“Melancholy Baby, you’re an angel to me girl!”

Justin’s rating: An Australian accent automatically bumps up any film a full letter grade

Justin’s review: Have you ever pursued a great dream in your life, only to find out that by the time you were in a position to accomplish it, you were sabotaged by forces unforeseen? That’s the story of Jeff (Greg Powell), a pizza delivery guy with great aspirations of becoming a drummer in a great band.

This Australian flick is as indie as it gets, kind of a Clerks for the music scene. It’s right funny to watch Jeff go on a nearly hopeless journey through countless band auditions — the Obesity Boys is a fan favorite — because he loves drumming so very much. He’s got the physique of Sean Astin and the genial humor of a second-string Adam Sandler film entourage.

Eventually, Jeff decides to strike out on his own and start up a band called Spudmonkey with street performer Alex. Through an old school friend named Naomi (Samantha Fitzgerald) who works at a music studio, Spudmonkey gets a demo in the door and starts the climb to actual legitimacy. The problem is that when Jeff finally gets his shot, the studio decides to replace him behind the scenes with electronic drums — but keep him as a figurehead of sorts.

During all of this, the film bounces between various chatty groups: the band, Jeff’s roomie (and her friends), Jeff’s family (all couch potatoes), and the studio employees. And this is what I loved a lot about ’90s indie flicks, which is this focus on characters and conversations. From this comes a treasure trove of quotes and sparkling moments, helped all the more by how inherently likable and self-depreciating Jeff is.

There are also the occasional interstitial cards that show various characters’ new titles as they are promoted or demoted, which is kind of clever.

When Spudmonkey inevitably breaks up — more from studio pressure than the actions of the band — the film follows the path to growing reconciliation between Jeff and Alex. I was actually impressed by how Alex is portrayed as a multi-faceted character who feels horrible about the way things went down and wants to make things right.

As far as I can tell, Spudmonkey is a nearly unknown film in most quarters. It tried to come out in September 2001 and got held back some eight years before becoming available. Even then, it’s remained completely under the radar. Heck, I couldn’t even find any official reviews on it, so this might be the first on the internet outside of IMDb.

And that’s a travesty, because this is a great little flick. It’s genuinely funny, full of personality, and put together very well. The music isn’t terrible, either, especially when it’s cranking out some semi-parody tunes. Spudmonkey deserves some better recognition, as I’m sure it’s been dreaming about some for over two decades now. I really think you’ll like it if you seek this one out. One of my favorites of the year so far.

Intermission!

• The movie was selected to be screened at the 2001 Indian Film Festival, but the events of 9/11 canceled the festival and delayed the opening of the film for nearly eight years.
• “Demonic Possession” is a horrible name for a band
• “It was time to say goodbye to my satantic friends and take control of my life!”
• Is that discount Mortal Kombat?
• I’m not sure what “MilliHendrix” is supposed to be
• “Who is this naked man wasted on my futon?” are deep lyrics
• “I want to be the home viewer one day” “Go for it, Daniel, dare to dream.”
• “Drummer seeks band that doesn’t suck”
• “We’d like to do some traditional nursery rhymes death metal-style.”
• The band name brainstorming
• “If we’re not supposed to eat animals, why are they made of meat?”
• “We ask ourselves, what do we have to lose? Usually it’s our dignity…”
• “He’s going to carve my heart out with a blunt spatula.”
• “Sometimes I look at her and think, if only you had a glass eye, I’d have a chance.”
• Cyberpunk Alex
• The ninja pizza party music video
• “I love you. And now I must vomit.”
• “I’ve become a sex object. I go to women, I mention sex, and they object.”
• Dave the dog’s death triggered a whole lot of sad stories
• “It’s not a can opener, it’s a test of strength and courage.”
• This movie has a weird thing for Tibet
• “Never fear — I’ve delivered pizzas.”