ONE of the dangers of adapting a television show into a film is that audiences will feel they’re just watching a couple of episodes back-to-back. Foxy ladies Kath and Kim have been small screen fixtures since 2002, and confidently make the jump with Kath and Kimderella, a sort-of bogan fairytale.
Self-proclaimed hornbag Kath is still married to Kel, a purveyor of fine meats, but the spark has gone out of their marriage. By chance, Kath wins a trip to Italy but it’s Kim, her spoilt daughter, who comes with her, leaving husband Brett and daughter Epponnee Rae behind. Second best friend, Sharon, tags along.
The film wastes little time going over old ground, quickly taking the audience – and the the girls – to the fictional Italian town of Papilloma, where Kath and Kim get swept up in the world of royalty, corruption and discount designer fashion.
Working Dog’s Rob Sitch plays the slimeball King, who has the hots for Kath and fine leather shoes. Sitch and his wig both do a superb job impersonating Julio Iglesias. Richard E. Grant is the only actor not from the original series to have a major part in the film, playing a royal page, and that’s just fine because Kath, Kim, Sharon, Brett and Kel have enough personality to fill up an IMAX screen.
There’s no doubt much about this film is ridiculous – the location and storyline is far away from Fountain Lakes and any semblance of reality, but its heart is still relatable. The relationships between the characters grounds the film and stops it from being too over-the-top.
If you’re familiar with the series, then you’ll recognise the humour, and many of it’s sayings are famous for a reason. Kath and Kim’s greatest strength is their clever use – and abuse – of language. In the hands of eastern suburbs snobs Prue and Trude, it’s verbal acrobatics.
If you’re already a fan, then you’ll get a giggle out of Kath and Kimderella. If not, you’ll probably hate this film. It isn’t a classic, but it’s a fun romp. In fact, it’s nice, it’s different… it’s unusual.
