“The Castle” is further proof that the Aussies love to make affectionate fun of the tackiest aspects of their culture. (Remember “Strictly Ballroom”?) This modest little comedy, tossed off in 11 days by director Rob Sitch, became the country’s biggest-grossing film of 1997. While it obviously struck a deep chord in its homeland, here it’s not much more than a light tap on the funny bone. The irrepressibly tacky Kerrigans make an amusing first impression, but the movie essentially has only one joke to offer: the family’s beaming pride in every appalling detail of their lives.
The Castle-Miramax. Opens May 7.
