humour is in the eyes (and ears) of the beholder and some might suggest this is lowest common denominator material. There is a lot of buffoonery in play here. A dishevelled David Wenham is endearing and hilarious as the evasive centrepiece. He has really nailed the role with aplomb. He does slippery as a snake better than most. And the camera is trained on him the lion’s share of the time. The cleverness is in both the one liners and the sight gags.
I was impressed by the warmth that Arlo Green imbued into his character, Jihad Kalif. Green comes across as natural – authentic. Gary Sweet revels in his bad guy persona. You can see that he loves playing mean. In fact, one of the noteworthy elements of the story is the diverse cast of characters that capitalise upon the larrikin humour. The few scenes involving Māoris are memorable because of their formidable representation. But, truth be told, there are many memorable moments in the picture.
I was also impressed by the creativity that distinguished Garry Phillips’ (The Railway Man) cinematography and the choices he’s made. In summary then, Spit is feel good entertainment, in which you find yourself rooting for the underdog.
Score: 7 out of 10.
Alex First
Here are Greg King’s thoughts about the film:
I didn’t think that 2003’s crime drama Gettin’ Square really needed a sequel. The film was a box office flop when first released, but it found favour through a DVD release and has gained something of a cult following in the years since. So now here we are, two decades years later, with a belated sequel/spin off from that award winning movie, with the spotlight firmly on one of the lesser characters.
Wenham relishes his role and is clearly having fun. He brings a weaselly quality to his performance as the street smart and cunning Spitieri. He indulges in plenty of physical comedy in the way he holds and contorts his body. He also improvises many moments. Spit also reprises a comical courtroom scene from the original film, giving Wenham a chance to display his comedic chops.
Teplitzky’s direction is uneven, as is the picture’s pacing. Much of the humour, especially those scenes set in the detention centre, is broad and cringeworthy, reminiscent of the awful comedy films that we made back in the 70s. Some of the scenes involving the immigrants play to stereotypes. I found them borderline offensive. The standout amongst the immigrants is Green’s Jihad, who brought empathy and a sense of dignity to his performance. However, there is a lack of subtlety and nuance to many of the characters.
While I didn’t enjoy Spit, there is probably an audience out there who will lap up what is on offer in this quirky and off beat comic crime caper.
Score: 4 out of 10.
Here are Jacqui Hammerton’s thoughts about the film:
The art of exaggeration is a tough gig. How much more we admire the comic genius of John Cleese and, even, John Cornell as Strop when we see our dearly beloved David Wenham (Diver Dan, late of SeaChange) out of his depth as Spit’s rough-head lead character, John Spiteri. It’s hard to look past the careless, lying, thieving, unhygienic appearance, endless swearing and bullshit to like anything about him.
Other cast members are handed cliched roles as corrupt cops, aggressive interviewers, screeching reporters etc., straight out of 1990s television, although the laidback band of migrant co-stars are terrific. I wish I could at least praise Spit’s plot or its backstory, its humour or its pace; however, despite some bursts of energy, the film is convoluted, stale and lacking momentum.
Only one scene, between Spit and his nephew at a skatepark, displayed the heart and cinematic artistry that good Australian film is capable of (recently seen in Runt and He Ain’t Heavy).
Score: 4 out of 10.
Other reviews you might enjoy:
- In Like Flynn – movie review
- Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales – movie review
- The Furnace – movie review
Alex First is the editor of The Blurb. Alex is a Melbourne based journalist and communications specialist. He also contributes to The Blurb on film and theatre.
