Review: Crackers (1998)
By Luke Buckmaster on Jul 15, 1998 in Reviews
The screenplay for Crackers is confused, and flirts between genre to genre, consequently being funny without being entirely a comedy, and dramatic without being entirely a drama. Whether or not that is good or bad is not entirely relevant, because director David Swann has made sure that, although sometimes at sparse occasions, there is a laugh included for most audiences.
I guess that’s the difference between The Castle and Crackers: The Castle stuck to the same hilarious style of gags, a constant pace of laughs and gigles, but Crackers seems to try to suit too many people and ends up losing out in the end.
At times, we can laugh ourselves silly in recognition that we have experienced something that the characters are experiencing. At other times we shake our heads in disbelief, amazed at how sick the jokes are. Swann seems to have had lots of fun in creating this loose, extraordinary comedy.
Both the film and its characters appear so offbeat that it’s perhaps reasonable to dub them as a weird, distorted family portrayed in a weird, distorted film. Enjoyable at many occasions, but far too loose and inconsistent, Crackers is a mixed achievement.
Review by Luke Buckmaster
Director: David Swann
Cast: Warren Mitchell, Peter Rowsthorn, Susan Lyons, Daniel Kellie, Terry Gill
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Hi there, I am trying desperately to find where I can purchase the movie Crackers in Australia, can anyone tell me please.
Judie
Judie Harivel | Aug 13, 2008 | Reply
I have been looking for this movie for some time too and have only been able to come up with ebay.
I might also add I think it is un-australian how much these people are charging for this DVD or even the VHS copy. The sooner the distributor puts it out the better.
brad | Aug 13, 2008 | Reply
I just purchased this movie (VHS) on eBay for $52, but have found it’s now on DVD on eBay. Scary to see how much they go for but http://melbourne.gumtree.com.au have it for $49 + p&h. Hopes this helps.
Roo | Sep 15, 2008 | Reply
After arriving home at about 11p.m on a Saturday night about a year ago there was this funny aussie movie on channel 9 called “Crackers” and it just started.
I didn’t tape it as I thought its an Aussie movie, it would be easy to find,wrong.
After ringing channel 9, scouring the internet,I even walked into EZY DVD and said to the guy “Hey mate just before melbourne cup you,s heavily promote the pharlap DVD, and Anzac day the Gallipoli DVD, its nearly Christmas so where’s Crackers mate?” recieved ” Never heard of it”nearly gave up then started finding ex-rentals for sale on Ebay going for, wait for it… over $102.50, $125.. for an ex rental VHS.
I finally got my copy,but the looking and searching made me nearly go nuts.Its on Ebay now for about $40.00 on DVD, but it was never released on DVD, legally?
thats ebay hey
Steven | Oct 5, 2008 | Reply
Gday Sir/Madam,
My name is phill and I’m chasing
a copy of the australian movie Crackers which is about a family and their funny ways of enjoying Chistmas together. I would like any imformation about this movie emailed to me please.
Thanks alot
Phill Peters
Phillip Peters | Nov 3, 2008 | Reply
I would love a copy of Crackers. Any ideas where I can get a copy?
Elaine | Nov 18, 2008 | Reply
Hi Elaine, I too have been wanting a copy of “Crackers” have found a VHS copy on ebay but I don’t even have a video player any more! If you manage to find where to get a DVD copy Please, Please, Please let me know. I don’t know why this move never seems to have been released on DVD?? Crazy!!! Thanking you, Kindest Regards, Kathy.
Kathy | Nov 24, 2008 | Reply
hi i was hunting madly for a copy of crackers no where to be found exept ebay in which there was a bid on it it was goin for $152 which i wasnt guna bid on as god knows how much it would of gone for. next day i looked again on ebay they had an ex rental sayin buy it now $75 so i grabbed it quick good luck to everyone looking its well worth the price we love it.merry christmas
catherine | Nov 29, 2008 | Reply
I ran into Peter Rowsthorn, one of the stars of the movie, whilst on holiday. I asked if I could ask him a question - “Why can’t I buy the movie Crackers on DVD?” and he told me that it came out at the same time as The Castle and that The Castle overshadowed Crackers and so Crakers was put into the background. The movie company who made Crackers is no longer around. So even he did not know how to get it on DVD. I think that Crackers is on an even par with The Castle. or maybe even funnier, so it is a shame we cannot purchase it.
