12 Australian Films You Must See Before You Die

Another comedy entry here and another that uses 'Bogan' Australians front and centre. Toni Collete stars as Muriel Heslop, a character very much reminiscent of 'Kath + Kim', portraying her simple character with heart, great comic timing and some of the dorkiest dance moves ever.

The film is quite loose in its plotting, but generally concentrates on the citizens of country town, Porpoise Spit. The citizens of the town are a pitiful lot and much of the humour derives from their actions. From flings with bridesmaids on their wedding days, putting political aspirations in front of looking after their family or refusing to mow the lawns, the secondary characters really are dreadful human beings, but all get their just desserts.

The most loveable character is not actually Muriel, but her true friend, the no nonsense Rhonda. While Muriel tries to impress her friends and family by doing all the 'normal things', including getting married, Rhonda is the only one who loves her for who she is. The scenes when the girls dress in full ABBA gear and perform elaborate dance duets are always great to watch.

There are definitely times that the flick threatens to be a bit too dark and depressing for its own good, especially when Rhonda is partially paralysed. But just when it seems to be taking itself too seriously, another ABBA tune comes along with appropriately over the top dance moves to get you back in the right mood.