Reviews

Apart from the good acting from the lead and the film looking nice, this is a really drab piece of cinema. As with the director's film Gravity, I left the cinema wondering what was the point. Seriously, I do believe people get caught up in the hype of the movie and have to 'love' it. Is to brag to people they have seen an art house movie? Probably. You be the judge, but a very underwhelming film.

I believe some of the criticism of this remake is harsh. It is easy to think of the original which was a much loved film and say that this is not up to the same standard. The filmmakers seem to have deliberately chosen not to replicate the first and should be congratulated for not doing so. It is lovingly filmed and is nicely edited between flashbacks of the old and young Michael. Performances are solid without being outstanding. There are nice moral messages without going over the top. Take the obligatory tissues for films with animals. These parts are nicely filmed and not over the top. Please don't choose not to see the film because of Geoffrey Rush's appearance. Think of it as a great actor playing a terrific part. I think that if people go in with an open mind, not think about the original and see this on its own merit, I think most will come away saying, 'this is a nice film'.

This is a wonderful nostalgic piece, lovingly filmed by master Director, Bruce Beresford. It is quintessential Sydney and Australia. Beautiful costumes, music, cinematography. Terrific performances from Julia Ormond and Rachael Taylor. Great small roles for many of the others. This is well worth seeing as a piece about a Sydney and Australia that has long gone.

Rachel Perkins has directed another terrific, simple, Australian film here. Adds to illustrious titles including Radiance and Bran Nue Day. There was certainly good material to work with, being based on the young adult book by Craig Silvey, who has also co-written the screenplay. It looks nice, still has currency today and the acting is once again terrific from most of the players. Toni Collette as usual, Hugo Weaving in a cameo role. An understated but really good Dan Wylie, and a terrific performance from young Levi Miller. All in all a really well made film.

The opening before the credits was not only unnecessary but poorly filmed/edited. However, things dramatically improved from there. Adam McKay does it again, with a sometimes funny, sad, thought provoking film. The acting is wonderful with Christian Bale providing a stunning performance as Dick Cheney; surely will obtain an Oscar nomination and should be a shoo in to win it.

A wonderful cameo from Alfred Molina and various originality's in the film make it a great experience.

The only issue is, for Republicans or conservative leaning people, it's probably not something they'll warm to.

There are some very good elements in this film. It looks great with excellent production qualities. The acting is generally excellent. However, it is pretentious and uses shock value to poor effect. The screenplay though does have some good elements. Overall a positive rating, but surely should not win any best film gongs.