Directed: Brendan Donovan

Starring: William McInnes, Robyn Malcolm, Josh McKenzie, Joel Tobeck.

This week's blog features a special screening of ‘Gazza' because I was one of the few lucky people who attended the question and answer session with Brendan Donovan, Robyn ‘Stop calling me Cheryl' Malcolm, and Josh McKenzie, who is too cute not to be picked up in America.

Easily distracted by his good looks I digress...

The story really is Gazza's tale (McInnes) and love or hate him, it is all about the ups and downs in his life. With big hopes for his go-carting sons, he pushes them to be the best they can be – the best he wanted to be.

After an accident estranges his family, Gazza has to go on a journey of self-discovery to find a way to bring his family back together and stop making it all about him.

Having not known much about Australian actor McInnes (except he was in Blue Heelers), I was actually surprised how well he nailed the ‘typical kiwi bloke' that Gazza is. Playing the stereotype of solid masculinity with a gooey mellow centre underneath, he made you identify with his family problems and also want to slap him for causing these problems.

Admittedly, before the film played I was thinking about all the questions I want to ask Robyn Malcolm were about Outrageous Fortune or her recent stint with the Union. But after watching her portrayal of Gail, the image of a leopard print wearing, chain-smoking booze hag disappeared from my mind. In fact, at the Q&A, someone complimented her on her portrayal to which she fist pumped and exclaimed ‘Yes! That's what every actor wants to hear'. She was a pleasure to watch on screen and while she was crying, yelling or silent for most of her role, she did this well to express the total anguish Gail felt as the wife of someone who wasn't pulling their weight in the marriage.

Robyn Malcolm's scribble on my poster.

Newcomer Josh McKenize was a pleasure to watch (and not just because he is quite attractive). Playing the mixed emotions of a confused and angry teenager well for someone into his 20s, he is someone we may need to watch for in the future. He told the audience at the Q&A he is heading over to LA and has even had auditions for the Spiderman film (to which British actor Andrew Garfield got the part), and he will probably go far in the future.

To be honest, this type of ‘family crisis-middle aged epiphany' tale is not my usual cup of tea. But, I did enjoy it, and while it was a lot darker than I expected, I also really enjoyed the kiwi humour how we can laugh at ourselves in difficult situations. Brendan Donovan was a pleasure to talk to, and gave some insightful answers to audience questions about the film making process. Shying away form the autograph table, he was quiet and reserved, but a very gracious and interesting man who has captured his experiences of Howick on film. The film was met with loud applause and I can see audiences around the country enjoying this slice of suburban life.