Watch Came a Hot Friday

"Came a Hot Friday" is a comedy film released in 1985, directed by Ian Mune and based on a novel by Ronald Hugh Morrieson. The film is set in the fictional New Zealand town of Tainuea, and follows the antics of a group of misfits as they make their way through a chaotic weekend of gambling and debauchery. The central character of the film is Wes Pennington (played by Peter Bland), a wheeler-dealer and con artist who runs a shady casino out of his back room. Wes is a charismatic and conniving character, always on the lookout for his next big scam. He is supported by his sidekick Cyril Kidman (played by Phillip Gordon), a simple-minded but loyal friend who is always willing to go along with Wes's schemes.

As the film opens, Wes and Cyril are joined by a new accomplice, the smooth-talking salesman Reg (played by Michael Lawrence). Together, the three hatch a plan to swindle some easy money from the local dairy farmer, Dunc Grey (played by Billy T. James). However, things quickly go awry when a greedy local gangster named Bobby (played by Don Selwyn) gets wind of their scheme and tries to muscle in on the action.

Despite these setbacks, Wes, Cyril, and Reg soldier on with their plan, roping in a cast of colorful characters along the way. These include the eccentric Mr. Shadbolt (played by Warren Oates), a washed-up prospector who claims to have a fortune hidden in the hills; the sultry barmaid Delores (played by Annie Whittle), who has her own agenda for getting involved with the boys; and the hapless police sergeant Rata (played by Ian Watkin), who is desperately trying to keep the peace in Tainuea despite the chaos swirling around him.

The plot of "Came a Hot Friday" is a classic caper comedy, with plenty of twists and turns as the various characters jostle for advantage. However, what really sets the film apart is its vivid portrayal of the small-town world in which it is set. The filmmakers have created a richly detailed and affectionate portrait of rural New Zealand life, complete with quirky characters and offbeat humor.

One of the key themes of the film is the tension between tradition and modernity. Tainuea is portrayed as a place that is stuck in the past, with old-fashioned values and a reluctance to embrace change. This is contrasted with the flashy, fast-paced world of the con artists, who represent a more cosmopolitan and sophisticated way of life. However, the film ultimately suggests that both worlds have their strengths and weaknesses, and that a balance needs to be struck between them.

Another notable feature of "Came a Hot Friday" is its use of music. The film features a lively and eclectic soundtrack that draws on a range of musical styles, from traditional Maori songs to country and western. The music helps to create a sense of energy and momentum, driving the action forward and adding to the film's overall sense of fun.

In terms of performances, the cast of "Came a Hot Friday" is uniformly excellent. Peter Bland is particularly impressive as Wes, delivering a performance that is equal parts charming and slimy. He is ably supported by Phillip Gordon, who brings a warmth and sincerity to the role of Cyril. Michael Lawrence is also strong as the suave and slippery Reg, while Don Selwyn is suitably menacing as the ruthless Bobby.

Overall, "Came a Hot Friday" is a delightful and engaging comedy that is well worth seeking out. Its combination of colorful characters, fast-paced action, and affectionate portrayal of rural New Zealand make it a unique and memorable film that deserves to be better known. Whether you're a fan of caper comedies, Kiwi cinema, or just good old-fashioned fun, this film is sure to be a hit.

Came a Hot Friday is a 1985 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 41 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.4.