Sue Humphrey | Jan 7, 2009 | Reply
I would love a copy of Crackers. Any ideas where I can get a copy? I tried ebay. I have rang Buena Vista Home Entertainment to be told that the decision to put it on DVD is in the hands of some yanky at Disney. I hope they realize what a great movie they have.
Garry | Feb 22, 2009 | Reply
Crackers is a highly underrated Aussie good feel film. We watched it years ago having not known anything about it and loved it. I would love to purchase a DVD copy. It is certainly an Aussie classic….Pull my finger!!
Helen | Mar 20, 2009 | Reply
I too would love a copy of Crackers. I didn’t think the Castle was a patch on Crackers, and I have searched high and low for a copy for years. Maybe there’s somewhere we could all partition for it to be released. I’m sure from all the people questioning where to buy a copy they’d make a mint if it was released!!
Jane | Mar 23, 2009 | Reply
I’m also in search of this movie on dvd. Every store I go into I look for it with no luck. I can nearly run a conversation with the shop assistant before I get to the counter. “Do you have a movie called Crackers on dvd”? You can see the cogs turning in their mind and then say, “don’t you mean Crackerjack”? And the saga continues! There are a lot of movies out there on dvd which can only be used as drink coasters but Crackers is a classic and yet I can’t seem to find it. Any assistance would be appreciated.
Stuart | Jun 7, 2009 | Reply
i too have seen the film on english television thought it was great but like wise didnt record it and now would love to purchase a dvd of the film
paolo packham | Jul 13, 2009 | Reply
I BOUGHT A COPY OF ‘CRACKERS’ ON DVD FROM THE FILM PRODUCERS.
Took some persuading, has no fancy packaging, it cost $60 and took a few weeks to receive. Well worth every cent though!
I, too, can’t figure out why retailers haven’t caught on that this movie would actually sell if they bothered to source and stock it. No brainer really, especially considering it’s a cracker of an Aussie movie. Pun intended, LOL!
Jane G | Jul 30, 2009 | Reply
Hi Jane,
Are you able to please give us any further information on how you got in touch with the film producers to obtain a copy? A lot of people here would appreciate any help you can give! I’d be so over the moon!
Lucy | Aug 22, 2009 | Reply
I’d like a copy of that to give my dad but $60 is a bit steep…any ideas?
Amanda | Sep 1, 2009 | Reply
Hi,
Jane G Im requiring more information on who the production company was that produced crackers, I too would like to buy a copy on DVD or aquire a copy and would pay top dollar. I have it on VHS but would like it on DVD. if you could assist me with it would me much appreciated.
Regards Ross
Ross | Sep 9, 2009 | Reply
Hi Jane G,
Can you supply contact details of of the production company as I too would like a copy on DVD, much appreciated…
Regards Ross.
Ross | Sep 10, 2009 | Reply
does anyone no how to get dvd one of the best movies ever made
steven | Sep 15, 2009 | Reply
Agree with everyone else here. “Crackers” is one of the very best movies my husband and I have ever seen. Would love a copy to keep for all time. Any ideas?
Pam | Oct 4, 2009 | Reply
Our family is also looking for the movie “Crackers” a dvd sold on ebay for $138.oo a little bit steep but still searching.
Oct 28, 2009
Mary | Oct 29, 2009 | Reply
I work in a video store & we have so many people wanting to hire crackers but even we cant get hold of a copy. So at least we will know what you are talking about! We are still trying to get it!
Jan | Oct 30, 2009 | Reply
If you try ezydvd.com.au you can purchase a copy with two other movies for only $10 plus postage and handling only thing is it wont be released until march. Maybe not this christmas eve unless one of the networks decide to run it again?
