semi-factual look at the part played by a small Australian town during the
1969 Apollo 11 moon landing. The Dish doesn't put on any airs, nor does it
try to do too much. Instead, it tells a simple story and gives us a small
group of affable, believable characters existing in a wonderful setting. The
Dish successfully transports us back in time to that slightly different era
without resorting to the cliches that are often used to indicate a time shift
to late '60s or early '70s.
Most movies about the moon landing have a decidely American viewpoint to
them. The Dish is an exception, and its different vantage is a strong asset.
The film transports us to Parkes, Australia, where the largest radio
telescope in the southern hemisphere is being "borrowed" by NASA to track
Apollo 11. The telescope is operated by Cliff Buxton (Sam Neill), a
hard-working, knowledgable man who has lost some of the joy in his life. He
is joined by two assistants, Mitch (Kevin Harrington) and Glenn (Tom Long),
and NASA representative, Al Burnett (Patrick Warburton). Together these four
are responsible for handling operations that will allow the world to see
Armstrong's historic space walk. Of course, there are difficulties - such as
power failure and a wind storm. The Dish is peppered with subplots. None of
the secondary stories detracts from the central element; in fact, the color
they provide adds to it. The Dish isn't as much about the moon landing as it
is about the gathering together of a small town with unsung behind-the-scene
heroes.
With his quiet, unforced performance, Sam Neill towers over the production. He
is a fully realized character - a man of great inner strength and integrity.
Patrick Warbuton is also a standout, managing to embody and defy the
perception of American arrogance. Finally, special mention needs to made of
the job done by Tayler Kane, who, as the dish's security officer, provides a
lion's share of the film's funniest moments.
The Dish is a comedy with a heart - a rare thing among summer releases. It
stays the course of real life comedy and situations, never miring itself by
reaching for the needlessly silly or melodramatic moments. For those who
think motion pictures have become a largely joyless affair, The Dish provides
the pleasant counter-example.
Rating: 3 stars (out of 4)