West of Sunshine

I've never been a huge fan of Australian cinema, with one or two exceptions. I didn't find this movie too bad though. It's an interesting enough story, even if it's one we've seen before - 'deadbeat' dad has his son for the day and makes it really obvious why his ex-wife told him to pack his bags. He also has some nasty types after him for an unpaid debt. I suspect that some of the scenarios played out here may, sadly, be real life situations for some kids, which is tragic.

Fortunately, this movie is just short of 80 minutes long - any longer and it probably would have overstayed its welcome. As it is, it's an interesting enough diversion for an hour or so.

Clever low(er) budget drama set in the western suburbs of Melbourne, Australia. Having protagonist as a courier was a great device for us and the character's son to see different parts of the multicultural Melbourne. Don't get me wrong, it's fairly tense throughout. When the father has just found his way out of some trouble you're hoping he doesn't do what you think he's gonna do. What does he do? Well, there's a great look captured in slow motion on the face of actor Damian Hill that gives it away. Top supporting cast and disciplined script. Smart cinematography.

West of Sunshine's focus is on a father, Jim (played Damian Hill), who is in debt to a powerful man. This powerful man is threatening Damian with consequences if payment is not made by the end of the day. On the same day, it's also Jim's turn to look after his young son and he must work on the road as a local courier driver.

From the start of the film, we learn that Jim can't seem to catch a break. To make matters worse, he makes a very poor decision and turns to gambling to get him out of debt. Sadly the gambling only digs Jim further in debt and adds more problems to his life. The pressure is now on for Jim and while this film focuses on one day of Jim's life, the question is can Jim get out of the problems he has fallen into...

While the film's setting is based all in one day, the film tells its story at a quick and speedy pace. It gets straight to the point and doesn't get bothered with other plot points or give the audience lots of side characters. The key focus here is clearly on Jim as he deals with his struggles and the pressure which have come from making poor life choices. I also personally enjoyed the added concept of fatherhood that was explored here.

While the story of a man owing money to a powerful personage isn't anything new, the film does get a little creative with its overall tone and filming style, especially visually. It's also quite clear that this film has been completely filmed within the city and streets of Australia.

When it comes to performances, I will give praise to Damian Hall, who brings a great performance and energy to the screen. As the viewer, it's simply impossible not to feel for the character. Let's face it- the film reminds the world that no one is perfect, that we've all made mistakes in life and that we all seek second chances wherever possible. By the end of the film, I felt grateful and honoured for having witnessed one of Damian's Hall final performances as an actor. For me personally, I also took a positive meaning from this film which I didn't expect.

Overall, there are many elements to enjoy about this Australian film. It's a short, quick film that keeps on point without any major problems. Sure, the plot isn't anything new or different, but with a pleasing performances in particular from Damian Hill, thankfully there is a freshness in both style and the way the story is told.

6.4/10 Walkden Entertainment

Well it has it all,shooting killing and action from beginning till end.....jaaast kiddin' though you could wish for it in this gloomy australian production, with camera angles so close up to a face as you can get, ,sound and music are not moodlifting at all. i guess its played out in melbourne or maybe adelaide. its a man hi on dept and the way he struggles and looses and boozes around til he's beaten to glorynights,and like a twist of destiny makes his dept disappear, and all this in one day in his car with his child which he has custody for once in a while,because he is divorced and his ex is a muggle whitch that can kill with her eyes.

alternative title could have been, ''one day daddy day care'' or ''a day at work with my daddy'' or '' doing a line with my daddy'' or '' the day daddy almost died'' or ''my daddy doing drugs driving dining on a dime'' or '' how we made the deal with them dudes''.

must have been my worst comment on a movie, its passable,but boring nitwit that anybody with a car+cam could have done. its not a review for me unless somebody could give me a better reason to.

I can't say that West Of Sunshine will be a movie that I will remember in the future. It's just an average movie, much too slow, lacking of interesting action. The acting isn't bad but with just good acting you're not guaranteed to have a good movie. For that the story is just not captivating enough. It's just about a gambler with a debt trying to earn the money he owes, whilst driving his kid around for one day. Not much thrilling going on, just bad decisions throughout the whole movie. Maybe with a bit more action the movie could have been something but here it's just a movie out of a dozen, a movie I will not remember anything of tomorrow.