Good Guys, Bad Guys
Good Guys, Bad Guys was an Australian crime TV series that screened on the Nine Network between 1997 and 1998, with a telemovie and twenty-six episodes produced. A comedy/drama set in Melbourne. The program was written for, and starred, Marcus Graham as Elvis Maginnis. A disgraced former cop, tainted by his criminal family and framed for corruption, Elvis owns "K for Kleen" drycleaning, managed by the eminently more sensible Stella Kinsella and sweetheart Reuben Zeus who has Tourette syndrome. Elvis's attempts at a straight life are constantly compromised by the demands of his eccentric family, while Stella's attempts at making "K-for-Kleen" turn a profit are frustrated by Elvis's penchant for damsels in distress and a hard-luck story. He may not have a white stallion, but Elvis has a beautiful Charger. The program was filmed in Melbourne, predominantly around the inner-city "bohemian" suburbs of St. Kilda, Fitzroy and Carlton. The film style incorporated local colour - Melbourne trams, landmarks like Smith Street's Cobra cane furniture shop, and the Builder's Arms Hotel as Elvis's local - and a soundtrack of the then-latest Australian music, matched to the action. The Good Guys, Bad Guys soundtrack CD features Regurgitator, The Fauves, Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds, The Whitlams, The Avalanches, Spiderbait, The Cruel Sea and The Mavis's among others.
Insights
Plot Summary
In this gritty crime drama, a former boxer seeks redemption after being released from prison. He finds himself drawn back into the criminal underworld he tried to escape, facing a dangerous drug cartel and confronting his own violent past. He must navigate treacherous alliances and betrayals to protect his family and find a way out of the cycle of violence.
Critical Reception
Good Guys, Bad Guys received a mixed to negative reception from critics, who often cited its predictable plot and uneven pacing. While some acknowledged the gritty atmosphere and performances from its cast, the film was largely seen as a formulaic entry in the crime genre that failed to offer anything particularly new or engaging.
What Reviewers Say
- Lacks originality and suffers from a clichéd narrative.
- Performances are a mixed bag, with some actors struggling to elevate the material.
- The film's pacing is often slow, failing to build sufficient tension.
Google audience: Audience reviews for Good Guys, Bad Guys are scarce, but those available suggest a general lack of enthusiasm. Viewers found the movie to be forgettable, with many pointing out the uninspired storyline and poor execution.
Fun Fact
Titus Welliver, who plays the lead, is also known for his roles in 'The Wire' and 'Sons of Anarchy'.
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