'Australia' review

anghel71 from IL - March 08, 2009 at 4:38 PM

The star of the show Brandon Walters Nullah got paid only $120,000.00. Considering the movie made hundreds of millions of dollars, Brandon got underpaid. He stole the show, he was the star of the show and he made you forget Kidman and Jackman was even there. I hope to see more of him in the future.

movienut from Sydney Australia - December 29, 2008 at 6:47 AM

I loved this movie. However, (and by all means call me crazy) that's what I go to the movies for; a chance to see vast plains of the country, a good romance and a great (even if somewhat mixed) storyline. Isn't the overall theme of this story love against a backdrop of epic oposition? Just a thought. I can understand that the dialogue may have been difficult for some to pick up, but by doing some research into the indigenous culture of Australia and the sweeping landscapes, anyone could see the magic and beauty of Australia that this movie brings to life. I thought that the movie was very funny and endearingly magical. What a beautiful and moving story, and one so different from the action packed lets-blow-em-up and kill em 'dramas' that are so popular. It's nice to see a good cast with a good story line for a change.

major_dad from Texas - December 16, 2008 at 6:16 AM

Entertaining thought provoking and far better than the critics reviews. Hugh Jackman...perfect for this role and cleans up well toward the end (in fact I think he would have made a better Bond than the current one). I was charmed by the personality of great little boy Nalla, played by Brandon Walters (he really tugs at the heart strings with a smile that could melt ice). Nicole Kidman and Jackman sparkle together...hope that do another film together. Australia is worth the price of admission and another view!!! Contrary to popular opinion...I give it a A+.

Chuck_Chi from Seven Bridges, Woodridge, IL - December 10, 2008 at 10:34 AM

The movie critics' 2 1/2 star rating just shows you how far detached these critics are. They can do it since no one really rate on their ratings except for whoever is willing to pay them. Okay, ignore the critics and let's take a look at this movie. This is a must see to me. I have been to Australia's southwest 1/4 and the vast continent is going to be a stretch in my future travel plans. But this movie just encouraged me and entertained me for what I'd look forward to see in real Australia. The cinematography is fantastic, story has many turns and twists yet still come out pretty clear and simple: love, adventure, good, evil, trust, betrayal, war, native culture, coward, hero... I'm not going to say anything about the actors and actress so you can have your own say. Don't miss it.

FloridaViewer from Downtown - December 09, 2008 at 11:20 AM

I liked the movie and if you had just seen "Rachel Getting Narried" and "What Just Happened" you would too. Jackman is charming but the dialogue is a bit over the top, e.g., "You have a way with horses." Ugh! But the action is good and the good guys win, so what's there not too like. A pleasant way to spend almost 3 hours.

Director's Guild from Los Angeles - December 07, 2008 at 4:47 PM

All the fuss and criticism misses the point that this is a cinematic spectacle, moviemaking on a grand scale, so enjoy it! It is stylish, panoramic, star-studded and thoroughly enjoyable. No one said movies have to be exactly two hours, realistic, or one-dimensional in their story telling. I love that it was crammed with so much: narratively and visually. Entertaining and art. What more can you ask for.

remilhi from Brisbane - December 06, 2008 at 11:11 PM

This movie is entertainment at it's best. I went to see it not knowing what to expect and found it to be the most enjoyable film I have seen this year. " "Äustralia" is what movies are all about.. and what movies are ment to be. ENTERTAINMENT and FUN.

Jodie from California - December 01, 2008 at 10:12 AM

I'm sad to say this movie didn't measure up to what it could have been. The acting was pretty good but I don't understand how they pulled it off. The writing was dreadful, the editing dreadful, the score forgettable when not corny, the directing dreadful (even high school drama class teaches you that you need a reason to cross the room other than to get into position for the camera shot) parts of the show were straight out of a spaghetti western. The set dressing, props, and the costumes were all pretty good but there was no distinct theme and worst of all, with all the amazing scenery available I can't believe how much computer generated background was used. I heard Russell Crowe was originally in the film and dropped out. I guess he saw it going "down under". I love Nicole and Hugh and Bryan Brown has aged really well. He looked hot. All supporting actors were good too but good actors just could not save this show. I'm so sorry.

Jewelbagger from Chicago Burbs - December 01, 2008 at 8:23 AM

Loved the movie. I plan to see it again. Overblown??? Try so engaging and action-packed that the time flies by. Interesting that the actors playing Nullah and King George, in my view the primary characters in this movie, are listed in the short list of cast members. Brandon Walters broke my heart as the mystical, lovable, amazing little boy, Nullah. Go see this movie. You won't be bored. Do a little homework before you go to understand the plight of the indiginous people of Australia and the Lost Generation. *****

black beauty from grosse point manor - November 28, 2008 at 4:38 PM

I thought the movie was great......beautiful scenery, untamed wilderness as well as men and women. Complete with the proverbial "bad guys". Racism was touched on as well as class issues, no different than what goes on in modern society. Australia brought to life a colorful canvas as such is life with its many angles and entanglements which makes life whole and exhilirating to enable you to "tell your story", unless you are one of those who never leaves the couch or internet. bravo, bravo, bravo, finally something to watch that is entertaining and riveting....come on.....who did not feel scared during the stampede??

northdallasgirl from Dallas - November 28, 2008 at 9:45 AM

I really wanted to like this movie. I love Nicole Kidman, I love Hugh Jackman - I loved Moulin Rouge and Romeo and Juliet. .....and I tried really hard to like this movie. In the end, it's AWFUL. Too many genres, too much going on and all with an intolerably heavy and corny (dare I say CHEESY??) hand. Honestly, the only thing that I took away that made me smile was that adorable little boy's big puppy dog eyes. He was a great little actor caught up in a big mess of a movie.

Correz from Sydney - November 27, 2008 at 7:50 AM

"Orstralia! Orstralia! Land of the Waratah & Dahlia!" Oops, this particular cliché didn't make it into the movie "Orstralia" but it may have well have. Indeed Baz seems to have pulled out all stops on the double-barrel cliché bazookas in the hope that if enough cinematic chestnuts are sprayed around for long enough (and 165 minutes is a long time!) that some will hit their mark. Unfortunately in this case he seems to have convinced himself that skills honed flogging Chanel #5 by drenching Kidman in the stuff, could also be put to good use selling an entire continent. Certainly Tourism Australia seems to have swallowed the hyperbole.