The Topp Twins: Untouchable Girls - Movie Review - 2009

About.com Rating

Performing around the world and on New Zealand television, the Topp Twins are a hilarious sister act who've been embraced by a vast variety of fans. Leanne Pooley's delightful documentary profile of Lynda and Jools entertains while giving biographical background and information about their current lives, as well as side-splitting clips of their performances.

Original Characters and Authentic Kiwi Humor

For more than 25 years, the Topp Twins have entertained fans around the world with their unique comedy act, a blend of country music and Kiwi satire. The comedic duo plays an appealingly quirky cast of characters -- males and females are given equal time -- who chat about New Zealand life and lifestyle, whether it's down on the farm or in high society. Serenading audiences with their original and amusing country music, Jools and Lynda have been on hand to celebrate the opening of country fairs and as headliners at important Rugby matches. They've toured theaters and clubs around the world, have had their own top-rated television show and boast an extraordinary cross section of society as their fans.

They also happen to be out and about lesbians who are quite public about their same sex partnerships and are outspoken advocates for gay and lesbian rights.

Both the twins and the characters they play -- who are almost alteregos -- are likable. In the performance clips, you'll meet gingham clad sisters Belle and Belle, the Camp Mother and Camp Leader, best friends Ken Moller the sheep farmer and Ken Smythe the sportscaster townie, two West Auckland wenches on the lookout for a 'hunk of spunk,' and posh socialites Prue and Dilly Ramsbottom, as well as Army regulars General Motors and Private Parts, and Herty and Gerty, two Bavarian pig farmers who communicate by yodelling.

The act is hilarious, and the twins are equally funny when speaking about themselves and their family. Director Leanne Pooley and editor Tim Woodhouse get and fully support the humor while telling their story.

Up Close And Personal

In on camera interviews, Lynda and Jools talk about their childhood, their penchant for performing, their significant others and their relationship with each other, including the shock of having to cope with Jools' bout with breast cancer. There are also interviews with the twins' mum and dad, who speak candidly about adjusting to their daughters' lifestyle and irreverent brand of humor.

Through the telling of the Topp Twins' story, the movie becomes a wonderful cultural travelogue, offering a grand overview of New Zealand and the outlook of New Zealanders.