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Mr. Reliable: A True Story

R 1996 1h 52m Comedy Drama List
Reviews 76% Audience Score 250+ Ratings
A well-meaning ex-con accidentally becomes a cause célèbre for the dispossessed youth of Australia. Wally Mellish (Colin Friels) and his girlfriend, Beryl (Jacqueline McKenzie), are raising her son when the former jailbird engages in petty theft. Wally and Beryl's home is quickly besieged by Sydney police. A misunderstanding ensues, and soon police think they're dealing with a hostage situation. The press jumps on the story, and the nation's youth begins to see themselves in Wally's plight. Read More Read Less

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Mr. Reliable: A True Story

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Audience Reviews

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Tampa N Great movie. Kids 10 and up with some parental guidance. Saw it on IFC in 1996 when I was 10 years old, and desperately searched for a copy for 20 years. Amazon finally made that possible. It has some adult language, and suggestive situations, but overall is a cute movie. Campy and very sappy, and a happy ending to boot. This movie ages very well, and still holds true to certain societal conflicts we all still face today. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 02/25/23 Full Review Audience Member Colin Friels is an ex-con gone straight who hooks up with Jacqueline McKenzie, who moves into his house with her young son. Friels is involved with a minor theft that attracts the cops to his house. Not wanting to go back to jail, Friels brandishes a shotgun, and soon his house is surrounded by cops who mistakenly believe he is holding McKenzie hostage. The stand-off becomes a media circus that attracts the press and hordes of the public. An amiable Australian comedy that's based on a true story. Friels and McKenzie (best known for her role in "Romper Stomper") and both very appealing and carry the film, which could really stand to be about a half hour shorter. Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 02/01/23 Full Review Audience Member A great and entertaining movie Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 02/16/23 Full Review Audience Member I dont think it is released on DVD... Rated 4 out of 5 stars 01/30/23 Full Review Audience Member A very funny film. Colin Friels & Paul Snkkila are hilarious. Another in a long line of overlooked Australian films. If you can find it, watch it! Rated 4 out of 5 stars 02/11/23 Full Review Audience Member Another in the long line of enjoyable Aussie films, this one is sadly overlooked. Paul Sonkkila standing out. Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 01/12/23 Full Review Read all reviews
Mr. Reliable: A True Story

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Movie Info

Synopsis A well-meaning ex-con accidentally becomes a cause célèbre for the dispossessed youth of Australia. Wally Mellish (Colin Friels) and his girlfriend, Beryl (Jacqueline McKenzie), are raising her son when the former jailbird engages in petty theft. Wally and Beryl's home is quickly besieged by Sydney police. A misunderstanding ensues, and soon police think they're dealing with a hostage situation. The press jumps on the story, and the nation's youth begins to see themselves in Wally's plight.
Director
Nadia Tass
Producer
Jim McElroy, Terry Hayes, Michael Hamlyn
Rating
R
Genre
Comedy, Drama
Original Language
English
Runtime
1h 52m
Sound Mix
Surround
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