Steph | Dec 13, 2009 | Reply
on ezydvd.com.au thats the wrong crackers not the one everyone is talkin about. i want the one everyone is talkin about to ive only eva seen it on tv it might b on again this year hopfuly
mitch | Dec 21, 2009 | Reply
The rights owners are currently in negotiation to release this DVD. Lets hope they do and stop all the illegal and dodgy eBay sales.
Sharmill Films | Dec 21, 2009 | Reply
Steph, the ezydvd version you mention is a different “American” movie starring Donald Sutherland. Not the Australian Crackers movie everyone is after. Hopefully one of the networks will have the sense to run it this week. Pete
Pete | Dec 21, 2009 | Reply
Before you order the 3 pac for $10, make sure the “crackers” is the aussie funny movie.
I don’t think it is.
phil | Dec 22, 2009 | Reply
Hi
The movie being referred to on the ezydvd website is not the Aussie movie. I used to hire it every year as a Christmas tradition. Wish I kept it!
Tif Tree | Dec 23, 2009 | Reply
My familiy just love this movie and all want a copy for themselves. I believe it is the funniest movie I have ever seen. It was written and directed by David Swann and produced by Chris Warner and the Australian Film Finance Corporation presented it. It is a Trout Films Production. That is about all I know but am on the hunt to find some copies - maybe we should all start a petition…
Anne | Dec 26, 2009 | Reply
the ezydvd.com.au purchase of Crackers with two other movies for US10 is not the Australian Crackers. It is the one with Sean Penn in it.
Anne | Dec 26, 2009 | Reply
Hi Jane, would you be so kind as to pass on the information needed to purchase a copy of Crackers. I, like so many others, have been searching for this movie for years! Cost is not an issue for this movie so I would love the details of who you got in contact with. Many thanks, Anita
Anita B | Dec 27, 2009 | Reply
This isn’t the Crackers that we want but thanks anyway
Jude | Dec 30, 2009 | Reply
im annoyed i have been looking for this movie for about 8 years i have called up foxtell, sbs, prime ,ten, abc, nbn i have called different stores, garage sales, book shops, library’s, and i even tried to track down peter rowsworth himself to look for this bloody movie and i was even suprised to not find it on tv on christmas time. so here the way we all will be able to get the movie, instead of everybody typing they want the movie start a potission design a website and get 5 mates to sign they want the movie then get your 5 mates to sign up and get them to tell there 5 mates to sign up then send it to the australian film institute and there we go PROBLEM SOLVED
cowboy dan | Jan 11, 2010 | Reply
this movie is that hard to get i bet its easier to find the lockness monster
cowboy dan | Jan 11, 2010 | Reply
I would love a copy of this I have searched worldwide and no luck. There is one on eBay for $150 but for a movie on VHS that is way over the top.
Does anyone have a copy of this on VHS that I can borrow for a couple of days?
The AIF is subject to approval for release from the person who has the rights to this film and after I investigated was told that the owner is refusing to re release this film.
David | Jan 14, 2010 | Reply
I want it, I want it, I want it, I want it, I want it, I want it, I want it, I want it, I want it, I want it, I want it, I want it, I want it, I want it, I want it, I want it, I want it, I want it, I want it, I want it, I want it, I want it, I want it, I want it..
:( 
:( 
That is all that can be expressed.. Hopefully it will be coming out soon..
Michael | Jan 23, 2010 | Reply
I have been trying to find a copy of “Crackers” for years. My best friend’s mum plays a small part in it (Christmas carol ladies in lounge room) and now she needs 24 hour personal care. I was hoping to purchase one for her as I know she thoroughly enjoyed this movie and it is a pisser of movie, especially the treehouse scene.
Sharon | Jan 23, 2010 | Reply
Ok so im not the only one who is tryin to find Crackers. Iam an Aussie and im living in the UK and yes i saw it on video as a kid and would love to see it again. If anyone has it on dvd it would be great if u could upload it to utube hopefully it wont be taken down lol. Believe me once its on utube more ppl will come across it and watch which might mean more demand.
