I’ll get into why “Australia” is a problematic film that gets lost in its own ambitions when I review the film in a short while. For now I’ll speak on the positive. We’ve been hearing for some time that young aborigine actor Brandon Walters will turn some heads in the film, and truly, a star is born. A diamond in the rough.
The rest — not so much. More later.
Comments
25 responses to “The trouble with Oz”
I’m surprised you feel that way, as the film has been getting mostly very positive reviews so far, but it seems this year is proving more troublesome for you than a lot of other people. ;) Or maybe you’re just not as kind on movies’ flaws.
Anyway, I’m so glad to hear about Brandon Walters. I’ve been hearing nothing but awesome things.
I think it’s a stretch to say they are mostly positive. There has been no raves except for ones that are paid for.
Hmm, I’m also intrigued, as so many reviews have claimed it to be very good (with flaws).
Okay, you’ve been doing this for some time now… when you’re talking about possession, use “its” and not “it’s.”
Just trying to help…
And that last comment is from a different John than the John right before it… there are too many John’s in this world!
A not so sunny review
http://www.thewest.com.au/default.aspx?MenuID=23&ContentID=108983
complete with echoes of Paul Hogan holding up his hand to stop cattle.
Fixed the error, John. The perils of iPhone posting. But no need to be an ass (not that I’m one to judge).
How in the world was I being an ass? I was just pointing out something that had been bugging me in an effort to make your site better.
Come on, now, Kris.
Clearly a typo (self corrected erroneously by an iPhone — it makes odd decisions from time to time). And the “you’ve been doing this for some time” quip doesn’t exactly translate to affable.
Not that I’m SINCERELY upset or anything, so don’t misread the subtext. But yeah, grammar police = irritating more often than not.
The kind and proper response would have been something along the lines of “My bad, I’ll fix it.”
Not that I’m SINCERELY upset at you calling me an ass. It’s just curious how certain Oscar bloggers have been snapping back at one another and their readers to a much greater extent this year.
Start up a blog and deal with the microscopic scrutiny and maybe you’ll get an idea.
But, again, I’m all for your correction, minus the snark.
But back to Australia…
Yeah, back to Australia. I’m very curious to hear yout take, Kris. It’s one of my most anticipated films of the year. I’m so excited for it. It’s my type of movie. I usually respect your opinions, and was very happy to read that you liked ‘Defiance’ (another biggie on my list).
But your hesitancy with ‘Australia’ worries me. Can’t wait to hear more about what you liked and what you didn’t.
Yeah, the reviews have been pretty solid though, but it’s true they haven’t been overwhelmingly positive. I’m still really looking forward to this, and it’s going to be the movie I see over Thanksgiving weekend as it looks more and more likely “Milk” won’t reach me until December 5th. :(
Man, I’m just curious to read your ‘Best Of’ list for this year, Kris. Of course, I won’t presume to assume that your opinion of ‘Australia’ will make or break its Oscar chances — though I really hoped EVERYONE would love it and we’d agree on a potential sweep — but I will presume that this comment leaves it outside your personal top 10 for the year.
Problem is, I can’t think of very many that I’m sure your list to include, beyond ‘Synecdoche’ and ‘Pineapple Express’? Time to hit the archives…
Kris,
Did other people in the press conference feel the same way as you? Was there an air of disappointment. I would very much appreciate your feedback. Have been following this film all year, and I’m getting impatient. =)
That article Kris is a load of bullshit.
It’s just some grumpy old fart who is protective of his country.
He said the film was not going to be a box office hit… There is no doubt it will break Australian film institute records. Every Australian will want to see this film.
As for well written reviews, I’ve seen them range from 3/5 stars to 4.5/5 stars.
I think Kris also loved “Slumdog Millionaire.” But I may be wrong. He mentioned it in passing once, I think.
Sad to hear this about “Australia.” I’m seeing it next Fridayish so I’ll have my own opinion then.
Jackson there are plenty of Australians who don’t want to see this film.
Teenagers for one have no interest in it at all.
I have also yet to read a review that says it’s a great film, all have said it’s good as Stratton said, not the masterpiece we were hoping for.
I expected much more raves for cinematography and they haven’t come.
I’m not a fan of Luhrmann but thought it would be embraced more by the critics here in Aus. Catherine Martin on the other hand is a genius.
Australia has it’s best chance in the BP category, from what I’ve heard, no one has been speaking about it’s lead actor or actress possibilities. If it’s reviews are atrocious, you can pretty much discount it’s prospects at the Academy Awards altogether. I still think that its going to be great. Just a hunch.
Jeff, you have your grammar completely reversed. The whopping 4 times where you have “it’s” the apostrophe should be taken away, as you’re talking about possession, and the one time you have “its” SHOULD contain an apostrophe.
Wow. This thread is turning into grammar 101. But what’s with this confusion lately? “Its” = possession, “It’s” = it is.
Rosie I am an Australian teenager and I will definitely be seeing this film.
All of my friends are also seeing it as well.
And yes all the reviews I’ve read are raving about the cinematography.
I’d like to put a moratorium on the grammar police stuff. Some folks seem to get off on it and it’s just irritating. Let’s keep it about the substance.
If anyone didn’t understand, I’d like to clarify: I was completely serious. I know my grammar fool!
And to Speaking English: you are either the most mentally challenged man on Earth or you have rather a bad way of expressing sarcasm. Take your pick.