Baz Luhrmann's Australia

[jbrown84]

I didn't have extremely high expectations for Australia, despite Moulin Rouge! being among my top 10 of all time. The trailer just didn't entice me too much.

But low expectations were probably a good thing, as I was proven quite wrong. Baz is back baby with another winner! Maybe not quite as good as Moulin Rouge, but spectacular nonetheless. It is an old Hollywood epic in many ways, but still has that distince Luhrmann style and flair--quick camera movement, whip-smart editing, and a touch of humor.

Kidman and Jackman show Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart how it's done, embodying a sweeping, believable romance over the course of several years and many an adventure. But perhaps the real heart of the story is little Nullah, a half-Aboriginal, half white boy who narrates the story and provides its thematic backbone, an idea that we must always have dreams. It may sound a little hokey, but Luhrmann handles it well, and along with his screenwriting partners, has crafted a truly moving tale.

Australia also benefits from the best score and the best cinematography of the year so far.

10/10 or A+



P.S. I'm seeing a lot of complaints along the lines of, "it's a western, it's a chick-flick, it's a war movie, it's a coming of age tale!".

DUH people--it's an epic!! It's going to cross genres. I didn't see anyone complaining about that when it comes to The Dark Knight, which is certainly a genre-bender if you get down to it.

[CuatrodeMayo]

As long the chick and dude don't die in the end...I down with it.

[kevinpate]

It's got decent camera work, Kidman and Jackman. It could be about anything and still sell well.

[sweetdaisy]

I've been wanting to see this flick since I first saw trailers for it. Sounds like it's fantastic! Can't wait to see it!