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Yes, pint-sized Dwight (Brenda Blethyn) seemed destined to join Britain's comedy elite, until she met Aussie country and western singer John Maitland (Frankie J Holden). He not only persuaded her to relocate to his homeland, he also knocked her up— twice. Now 20 years on, she's determined that the parade hasn't passed her by. Although she is playing to halfempty crowds, Clubland's raunchiest homemaker is sure her big break is just around the corner and she will do what it takes, no matter what the emotional and physical toll it has on her sons Tim (Khan Chittenden) and Mark (Richard Wilson).
Known as Introducing the Dwights in the US where it was discovered at the Sundance Film Festival, director Cherie Nowlan's (Thank God He Met Lizzy) film is a slightly unbalanced but solidly entertaining bittersweet comedy. Apart from the eclectic, cluttered soundtrack that barely pauses for breath, the main problem is there is just too much pith from an over-the-top Blethyn. She dominates and drowns out what is actually the far more interesting tale of son Tim's fumbling first relationship steps with the bubbly Jill (Emma Booth). Veteran TV writer Keith Thompson handles this section well, capturing the awkwardness of inexperience in a touching yet surprisingly frank way (that includes a hilarious Ford versus Holden discussion during a sex scene). Credit for that must also go to actors Chittenden and former-model Booth who fully deserved her best supporting actress AFI Award.
Holden (TV's Police Rescue) is another standout. Also look out for a virtually unrecognisable Rebecca Gibney (TV's Halifax FP) essaying the best friend and good-time girl.
© Fairfax New Zealand Limited
