Streamline

Throughout this film, I had to keep asking myself, "Why bother?" The acting is competent. The production values are adequate for the job. But the script is sadly wanting. The adjectives that come to mind are: predictable, tedious, labored, timid, muddled. I can only hope that the writer meant to do better but felt constrained. If this film is the result of an unconstrained talent, there is much to lament.

What posesses many modern directors to so underlight films it is often impossible to see what is happening on screen! Even in daylight scenes the picture is dark and gloomy. Poor Levi starring as evil in his last film (total miscasting of such a face as demonish) and now a story where characters cannot be seen clearly- not the way to go!

Gritty movie showing a true side of Australian teenage turmoil in combining sport with life. Johnston drew from personal experience both being an Australian and his experience in competitive swimming as a teenager. Levi Miller portrayed the role beautifully and the cast showed a very accurate portrayal of Australian life for many. Loved it.

This movie was good, just not my cup of tea. If you are into sport movies or swimming then this will be a treat. I am thankful got subtitles or this movie would have been so hard to understand. Really, this is a movie about a kid who is really confused and selfish. Trying to figure life out, while trying to deal with all the adult drama in his life. I recommend if there is nothing better on to see.

Benjamin 'Boy' Lane (Levi Miller) is a 15 year old Australian swimming phenom on the path to the Olympics. His life starts falling apart after his abusive criminal father Rob Bush (Jason Isaacs) gets released from prison.

I must warn anyone wanting Jason Isaacs to be a big part of this movie. He is in a supporting role here although it is an important one. The kid is ok although he's no James Dean. For most of the movie, he has two modes. He is either smiling or not smiling. It's not until the end when he tries to expand his acting. This needs the kid to do more and Jason Isaacs could have drawn that out of him. I'm sure that Isaacs was too busy to give them more than a few days.