Last week I went to the cinema and saw a very good film. Very good, it was, but not excellent. The Dish is from the makers of The Castle, and there are many parallels, in fact, the film uses the same tactics to make the audience laugh.

The Dish is the story of the Parkes, New South Wales (Australia) satellite dish and how it was used to receive live television coverage of the moon landing by Neil Armstrong in 1969. The film uses that ever popular and ever tiresome method of 'flash-backing'; where a character (much older) remembers back to the event (in this case Sam Neil looks back).

The story-line is good but it does get very repetitive sometimes. A joke loses its appeal after you've seen it twice.

The good thing about this flick is that it doesn't rely on special effects - in fact it doesn't use any that are noticeable, like The Castle. Special effects degrade some films and are often used inappropriately.

Of course, a love story is worked into the film, but this is no Titanic soppy story between rich and poor. The love story is funny and cleverly done, and adds just a bit to the film.

The film is obviously padded to make a 2hr film, and it shows. Long scenes of boring dialogue are in the film.

The funniest moment would have to be when the US ambassador visits the dish and wishes to hear Neil Armstrong. Through a power outtage and human error the dish had lost their connection to the space shuttle, and the crew at the dish have to hurriedly make up a conversation in the next room - a NASA representative plays the part of Neil Armstrong.

A funny, clever but not stunning film

Recommended:
Yes

Suitability For Children: Suitable for Children up Ages 8