Malcolm

1986 "A comedy of hopes and schemes."
7.1| 1h30m| PG-13| en| More Info
Released: 20 July 1986 Released
Producted By: Film Victoria
Country: Australia
Budget: 0
Revenue: 0
Official Website: https://aso.gov.au/titles/features/malcolm/
Synopsis

Malcolm is a chronically shy mechanical genius, who has just been fired for building his own tram. He gets Frank, who has just been released from jail, to move in to help pay the bills. With Frank's help, Malcolm turns to a life of crime.

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Reviews

Steineded How sad is this?
Smartorhypo Highly Overrated But Still Good
BoardChiri Bad Acting and worse Bad Screenplay
Invaderbank The film creates a perfect balance between action and depth of basic needs, in the midst of an infertile atmosphere.
Tim Kidner Like an Aussie Frank Spencer, but much less manic and brilliantly inventive, naive and slow Malcolm is an only son of an overprotective mother, who has died.Malcolm loses his job and it's suggested that he lets out a room in his mother's house that he's inherited. Helpful neighbours make out a list of questions that he may have for any prospective lodgers and before long, Frank, fresh out of prison (this being unknown, of course, to Malcolm) and soon Frank's girlfriend, Judith move in.They're still practising "crims" and surprisingly, find Malcolm all too eager to assist them in their thieving. Malcolm, of course, doesn't see all this as anything more than fun and an excellent outlet for his technical inventions, that include remotely controlled litter bins, that act as innocuous roving cameras that move around an intended target building and relay video footage back. Malcolm also has friends now, probably for the first time in a very long while.The rather whimsical inventions, now, look pretty dated and whilst they're impressively inventive - a getaway car that splits in half, as it's actually two motorbikes joined together, but looks like a car...this is all rather Disney-ish, except this features adults only and I reckon will appeal to an older generation more, who might appreciate their comedy more visual and innocent than the rather more crude and broad comedy cinema of today.It's generally a likable little film and whilst one (in theory) might find Malcolm's character irritating, initially at least, one doesn't for long and at least, unlike the Farrelly brother films of excess, 'dumb' doesn't mean overplayed moronically stupid. Malcolm is a character that we might know and it is this element that warms us and carries both us and the film through its many frankly absurd plot-lines.Twenty-six years ago, when this film was released, I'm sure its comedy and success with the public would have been high. Now, though, it seems to have a very small but devoted following that is otherwise consigned into the realms of the unknown import, that is expensive to buy, even if you can track it down. I watched it as part of the 12 DVD boxset 'Australian Cinema Collection', which is Region 0 (region-free).
gooniegod This is one of those seldom heard of classics.Malcolm, a hard working Melbourne suburbanite, with autism, has been fired from his job at a Melbourne tram yard for undertaking personal work at the Melbourne rail's expense. To help substitute his pay he takes in a rough yet lovable couple as boarders. Malcolm is a mechanical genius, whose Rube Goldberg'Esq inventions are a laugh-out-loud comical situation, and which offers Malcolm an invitation into the Melbourne underground scene of a high life of crime.On a personal note, this was a childhood favorite of mine and is one of those movies that is just as enjoyable and suitable for children as it is for adults. Those in the Nepoleon Dynamite cult will also recognize the underscore as that of Penguin Cafe Orchestra. The score fits this film to a tee, as if the movie was made with the music in mind, or vica-versa.Americans will enjoy the Australiana, with an absolute! vision for Australian suburban life, but may not understand the humor, please don't let that stop anyone from watching what is most likely one of Australias best comedic films.Watch for the bin ballet. A highlight of the film.
somebodyelse I have to say it is a good few years since I saw this film, but it has a place in my heart. As a shy person in my teenage years, I had a small affinity with Malcolm. He was so shy that he crossed the road near the beginning to avoid some kids. Not your average film lead. Some of the gadgets and vehicles were clever, and well implemented into the film. This film could not work anywhere else in the world. The sense of humour is typically Australian, and definitely adds to the film. If you ever get the chance to catch this film, do so. The music by the Penguin Cafe Orchestra also gives the film something extra.
c_cooper This is my favourite movie. There have probably been a thousand bank robbing movies made but none of them as inventive as this. It is cleverly thought out with some great bits of humour and also a car that divides into halves. 10 out of 10.