mother frank begins warm amiable comedy middleaged catholic woman frank short francis played sinead cusack shakes doldrums enrolling student sons university friends family horrified least son matthew newton busy falling love best mates girlfriend rose byrne meanwhile frank raised ire disapproving english tutor sam neillbr br matthew newton utterly disarming david relaxed natural role even characters uptight generates valuable goodwill steering audience films awkward broad comedy moments long halfway point firsttime writerdirector mark lamprell expertly steers film darker emotional territory gives cusack real chance shinebr br the supporting cast full familiar welcome faces lynette curran sacha horler nicholas bishop principals including animated usual sam neill excellent meanders little towards end mother frank delivers promises genuine australian crowdpleaser