Jasper Jones

These days you have a hard time to select a movie to watch as a family. With the moral fiber of the world worn thin and the moral compass of the industry spinning out of control, it is good to find a gem ever so often. And where better to find it than Australia. I took note of the other reviews being a little from Aussie to Aussie, so I just had to break borders and rate from across the sea, albeit it still in the Southern Hemisphere. (I am sure that a Christmas tree in summer must seem a bit odd to the Northern viewers, but we are very comfortable with that, thankyouverymuch. The movie is very well acted and has the two talented youngsters Angourie Rice and Levi Miller supported by none other than Toni Collette (big fan) and Hugo Weaving. And I mean supported. They do not take center stage in this coming-of-age drama. The story is well told and the elements of racial tension and bias is well crafted and well resolved. 1969, and even if Australia is a world away, the world intrudes. We all enjoyed the movie tremendously, and even though it deals with adult topics, it makes it accessible for all ages. If you want an easy watching movie with the family, this is a good pick. You will be surprised.

I read this book after seeing Belvoir's mesmeric stage production, which so perfectly captured the claustrophobia of a small town in Western Australia in the 1960s. No movie was ever going to manage that and, as much as I love Toni Collette and Hugo Weaving I would have loved to see the same cast in the movie as I saw onstage. That said I couldn't help but become entwined in the lives of these young people and their community. Themes of racism, domestic violence and marriage breakdown are handled openly but sensitively. This story reminds of another favourite, 'The Curious Incident of The Dog in the Night Time'. If you like this book then I recommend 'Jasper Jones'.

Set in the small Western Australian town of Corrigan, in 1969, this Australian indie has loads of concurrent themes abounding, including a murder mystery, the blatant racism of the time, sexual molestation, infidelity, loyalty, friendship, and the list goes on.

Although the film may have thrown "one iron into the fire" too many, I still found it to be quite engaging, and it kept my interest as to how this would all play out. There's a strong cast here as well, led by Levi Miller, Toni Collette, Angourie Rice, Aaron McGrath, and Dan Wylie.

Overall, this coming-of-age tale, directed by Rachel Perkins, with a screenplay by Shaun Grant and Craig Silvey, based on his novel, may not always work, but it contains some solid twists and surprises and it kept my interest throughout.

This is a good drama. There are some mysteries that keep it interesting, however I wish it tied things up a little more with the subplots. It left too many things unanswered. I guess for us to make our own assumptions, but I like things more buttoned up.

Great acting from Toni Collette!

Rachel Perkins has directed another terrific, simple, Australian film here. Adds to illustrious titles including Radiance and Bran Nue Day. There was certainly good material to work with, being based on the young adult book by Craig Silvey, who has also co-written the screenplay. It looks nice, still has currency today and the acting is once again terrific from most of the players. Toni Collette as usual, Hugo Weaving in a cameo role. An understated but really good Dan Wylie, and a terrific performance from young Levi Miller. All in all a really well made film.