Film: On Video

The Castle (15)

to rent from Monday

Next to his wife and four kids, tow-truck driver Darryl Kerrigan (Michael Caton) loves nothing more than his Melbourne bungalow with its uncluttered view of the international airport next door. Rob Sitch's charming comedy initially looks like an excuse to send up suburban red-neck values as Darryl tries to save his "castle" from demolition. The film owes its tone of arch innocence to Australian films like Muriel's Wedding and Strictly Ballroom. As such, the broad swipes at the Kerrigans' prejudices are as affectionate as they are barbed. Among the giggles, though, an unlikely political education is staged, with Darryl's comparison between his court battle with big business and the Aboriginals' land struggles subtly handled. Otherwise, The Castle aims for belly laughs and nails them every time.