No. 45 (2022) HOW TO PLEASE A WOMAN June 10th.

 

Film No. 45 (2022)  June 10th.  2.45 PM   Cinema 2.  LUNA,  Leederville.

 

"Contrary to appearances we haven't given up on sex. And, we are sick of cleaning the house". (Gina makes a statement about life for the modern woman, certainly a good lead in to an entrepreneurial idea she has in mind).

I love watching cinema shot in my own backyard; Perth, Western Australia. It's even better when the film has something to say, is entertaining and possesses a generous smattering of likeable characters.

In the mold of THE FULL MONTY, HOW TO PLEASE A WOMAN talks the audience into to having fun with issues of the flesh. HOW TO PLEASE empowers experienced women to invigorate their sexual selves, reminding them that it is important  living a healthy life. 

Gina (Sally Phillips), recently sacked as an assistant in finance liquidation, stumbles upon a removals company with the potential to offer so much more. Wink, wink, nudge, nudge .... you know, strapping men who can do more than just lift heavy things! And, thrown into the ailing business is owner, middle aged divorcee, the handsome Erik Thompson as Steve. He needs to be convinced and Gina's looks and charisma will see to that.    

The risk with a film like HTPAW is that the topic has been handled, badly, previously (WALK OF SHAME}. Writer/Director Renee Webster matches her thoughtful script with a series of little known actors who have an ability to charm. Converting a struggling business's loss sheet into a profit margin by offering more (including house cleaning and much, much more) needs actors we like and who are totally self  effacing. It's Webster who returns a profit here.

Most importantly Phillips offers up a charming lead in Gina. Her mates Sandra (Caroline Brazier), Claudia (Roz Hammond) and Monique (Tasma Walton) are good company. And while the supposed 'steaminess' between Phillips and Thomson wasn't totally convincing, their luke-warm chemistry rounded out an easy going 100 minutes of entertainment. And like THE FULL MONTY, here is a small film building a strong following. It's light, it's loveable and doesn't try to be anything it is not. 9GUMS.