Mark Kermode 

Goddess review – a naff but goodhearted musical

A couple of decent numbers and Ronan Keating aren't enough to redeem this Australian comedy musical, writes Mark Kermode
  
  

goddess musical review
Soapsuds and satire: Laura Michelle Kelly in Australian musical Goddess. Photograph: PR

Adapted from Joanna Weinberg's stage show Sink Songs, this grinningly naff but nonetheless goodhearted romp finds a Nigella-ish Laura Michelle Kelly breaking out of her domestic chains after a webcam turns her kitchen adventures into reality-TV gold. Meanwhile hunky hubby Ronan Keating (manfully flashing both chest and butt) is out communing with whales, recording their plaintive songs, which will later feature in the cheesiest kiss-and-make-up scene ever to grace a romcom. At best, this Australian oddity offers some smart-soapy satire on the perils of the housewife's lot – child-rearing, cooking, cleaning and generally multitasking to little thanks and zero applause. There are a couple of neat musical comedy numbers (a song about proper parenting skills with choreographed pram-pushing hits home) and Kath & Kim's Magda Szubanski is indeed as "fabulous" as she declares herself to be. But, like Walking on Sunshine, you need a very big heart (and probably an equally big drink) to see past its shortcomings; anyone who can get through Keating's helicopter scene without dying of embarrassment deserves a medal.

 

Leave a Comment

Required fields are marked *

*

*