One of my all time favorites.

Excellent adaptation.

It's not great by any means, but it's a pretty good movie that didn't leave me filled with regret for investing time in it.

Entertaining from beginning to end, it maintains the spirit of the franchise while establishing it's own seal with a fun cast

So here I am, an Aussie in Thailand, watching a cable TV channel from Macau and on comes this movie "Gettin Square" made in 2003 in the area I used to live in for 28 years and written by one of my customers who used to frequent a retail shop I worked in right where it was filmed, Surfers paradise /Southport, Queensland, Aust and I didn't even know about anything this movie until tonight in 2014… and its really quite good.It's a caper movie with a good storyline, some funny moments, and very true to life Aussie "ocker" accents and speech patterns. It's not really over the top like some people say it is, there are people especially in this region that it was filmed in that talk and act like this,called "bogans" Overseas,none Aussie, audiences may find the accents a bit hard to understand and perhaps the Americans would like to make their 'own version' of it to dumb it down eg: the office, Kath and Kim etc but it's so different from the predictable , seen it all before a 1000 times movie by numbers, that seem to be spreading like a disease these days out of Hollywood.Check it out, it's a good laugh with some actors that went on to make big names for themselves post 2003

If you don't like the film, I would venture to say that you have missed the point of trying to capture the Oz psyche. This flick did, and I loved it.From the choice of Nick Cave singing whilst Barry resigns himself to a corrupt flogging, to Spit's thongs (flip flops for out-of-towners) and acid wash jeans, this film is one of those "essence" films. When done well, capturing the essence of Australia, that is rapidly fading into history (and we can all identify or know many of the characters) just makes you laugh.The treat is how an good tale has been woven around the lead characters, ususally its the opposite. In particular, I am totally amazed how Mr Wenham, like he did in Cosi (my favourite Oz movie), manifests a character so utterly different from the man himself. He truly is the business when it comes to his craft.

Getting' Square is just another crime movie. Filmed in Brisbane, this Australian film has extra yobbo comedy which contrasts its complex plot. This film was directed by Jonathan Teplitzky (Two Hands and Dirty Deeds) and written by Chris Nyst who was a criminal lawyer for many years. Getting' square is about two very different middle aged guys who get out of jail on parole wanting to 'get square'. The yobbo comedy, and fantastic camera and editing techniques is let down by the complicated storyline.Getting' Square wasn't the best Australian film however there were some funny bits. Comedy is probably the only interesting aspect in this movie. This movie itself isn't very funny, however saved by Johnny Spiteri who adds a contrasting dash of humor. His stupidity and lack of common sense enhances the interest level of the film. Most of the characters were serious because of their roles' as lawyers, accountants and criminals. Johnny Spiteri is a typical male yobbo. It seems that he has no clue about what is going on around him but most of the time he really does not care. He runs around in tight pants (which are too small for him) and thongs. In most of the funny Spiteri doesn't mean to be funny however the fact that her doesn't know and understand what is happening makes it funny. Especially in the court scene where the lawyers ask him questions and he doesn't quite understand their language. There is a distinct class difference which adds to the humor.David Wenham has actually been named one of Australia's sexiest men. This is difficult believe after seeing him run around in thongs with a greasy mullet.The movie was visually appealing and would have been difficult to tell apart from an American movie if it wasn't for the Australian flavour, humor and accents. This was because of the films' high quality visuals. This film had all the essentials for an excellent production (except plot). The lighting and visuals were very professional unlike some other Australian movies (Hating Alison Ashley). The editing too was outstanding. Each and every shot was composed very well.This complex crime movie was written by criminal lawyer Chris Nyst. It would have been an excellent movie if it wasn't for the complicating story line. Most audiences watch comedies like this to relax and have a laugh; however they find themselves concentrating to try and keep with the plot and having to read between the lines. Comedies are usually light hearted and not serious. This may be a stereotype and there is a need to experiment with different genres and types but a serious, complex plot clashes with this comedy. This film is also has a similar genre to 'Lock Stock' and 'Two Smoking Barrels'. The comedy matched the film and worked well together but it wasn't very pleasing. It also can be said that men will appreciate this move more than some ladies.Barry Wirth is fresh out of prison after being in there for eight years because of a murder he did not commit. He and Johnny Spiteri are released on parole determined to 'get square' but find it harder than they thought. Barry's mother has died and is out to look after his younger brother Joey.At first it is difficult for Barry to get a job as a cook because of his past in jail, but later is offered one at the Texas Rose in the Gold Coast, which isn't doing very well. It is owned by English man "Dabba" Darren Barrington who is also trying to go straight and lose weight. Soon Texas Rose is swarming with people, thanks to Barry's skill and ability to cook. His best friend Johnny Spitieri is still hooked on drugs and is caught trafficking Heroin. On the outside there are old scores and old enemies, as well as a few new ones, like the newly formed Criminal Investigation Commission. With the CIC breathing down their necks and pressure from criminal world boss Chicka Martin (Gary Sweet) and corrupt cop, Arnie DeViers (David Field), it takes Barry, Spit and Dabba all their street smarts and rat cunning to stay one step ahead and become square-heads.It was disappointing to see that a movie that had potential to be very good was let down by its overwhelming plot. There were too many ideas at the same time. It was like hitting two birds with one stone. The storyline is one of the most important elements in a movie. When the storyline is dull or too much it ruins the whole movie.Comedies and complex plots should not mix.

it would be sad if such a good film passed through the cinemas without being noticed. Please do yourself and the Australian Film Industry a favour by going out and seeing it. It is a character driven film with a great plot and very clever writing. The first 20 mins do run slow but it is essential to set up the many characters who will push forward the plot. It really is one of the best Australian Films of 2003.