Any Questions for Ben? Review

Any Questions for Ben? Review

Cast: Josh Lawson, Rachael Taylor, Daniel Henshall, Christian Clark, Felicity Ward
Director: Rob Sitch
Genre: Comedy, Drama
Rated: M

Synopsis: For 27-year-old Ben (Josh Lawson), life couldn't be better. A well paid job, friends, parties, girls and nothing to tie him down. But when he is invited back to his old school to join several other ex-students including Alex (Rachael Taylor) and Jim (Ed Kavalee) in talking about their personal achievements, something goes wrong.

Ben is the only speaker not to be asked a question by the school kids. This triggers a year of soul searching and looking for answers in all the wrong places. From his best friend Andy (Christian Clark) whose solution is that they both take another holiday, to his mentor Sam (Lachy Hulme) who loans him a sports car in the belief that there's nothing like excessive speed to resolve emotional turmoil.

Not even Ben's father (Rob Carlton) or friends Nick (Daniel Henshall) and Em (Felicity Ward) can offer much in the way of meaningful guidance. Of course, it's not easy seeking enlightenment in nightclubs, or on the ski fields of New Zealand, and when you start dating a Russian tennis star things can get really complicated.

As the poster boy for a generation desperate to tick every box, Ben begins to suspect that the meaning of life may well reside in the things he's already doing and a girl he used to know.

Verdict: Any Questions for Ben? takes audiences through a year in the life of advertising executive Ben, who on the surface seems to have everything (great apartment, expensive cars, designer clothes and a date with a different women, every night) but after visiting his high school, ten years on, he begins to question how good his life actually is.

Ever get the feeling you're trying to achieve something bigger and better, but you don't exactly know what? Any Questions for Ben? is your film! Any Questions for Ben? is about what's important in life and whilst the film portrays a clear message, it is coated in humour (the Australia way).

Any Questions for Ben? stars the best in Australia's most recognizable and engaging talent, all of which help Ben along his year of change, Nick (Daniel Henshall) is Ben's funny yet mature friend who together with his partner Em (Felicity Ward) are Ben's 'voice of reason'. Sam (Lachy Hulme) is Ben's self appointed mentor - who encourages him to spend, date and 'live the life' and the gorgeous Alex (Rachel Taylor) will aid Ben's life journey in more ways than one.

Melbourne features as the gorgeous backdrop, as audiences explore Melbourne in all its glory showcasing the Australian Open, the Spring Racing Carnival, Sidney Myer Music Bowl, our Rooftop Cinema, the State Library and many more iconic experiences.

Any Questions for Ben? is ultimately a romantic comedy that has the ability to portray an extremely strong message of life whilst still being extremely funny and entertaining. I highly recommended all Australians watch Any Questions for Ben? - I laughed for most of the film, including during the closing credits.

Rating: *****
Brooke Hunter

Interviews

Christian Clark and Josh Lawson Any Questions for Ben? Interview:
www.girl.com.au/christian-clark-and-josh-lawson-any-questions-for-ben-interview.htm
Felicity Ward and Daniel Henshall Any Questions for Ben? Interview:
www.femail.com.au/felicity-ward-and-daniel-henshall-any-questions-for-ben-interview.htm
Lachy Hulme Any Questions for Ben? Interview:
www.femail.com.au/lachy-hulme-any-questions-for-ben-interview

Any Questions For Ben? Cast and Crew Notes: www.girl.com.au/any-questions-for-ben
Any Questions For Ben? Review:www.girl.com.au/any-questions-for-ben-review