At a Glance

Tells the story of two friends who, out of financial desperation, declare themselves to be a gay couple in order to exploit a new tax law. Though for the past twenty years we’ve grown used to seeing Paul Hogan in glossy Hollywood comedies from Crocodile Dundee (1986) and Lightning Jack (1994) to Crocodile Dundee in Los Angeles (2001), it’s great to see him returning to his Australian roots to make a small town comedy reminiscent of his Seventies’ sketch shows. Those really used to make us laugh. Hogan shares the screen with Michael Caton, star of The Castle, and they have such a great, matey chemistry you’d think they’ve been pals forever, when in fact this is actually the first time they’ve worked together. As old timers Vince and Ralph, set in their ways with opinions that haven’t changed since the world was new, Hogan and Caton plot to take advantage of newly legislated tax laws favouring same-sex couples. Having quietly informed the tax man of their new gay status, they are horrified to learn that an inspector (a terrifying Pete Postlethwaite) is being dispatched to validate their claim, forcing them to play gays and maybe learn a little tolerance along the way. An amusing comedy with old fashioned values and lots of easy, laid back charm, Strange Bedfellows is ripe with Down Under goodness.