This film has been a long time coming (seven years in the making to be precise) and I am so happy that I got the chance to see it over the weekend at a Q&A event held at my local independent cinema.

What started off as a web series to now film, ‘The Emu War’ is a not at all accurate but hilarious account of an event that actually happened in Australia in 1932. Don’t believe me or not familiar with the story? Go google it or find the episode of Drunk History Australia with Joel Creasey.

Film makers Johnathan Schuster, Jay Morrissey, John Campbell, along with cast member Aaron Gocs attended the Q&A event that I went along to who explained the inspiration of making a film parodying the war film genre where they often find those type of films to be so earnest and serious, that it teeters on the line of comedy without ever going over. That’s the space they wanted to play in.

I had a vague idea of what I was getting myself into after watching the trailer and was expecting a wild ride, which is certainly what I got!

At this time I think is also worth pointing out that I don’t think this is going to be everyone’s cup of tea shall we say. To say it best I will quote film maker Johnathan Schuster to say that it does get “naughty”. To those who don’t appreciate a bit of nonsense, I don’t think you’re going to like this one.

Fortunately for me, I like the nonsense and it was so great to be in a cinema with an audience who found the film just as entertaining as I did. A room full of laughter is a glorious sound and I hope the film makers were happy with the reaction their film got.

I will admit that I did feel slightly uncomfortable with the death of Prime Minister Harold Holt. I felt a little guilty for laughing and did find it somewhat over the top. I’m not sure if it was some form of national pride or maybe how comedian Cameron James, who portrays the PM, is going to look back at that scene in years to come!

Putting aside some of the ‘crude’ humour I was probably expecting there to be more violence, which even when done in a humous way I tend to look away from. Instead I found a lot of story elements that I really enjoyed. For instance, looking back on the story of ‘Emu boy’ which in hindsight was probably obvious, was a development I found quite satisfying as it wasn’t something that I was looking for. It provided a deeper character connection behind the ludicrous story of the war against the emus. But don’t worry, before things get serious or sentimental the silliness factor goes into overdrive!

Something else which I really loved was the inclusion of some of our Australian legends, particularly of Ned Kelly which was done so very well. My favourite scene however would have to be the one featuring Dane Simpson and the bush tucker. Fishing for fish and chips – comedy gold!

Lastly, I should also give a shout out about the puppets! During the Q&A it was mentioned that there were three primary puppets used for the filming of different emu sizes from a baby, adult, and the Queen.

It may be a low budget film but that should not be a deterrent to your enjoyment.

Please support the film by looking for a session at a cinema to go see it. I didn’t think to ask if it would be added to any streaming services, hopefully it will be. Until then, there is a DVD which can be ordered if you go to the Umbrella Entertainment website.

Rating:  Good