Australia (3.5 out of 5 stars)
A gorgeously shot epic about the goings-on in the Northern Territory of Australia at the time of the Second World War.
The film starts out in typical Baz Luhrmann style, it's very tongue-in-cheek, and I've actually heard many people say that they thought both Kidman and Jackman over-acted appallingly in the first act, but to me that's what Baz Luhrmann movie's are all about (think back to Moulin Rouge, Romeo and Juliet), he brings a solid slice of the theatrical to his movie's. There is no doubt that Kidman sets out to portray an English lady, who is struggling to adjust her social heirs and graces to the Australian way of life and climate, in a very comedic way (at Luhrmann's request, I have no doubt) and she achieves this very well, making us viewers laugh in the process. The same can be said of Jackman's stereotypical Aussie 'bloke', again played with great humour at the outset.
The film then changes as it progresses, into a more serious piece of film-making, letting the comedic beginning slip quietly away as the story gains pace.
There are solid performances from Kidman and Jackman here, and a cracking turn from the little fella playing Nulla, the young Aboriginal boy who is actually the central character, and narrator of the film.
Ultimately there is nothing to really write home about with any great urgency, but there can be no denying that some of the settings are jaw-droppingly gorgeous - my daughter goes on and on and on about the sunsets! - and the cracking cinematography make it a good watch for all the family.
I think Luhrmann has tried to create an old-school classic movie that has everything, romance, humour, sadness, joy, and has done a pretty good job of it...just be prepared for it taking up most of your evening!
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