Muriel's Wedding
1994
***½
Director: P.J. Hogan
Cast: Toni Collette, Rachel Griffiths, Bill Hunter, Sophie Lee, Jeanie Drynan, Gennie Nevinson, Roz Hammond, Dan Wyllie, Matt Day, Daniel Lapaine
Muriel is a shy young woman shunned by her shallow friends and controlled by her self-absorbed father. She escapes her dull small-town life to Sydney, where she befriends the bold and rebellious Rhonda. This weird and whimsical Australian comedy is both funny and moving, although its tone and performances often have the subtlety of a hammer. Toni Collette is wonderful as Muriel, obsessed with ABBA and dreams of a glamorous wedding, while Jeanie Drynan gives a heartbreaking performance as her mother.
