The male biological clock is a topic not often explored in cinema so the new Aussie comedy ‘Not Suitable For Children’ already has somewhat of an original advantage over its counterparts.  Set in inner-west Sydney, the film follows the life-altering journey of Jonah (Ryan Kwanten), a 20-something who has devised a lifestyle of hosting wild house parties, complete with cover charge, to avoid any real work but still manage a weekly income – not bad work if you can get it.  One night in the midst of bedding his latest conquest he discovers a lump (do I need to say where?) and a doctors trip later confirms he has testicular cancer.  Assured it’s ‘the best cancer to get’ (he won’t even lose his hair) Jonah learns testicular removal is the solution, and though he’ll still retain sexual function, procreating is out of the question.  What’s a bachelor to do?

Having never even thought of fathering a child, the idea that this privilege will be taken away from him prompts Jonah to start looking at all the options possible (and a plot point where his sperm is deemed not strong enough to freeze allows the writers to bypass the sperm bank option); arrangements with mature aged women looking to start a family, lesbian couples, and backtracking through his catalogue of his exes allow for some amusing moments, but leave him ultimately disappointed.  Thankfully throughout it all he has the support of his housemate Stevie (Sarah Snook).

Though it’s quite evident where Jonah and Stevie’s relationship is heading, and it’s perhaps this dynamic that gives the film its most predictable element, it’s indeed helped by the fact that Kwanten and Snook are so well matched.  Having made a name for himself overseas in the last few years, thanks in large part to his role in TV’s ‘True Blood’, Kwanten is still a born and bred Aussie and it’s a treat to see him in a local production.  The character of Jonah may not be the most challenging, and his transition from carefree bachelor to wannabe devoted dad may come about a bit too quickly, but the actor is so likeable that you can’t help but endear yourself to him.  And then there’s Snook, what an absolute gem of a star she is.  Rightfully described as ‘Australia’s Emma Stone’, there’s such a natural energy that radiates from her (she really does light up the screen whenever she appears) and if anyone is going to come out of this film a winner, it has to be her.

With all the conventionalities of a romantic comedy on hand, not to mention a few moments of crass humour, it’s a welcome surprise that ‘Not Suitable For Children’ manages to be not only smarter but stronger than one might expect.