Emma | Jan 31, 2010 | Reply
i have this on dvd and i have it on vhs.and yes it is the aussie comedy made in 1998 starring peter rowsthorn.the dvd is a video transfer.anyone who wants it,look on ebay.
jason | Feb 22, 2010 | Reply
It is the funniest Australian movie ever made and my kids loved it i think its better than the Castle what a shame you cant just get a copy from the video shop thats crap im hoppin on ebay, its about time they released it on dvd
joanne | Mar 7, 2010 | Reply
I have bought the 35mm film of 1998 Australian film “Crackers”, although it isn’t availabled on DVD just yet. It is 7-reels as it seemingly be around 2-plus hours version, but reported that it is 93 minutes. I am not sure and will inspect it throughfully to determine how actual the ‘uncut’ version is. Will report about it and it’s running minutes here sometimes.
Robert Hoskin | Mar 14, 2010 | Reply
i watched as people put bids on those reels please let me know how you go with them
thanks roz
pss i called buena vista 18th march 2010 and they said that chris warner from trout films was going to release this movie on dvd later this year
roz | Mar 18, 2010 | Reply
Please someone help me. Crackers isn’t on eBay any more and I’m going stir crazy trying to locate it. Not even in video stores any more. What is wrong with this country.
Justin Ellis | Apr 16, 2010 | Reply
Have tried vainly to get “Crackers” having watched it a number of times. Luke Buckmasters review is pathetic and reeks of social “sameness”, one who was sucked into the “Castle” hype. Have watched both and would go with Crackers hands down every time! I laughed and cried my way through it, empathised and reminisced..perfect Ozzie humour that got very little recognition. Cant find it anywhere, am hoping Optus can get me a copy via the home DVD system.
Any copies on Ebay are illegal, it wasnt released as such. Any info would be welcomed.
Allan Reid | May 1, 2010 | Reply
i dont normally write on these things but this movie is worth spending time writting about,, im one of the few Aussies living in NZ and want so bad to get this movie, it makes me feel like home i need it,, please release it on DVD, i will be happy to march down the main street and confess my love for this movie
matt | Jun 3, 2010 | Reply
This is my family’s favourite movie. I have been trying to replace our worn out VHS with a DVD for about 5 years now. Have watched Ebay for years and never seen a copy come up. I don’t buy movies usually but this movie is an exception.
alison | Jun 16, 2010 | Reply
arhhhh Luke, your review way back in 1998 was sooooo wrong ,,, so sad,,, obviously luke has not lived a full childhood like i did. To this day i & many others can sooo relate to crackers as being the most awesome ausi film ever ,,, is sooo more, much more than castle (which yes luke, stays focused on same boring pace,,, i think you need to have lived a little crazy ausi 70-80’s lifestyle to really appreciate this awesome film ,,, i played it for years to my students & still to this day its the only movie i can watch over & over & have me in stitches, tears & huge grins remembering my family life in a colourful ausi family ,,,,, WHERE CAN YOU GET A DVD COPY, AS MY OLD VIDEO COPY IS GETTING RATTY
PAULA C | Jun 17, 2010 | Reply
PS
arhhhhh luke, far to loose, distorted & weird family ,,,, this is what makes this movie so damn great ,,,, its so damn real life !!!
PAULA C | Jun 17, 2010 | Reply
how & who do you hassle to get ‘crackers’ released in DVD???? i would love to give it a go ,,, it was surely not marketed at time of release ,,,, most of my freinds & family only know about it after my raves & i only came across it by ‘grabbing a weekly off the shelf’
PAULA C | Jun 17, 2010 | Reply
I don’t understand why CRACKERS is unavailable to by,i refuse to bid on those copies on ebay.
laurel vize | Aug 16, 2010 | Reply
RELEASED! Yes, its true. This Christmas it will be released. I have had solid confirmation that Beyond Productions is releasing it.
Karen | Aug 18, 2010 | Reply
I work in the dvd industry and have been told by the Australian Disstributor that Crackers will be released in time for Christmas 2010. Hope this is helpful
Debbe | Aug 18, 2010 | Reply