Too many great little Australian films never see the light of day over here.

While TV companies are still cleaning up with Aussie soaps or re-runs of old Aussie soaps, too many UK film distributors still won't take a chance with an Aussie movie.

Why? Hmm, that's a toughie... Playing safe? Lack of imagination? Perhaps it's just because their accents are a bit funny (and not American) and it's not downtown LA or New York, but Melbourne or Sydney.

Then UK broadcasters (yes, even Sky) won't pick up the movie because it's not had a theatrical release and hasn't had the marketing and publicity weight to drive viewers to watch it on TV.

And if you want the perfect example of a slick and stylish Aussie thriller with a twist that's not been seen over here, check out The Bank.

But this review is about a fun little Aussie movie that HAS scored itself a cinema release.

Dirty Deeds has the benefit of some heavyweight talent (Sam Neill, John Goodman and Toni Collette).

The year is 1969. Barry Ryan (played by Bryan Brown) is the slot machine emperor of Sydney. But can he hold onto his business?

The American mob wants to expand its empire and buy him out, so they send likeable old hood (John Goodman) to negotiate.

And, in case he needs some muscle, he has Sal (Felix Williamson), a violent young travelling companion.

Barry Ryan's young protege, his nephew Darcy (Sam Worthington), is just back from Vietnam.

He finds he has two new interests in life - his uncle's young girlfriend and this strange dish the Yanks ate in Vietnam with the equally strange name (pizza).

While the sharp-suited, well-travelled Yanks should be no match for their country cousins, most of the gags are poking fun at Americans for being provincial and ignorant of any culture but their own.

While it's a little contrived, David Caesar's little romp succeeds because its themes are still topical and his style is well-suited to the 1960s feel.

Some sharp performances by our cast - Goodman, particularly, is great as the big, world-weary mobster with some bigger regrets.

Toni Collette has some of the best lines in the movie as Barry's tough but loyal wife, but Sam Neill is under-used as the bent copper.

All in all, it's another reason to watch a great little Aussie movie that has fought its way onto UK cinema and (eventually) TV screens.

There are loads more out there - catch them when (and where) you can.

Mike Taylor