Kenny

I must admit, when I first heard of the popularity of this 'mockumentary' movie I was a bit skeptical about seeing it because of the humour it would employ. However, when I finally took the plunge to view it (on tv) I was more than pleasantly surprised. Australians, by and large, despite all the shallow nationalistic rhetoric at times, are devoid of self confidence. Hence, there is an unfortunate tendency towards what is termed here as a cultural cringe. In other words, Australians, rather shallowly, don't like their own stuff, because they think it will be dismissed (as it often is) by outsiders - particularly the British or Americans. I suspect, this movie for the same reason maybe treated likewise at home. It's a pity because, the movie, as many of the reviewers here have pointed out, isn't just about a 'plumber' doing his dirty work, it's about the dignity and good heartedness of a simple man, trying to cope with his life as best as he can in often trying circumstances. To the American reviewers and others, I suggest you don't have to come to Australia to see people like Kenny - and yes, the gems of people like Kenny you can still find from time to time - I'm sure they are right there amongst you in the U.S. or elsewhere.The toilet jokes throughout the film are used in an understated way, not intended to offend. What comes out best in "Kenny" is the character himself, and the contrast of him with the often self centred, superficial people he unfortunately has to deal with. He is a single father, playing an important role in the much maligned business of 'porta loos' (portable toilets en masse for various functions). He has to deal with snobby racegoers, a difficult ex-wife, and fellow employees not always reliable. On top of this, he travels to the U.S. to attend a 'business' convention. There, his wonderment and natural charm with those attending and exhibiting, make him easily likeable. His concern for the safe return to his hotel room of an inebriated Japanese business friend, rather than pursuing a possible romantic interest with the Air Stewardess he met on the flight over, endears his personal qualities even more. The Air Stewardess (Jackie I think), is the only female role that equates with redeemable qualities. In then end, you know, or at least hope, that the Kennys of this world will somehow make the best of any situation they're in. That's why, the closing scene of his reuniting with Jackie(?) suggest there is hope for the decent.If you want to see a movie that reinvigorates your faith in the better qualities of people then have a look at "Kenny".

KENNY was shown Spring 2008 at Philadelphia Film Fest. The scuttlebutt (puns already!) were that this was a funny film; a title like KENNY didn't register its subject matter to me, but an Australian-- or was it New Zealand film, sounded promising to me. I'm jumping the gun here, but the reason I am unsure of where the film was made, is that I purchased 4 DVDs this fall for gifts to friends. I promised myself after seeing KENNY last spring that this was a perfect gift for a number of my male friends. (I don't now own a copy.) There were as many women in the sold out audience at the Film Fest last spring laughing as hard as we all were. It's not the sorta thing a man buys a woman for a gift-- well not me. But it is hilarious. I truly thought this film would get a major release; I never heard further of it. It appeared on the racks of DVD vendors in October I think. It's bathroom-- cut the euphemism-- toilet humor. The film is about Kenny, who narrates in Aussie (English subtitles so you don't miss a word) English this mockumentary of a "Sanitation" man (he provides porta-potties) to major sports,Rock shows and other large events-- it's Australia I'm sure.The engaging performance of the actor portraying Kenny and the delightfully (I did say that) scripted 'tome' he delivers throughout is (I will not say 'delicious')bright, funny.The film and Kenny never (here I go again) stoop so low as to be as tasteless as my 'delicious' word use. Having grown up in the midwest in the age of dinosaurs, bathroom humor supplanted any suggestion or mention of sex; I left all the "beans" humor behind long ago, and I will crudely embarrass myself again by saying this film KENNY I found refreshing and very, very funny. The guys I gave this DVD to have all responded and quoted lines to me. It worked! It's not great film art, but there's a wonderfully honest picture of a blue collar worker who sees through the crap (literally) and at another level, much the way W.C. Fields in those 1930's brilliant comedies tolerated fools, jerks and ..turds. Gibbs Murray

I bought this for my pumper husband. He loved it.

This little gem is just an awesome movie! Kennie will endear anyone, I'm quite sure. He is a man with a sincere, gentle manner and he puts his heart into his work--even though almost no one (including his father and brother) respects what he does for a living. Kennie delivers some hilarious lines in the most deadpan serious way. You'll be surprised by the wonderful story line woven into this mockumentary on the porta-loo business in Australia. I don't think it's suitable for children. The language is pretty colorful along with a few surprise scenes that I wouldn't let my children see. Still, this is one of my top favorite movies of all time and it's one I can watch again and again (unusual for me). Be sure to watch the Extras on the DVD after the movie. I was amazed about the cast, where the story idea came from, and how they pulled this small budget movie off in such a professional way.

The strong Ausie accent plus the wet lisp made it difficult for me to follow. It definitely had its great and funny moments, but I can't say I could appreciate most of it. It does have some good insight to the Port a John industry, and hopefully, inspires people to be a little more considerate when it comes to public toilets.

I was visiting New Zealand and was told by some kiwis that this was a very entertaining film. Watched it and have loaned it to friends and they have all enjoyed it. As it is filmed in Australia, I found the subtitles useful and entertaining as well. This is certainly a view into an otherwise unfamiliar landscape. Very well done and quite funny to see this side of events which require these services. Not for everyone, it's pretty organic! :-)

classic Australian movie

A bit of a disappointment, this one. I'd been recommended it after saying how much I love The Castle. Well, if my pal thinks this is anywhere near as good, she's dreamin...In fairness, the lead is relatively sympathetic, natural performer, and I have a low tolerance for scatological humour. A hindrance when watching a film about a guy who cleans portaloos...My problem was it never got past that, at least not in the first 40 odd minutes, which is as long as I lasted with this before my girlfriend and I looked at each other and suggested in unison that we turn it off.So, if poop is your thing, and you can bear watching another mockumentary, this might be the one for you, but if you are looking for a charming/funny Australian film, I'd check out The Castle or Strange Bedfellows.

Bought this for my wife as she loves this mockumentary film, Shane Jacobsen is an Australian comedian who has made this simple film with some members of his own family. Kenny is a working class man who shows the life of an Aussie ''Battler'' just trying to get through his work and home life with as few issues as he can. But as always even though he might see things in a clear and straight forward way it's the challenges he faces with others around him that makes life a bit more awkward. Well worth having a look at for its tongue in cheek humour.

Shamelessly overlooked when it was released in 2007, "Kenny" is a wonderful mock documentary, about the trials and tribulations of Australian plumber Kenny Smythe. Wonderfully played by Shane Jacobsen, Kenny is a funny, hard-working, caring, and generous individual, who has a positive outlook on life, despite getting very little gratitude, from the public, that he serves. His choice of employment is also a source of embarrassment to members of his family. According to his father "Your nothing but a glorified turd burglar". But ultimately, Kenny is the story of a man who is doing an important job in society, even if he is the only one who recognizes this.Despite the fact that toilets remain central to the film's plot, Kenny never descends into total crudeness. Just about every character in the film is either likeable or totally believable. Make a point of watching Kenny, and you won't regret it. Kenny [2007] [DVD ] Kenny [2007] [DVD

Kenny's ex-wife thinks he's going to hell; in his darker moments he suspects he may already be there. But whatever life throws at him, this decent Australian everyman keeps his chin up and his humour intact and carries on calmly with his unmentionable trade. 100 minutes in Kenny's company is time well spent. Who knew a movie about portable loos could be so entertaining? An odd, funny and weirdly uplifting film.