Castle, The MPAA Rating: R Entertainment: +3 1/2 Content: -1 1/2

This hilarious Australian comedy introduces viewers to the Kerrigan family. Darryl and Sal (Michael Caton and Anne Tenney) have three sons and a daughter. Teenager Dale (Stephen Curry) narrates the story, explaining how proud they are of their house sitting on the edge of the airport and on top of a land fill. Between handyman Darryl's many unfinished expansion projects and Sal's questionable talent for crafts, Darryl proudly says the house is now almost worth what they paid for it 15 years ago. The yard is cluttered with four greyhounds, a fishing boat, Darryl's tow truck and some stakes marking off space for a small patio. Their peaceful existence is shattered, however, when the Kerrigans are served notice that airport expansion will require purchase of their home. Darryl refuses to accept their offer, tries to represent himself in court, then hires a local lawyer who admits he knows nothing about federal law. The quirky characters in THE CASTLE will win the hearts of viewers and lift their spirits as they laugh and cheer them on in their impossible battle.

Even though family members may seem slightly daft to others, the four children's hero is their dad. They know he can do anything and don't mind telling him so. Likewise, Darryl is extremely proud of his kids, including the oldest who is in jail for armed robbery. Daughter Tracey's framed diploma from hairdressing school hangs in the living room. Mom's cooking is the best, and Darryl never fails to rave about every meal and tell her how special she is. The Kerrigans have made their house a home filled with mutual love and respect. With no gratuitous violence and no nudity or sexual content, THE CASTLE could easily be rated PG. But as the legal battle progresses and tempers start to boil, obscenities and profanities become more frequent. Twenty-eight obscenities including 20 f words and 5 s words, plus four regular profanities turn what could have been a delightful family event into a major disappointment. As others have said many times, truly creative writers know how to express anger and frustration without offensive language.

Preview Reviewer: Mary Draughon
Distributor: Miramax Films, 375 Greenwich, NY, NY 10013