manny lewis
2015 review number 42:
Manny Lewis: (Comedy/Drama): 65 out of 100: If you are a fan of Australian stand-up comedian Carl Barron you will be surprised that he is a leading man in a romantic comedy/drama. If you are expecting the same types of laughs you receive from his stand-up routines then you will be disappointed. However, if you are after something more along the lines of a character study of a comedian and his relationships then you will appreciate the film more.
Barron plays the title character who is famous in Australia and much-loved by his fans. However, he has some dark moods which result in him reflecting on his failed relationships, which include his family and girlfriends. His strained relationship with his father (Roy Billing) provides many of the jokes of his routines. Feeling unloved and unwanted, he calls a fantasy hotline so he can have a decent conversation with someone. Little does he know that the woman he is speaking to is the same woman who he has just recently started dating, Maria (Leanna Walsman).
Barron isn't really cut out to be a romantic lead. He tries hard but his character makes it a depressing film at times. There are snippets of his stand-up routine throughout the film but the jokes aren't really that funny. The best scenes involve those with Walsman where both their insecurities are highlighted and the situation they find themselves propel the storyline. It's a bit heavy-handed at times but if you hang in there, you will gradually warm to them.
The movie is melodramatic at times with the mainly piano score manipulating one's emotions. As soon as you hear the tinkling of the ivories you know that you should start empathasing with the characters. Although the romantic relationship seems to be manufactured, you do want them to succeed. It goes to show that the director is relatively successful at tugging at your heartstrings.
One standout feature of "Manny Lewis" is the location shooting. The majestic State Theatre is featured in the concerts and the numerous scenes of Sydney Harbour provide a splendid backdrop to their romantic progression which is quite predictable but enjoyable at the same time.
If you want a lot of laughs from Carl Barron, it would be better to check out one of his stand-up comedy DVDs or see him in concert. I found this film to be more of a drama than a comedy so don't be misled by IMDB and cinema websites which are advertising the film as a comedy.
Starring Carl Barron, Leeanna Walsman and Roy Billing
(89 minutes)
Parental advice: Coarse language and adult themes
Additional scene during or after credits: No
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CVj32YgKUws (Movie trailer)
(Reviewed on Saturday 21st March, 2015)
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