Blinky Bill the Movie is a 2015 Australian animated adventure comedy film based on the Blinky Bill character created by Dorothy Wall for a children's book series in 1933. The film was produced by Flying Bark Productions and partly distributed and co-produced by Assemblage Entertainment and Telegael. The film was directed by Deane Taylor and written by Fin Edquist. It stars the voices of Ryan Kwanten, Rufus Sewell, Toni Collette, David Wenham, Deborah Mailman, Richard Roxburgh, Robin McLeavy, Barry Otto and Barry Humphries.
Plot
In the town of Greenpatch, a courageous young koala named Blinky Bill tells a story about his father, Mr. Bill while embarking on a journey across the wild, and dangerous Australian outback in the hope of finding him.
Blinky's dad had created their home Greenpatch, where every animal could feel safe and live in peace. Blinky has been influenced by the legend of his father, who is on an adventure to the Sea of White Dragons. When Mayor Cranklepot attempts to dominate Greenpatch and become the ruler, Blinky realises that he must go in search of his father. Throughout his adventure, he befriends a girl koala named Nutsy, a lizard named Jacko, and a few other creatures who assist Blinky on his quest. He discovers that being a hero is complicated and requires teamwork.
Voice cast
Ryan Kwanten as Blinky Bill, a mischievous young koala Rufus Sewell as Sir Claude, a villainous feral British Shorthair who wants to get revenge against Mr. Bill. Toni Collette as Beryl and Cheryl, two emus David Wenham as Jacko, a frill-necked lizard Deborah Mailman as Mrs. Bill, Blinky's mother Richard Roxburgh as Mr. Bill, Blinky's father Robin McLeavy as Nutsy, a koala raised in a zoo Barry Otto as Mayor Wilberforce Cranklepot, a goanna who rules Greenpatch Barry Humphries as Walter, an elderly wombat who is friends with Mr. Bill. Tin PangMAKING OF BLINKY BILL THE MOVIE: EDITING Tin Pang a Trailer Editor. as Jorge, a featherless sulphur crested cockatoo Cameron RalphMAKING OF BLINKY BILL THE MOVIE: VOICE RECORDING Cam Ralph roles the voice of Robert the Lyrebird and Splodge the Kangaroo in the new Blinky Bill movie. as Splodge, a kangaroo and Robert, a lyrebird Charlotte Rose Hamlyn as Marcia, a marsupial mouse who is one of Blinky's best friends Billy Birmingham as Tony and Richard, a pair of kookaburras who narrate a cricket game Steve CooperMAKING OF BLINKY BILL THE MOVIE: STORYBOARDING Steve Cooper senior storyboard artist making the new movie. as Hans, a man who owns a roadhouse in the outback. Tracy Lenon, Ben Wanders, Elif Acehan, and Gabrielle Joosten as the zookeepers. Fin Edquist as postman Platypus Stephanie Mountzouris as bilbies Byron Schepen as crocodiles (uncredited)
Reception On Rotten Tomatoes the film received generally positive reviews, earning a 73% approval rating, based on reviews from 11 critics.
The book Historical Dictionary of Australian and New Zealand Cinema interpreted the Rotten Tomatoes audience score of 43% as implying that audiences and fans of the original book and the 1990s/2000s animated series had negative reactions to the film.
Accolades Award Category Subject ResultAsia Pacific Screen AwardsBest Animated Feature FilmJim Ballantine & Barbara StephenKids' Choice Award Favorite Voice in an Animated FilmRyan KwantenBlinky Bill The Movie - Bonus Clip: Ryan Kwanten on His First Memory of Blinky Bill (HD) Robin McLeavyBlinky Bill The Movie - Bonus Clip: Robin McLeavy on Blinky Bill's Adventure (HD) David Wenham Rufus Sewell Toni Collette Richard Roxburgh Deborah MailmanBlinky Bill - Deborah Mailman Interview Deborah Mailman interview about the new movie Blinky Bill. Barry Otto Barry HumphriesBlinky Bill The Movie - Character Featurette Interviews with Ryan Kwanten, Robin McLeavy, David Wenham, Toni Collette, Barry HumphriesBlinky Bill The Movie: Favourite Aussie Food Interviews with Ryan Kwanten, Robin McLeavy, David Wenham, Toni Collette, Barry HumphriesBlinky Bill The Movie: Behind the Magic Interviews with Ryan Kwanten, Robin McLeavy, David Wenham, Toni Collette, Barry HumphriesBlinky Bill The Movie: Favourite Aussie Animals Interviews with Ryan Kwanten, Robin McLeavy, David Wenham, Toni Collette, Barry HumphriesScreen Music AwardsFeature Film Score of the YearDale CorneliusBlinky Bill the Movie soundtrack by Dale CorneliusThe Making of Blinky Bill: Orchestra RecordingTumbleweeds Film Festival
Television series
The film was followed by a 26-episode TV series, The Wild Adventures of Blinky Bill that aired on Seven Network in 2016.
References
External links
Blinky Bill: The Movie at Screen Australia