3/7/09

Sunday Reviews

We watched Australia on Friday night and really enjoyed it. It's a long movie, far better suited to the comfort of your sofa than the cinema, but it kept us both engaged throughout.

It stars the wonderful Nicole Kidman and the deeply delicious Hugh Jackman, who were both perfectly cast for these roles. It tells the story of Lady Sarah Ashley's takeover of her deceased husbands Australian Cattle Ranch and her relationship with the Drover (Jackman), and Nulla a half-caste Aboriginal boy. The story follows their fight to keep Nulla from the authorities, and the driving of her 1500 head of cattle to Darwin to be sold to the military. But there's a hitch, in the form of a Cattle Baron who has the cattle market monopoly apart from her ranch and is determined to get it.

It's all set against the backdrop of the impending attack by the Japanese in WWII, which by the end of the movie is well underway. This is a Baz Luhman movie, he also made Moulin Rouge, and so it has a different feel to it that we personally loved. He makes use of old maps as screenshots, a slightly mystical element in the filming and the whole thing is lush to look at.

We'd highly recommend this movie, it's a sweeping epic, with a great cast and a good story. I spoke to a friend yesterday who also saw it on Friday and they felt the exact same way as us.

Now just a quick book review...I am right in the midst of the Stephanie Plum books by Janet Evanovich. It took me 2 books to really get into them, but now I'm hooked and loving the adventures of this 'off the wall' female bounty hunter.

The characters are developed more with each book, the plots are believeable and at times I laugh out loud at the humour. I am a relative late comer to these books, as detective type stories are not usually my thing, but these are great and I highly recommend them.

19 comments:

MikeH said...

I have not seen Australia, but I am a devotee of the Stephanie Plum series. I'm up to 8.

Everyday Goddess said...

I couldnt commit to Australia in the theater but I have it on my Netflix queue.

Who doesn't love Hugh?

Daryl said...

Husband promises Australia from NetFlix will happen ...

Jill of All Trades said...

Can't wait to see Australia and may not get around to it for awhile but will eventually. Love Hugh Jackman. The Plum books are awesome. I have never read a book where I actually laughed out loud numerous times. Loved them.

Sassy Britches said...

My dad had been pining for Australia since it came out on Tuesday. He even put a reserve on it at the video store. He finally got it on Friday, and then made the mistake of looking at the running time on the back of the box. I thought he was going to crap his pants. :)

I heart Janet Evanovich/Stephanie Plum series with all of my being.

Nancy said...

Thanks for the critiques. I think I have read her books before, but it has been a while and I'm not sure of the titles. As for Australia - heading for Netflix now..

Its Just Me - Daring to Dream said...

Sounds like its going to be a great movie, will more than likely be a show I watch on TV when it comes out.

Sandy said...

Another movie I need to add to our list to watch. Thanks!

Stephanie Plum books are a riot, I love them.

Anonymous said...

If you get a chance, listen to a "Plum" book on tape. The lady who reads the series does a wonderful job of giving each character a different voice. Her Lula voice is the best.

Tess Kincaid said...

I'm adding to my Netflix queue. Did Nicole's newly rearranged face bother you?

SweetPeaSurry said...

I love love love love Evanovich. I'm planning on buying Australia ... as I rarely see anything in the theater anymore. So thanks for the review!

Kay said...

Peggy of Meggie's Musings just recommended this movie, too. I don't know how well it was received by the critics but from what the real people have said, I'd better go rent this movie!

Mary (Bookfan) said...

Have you read #5 and #6 in the Plum books yet? If not, have #6 ready to start when you finish #5. Lynne told me that and I was happy that I followed her advice ; ) I finished #8 last month. I'm limiting myself to one/month or so because I know she'll quit writing this series one of these days and I want to put that day off for as long as possible. So much fun!

Unknown said...

Mary, I just finished 5 and immediately started 6 LOL!

Mare said...

I think that Nicole Kidman is a very talented actor. And the leading man was pleasing to watch!!

Janet said...

Thanks for the film recommendation.

The best book I have read on Australian history is The Fatal Shore by Robert Hughes. It's non-fiction and is about the early penal colonies on this continent.

I have seen Janet Evanovich's books, but have never tried one. I like a good mystery and am never averse to a laugh so perhaps it's time I gave them a whirl.

Anonymous said...

Am always on the lookout for good movie tips, and as I live in West Africa, they are all enjoyed from the comforts of our couch - preferably with tv dinner and enhanced by Sheba's snoring on the veranda :-D

Jennifer said...

I bought the DVD along with the movie "The Dutchess". Although both got mixed reviews, I have wanted to see them from the first. I've heard it's pretty lenghty...but...Hugh Jackman? No need to twist my arm. ;)

Sweet Virginia Breeze said...

I have read all the Stephanie Plum novels and I love them. They are great entertainment and provide the laughs we all need these days.