Review of The Sapphires (2012) by Alex C — 25 Nov 2012

A surprising and constantly pleasing anti-Glee attempt at retrieving the musical from the wilfully self-aware, camp-for-camp's-sake purgatory that it now finds itself floundering in. Ok, so all these songs are Motown and soul classics, not originals, but the point stands and so does the film, proudly mixing social commentary and unlaboured culture clash comedy with some showstopping performances from the fledgling group of young Aborigine ladies.

It's a little thin occasionally but easy to forgive for it, and anchored by a perfect bit of casting in Chris O'Dowd, who while stealing the show allows everyone else to have a fair swing too.

A strong indication that the Aussie film industry has international commercial and creative appeal, and a winning reminder that musicals are more than hubristic performing arts students poncing about in big glasses and having hateful screeching contests.

(Go on, it's easy: AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAGHHH!!).