Australia

[Kargo Warrior]

This movie is getting pretty bad reviews...it's at 50% from 42 reviews at RT with an average of 5,6/10 which is terrible.
For comparison the best reviewed movies of the year Wall-E and The Dark Knight both have an average of 8,5/10.

With all the rumors of the changed ending and the bad editing it's not really surprising that it's not getting raves but this movie was supposed to be one of the frontrunners a month ago not to be worse reviewed than Wanted.

[The Dark Defender]

So critics hate it...it's probably pretty good.:)

[Kargo Warrior]

So critics hate it...it's probably pretty good.:)

Actually the critics give a lot better judgements of quality then they are given credit for...for example the most beloved comic book movies:

Batman Begins,The Dark Knight,Iron Man,Spider-Man,Spider-Man 2,Superman,Superman 2 and X-men 2 all have RT rating of over 84%.

There are always some left-field critics that share some outrageous oppinions but i have rarelly disagreed with the consensus on RT.

[danoyse]

So critics hate it...it's probably pretty good.:)

I just heard from a few people who saw it at the NY premiere last night. They loved it. :up:

[terry78]

The commercials give it this "musical" vibe for some reason, and I don't see too many dudes clamoring about how they want to see it. If it showcased more action, possibly.

[Jolie_Desastre]

So critics hate it...it's probably pretty good.:)

basically

[Galactus]

Actually the critics give a lot better judgements of quality then they are given credit for...for example the most beloved comic book movies:


I'd say that most of the movies that are loved by critics are also loved by people in general. The Godfather, The Shawshank Redemption... the list is long.

[nightwing06]

This will be a great sweeping epic or Out of Africa-lite

[Kargo Warrior]

I'd say that most of the movies that are loved by critics are also loved by people in general. The Godfather, The Shawshank Redemption... the list is long.

Exactly my point...it's getting used more for an excuse when a particular movie is not good enough.

If the reviews were glowing now people would have deemed the movie worthy of an Best Picture oscar but now that they are not,the critics know nothing.

[danoyse]

I saw the movie this afternoon (and thank you AMC on 42nd St for putting it in the little theater with the smaller screen :cmad: ), and despite the fact that it is probably way too long, I loved it. It feels like it's trying to be about 4 movies at once, but they were all good so I can't complain.

Like all Baz Lurhmann movies, it's got this musical-feel to the way he tells the story, but it works (as it usually does with all of his movies). It's the first big epic/love story/war movie I've seen in a long time, and it hadn't occurred to me how much I've missed those kind of movies. It's somewhat predictable (and I can see why critics would gripe), but again, it worked. The cinematography is as great as it was in the trailers - I want to visit Australia more than ever now.

Brandon Walters as Nullah absolutely steals the movie. I can't believe this kid has never acted before, his performance was absolutely Oscar-worthy. He's really the main character, and the whole story is told by him.

Nicole and Hugh were great, and David Wenham was a total sleaze as the villain. It was nice to see Hugh finally playing an Aussie for once. Although my one gripe is that the movie was a bit too long, I never complain about getting to see Hugh for nearly 3 hours. :woot:

I'm also glad they changed the ending from the rumored original endings. It would not have worked at all.

But I really enjoyed it, it was just a very enjoyable epic romance movie. They don't make enough of those movies anymore.

[Jolie_Desastre]

I just saw it today. What a beautifully crafted film. My review

I think the major reason that this got it so hard from critics was probably because of how unpredictable a film it really is. It really is nothing you have seen before. I'm assuming they were awaiting another Atonement of some sort imo, because that's what most of the previews led me to believe. The story doesn't even center mainly between Kidman or Jackman but surrounds the journey of the newcomer in the role of Nullah.


Like a poster stated above, it really does contain more than one story as well as Nullah's main story. It isabout a journey for three characters, before and in the midst of the attack on Australia after Pearl Harbor in 1941. I first have to really praise the cinematography in this film as well as most of the score. They really knew when to peak it at the right moments, my personal favorites being the stampede going towards the cliff, and Nullah crying after they halted in front of him ( I cried like a baby, I'll admit it) and when Nullah is being taken away and Lady Ashley keeps pulling him away from the priest while they both promise they'll see one another again (again I cried like a baby ok dammit leave me alone!).
The performances were just as great. You really see Kidman's character Lady Ashley grow throughout the film. In the beginning you see her as this English bred snob and towards the end you see her as this unstoppable maternal figure and she's believable every step of the way. Jackman ( ok humina humina humina) also didn't disappoint. I was almost waiting for Wolverine to come out towards the end when Jackman's character Drover runs to the burning building after the Japanese attack. But I saw none of Logan's anger, I saw Drover's anger and heartbreak when he is told Lady Ashley went down with the building. He really showed how versatile he can be in his roles (since I mostly saw him in the X-men films). The antagonist Fletcher was the type of villain that you really never see in films anymore. He got away with way too much until the end of the film. He never stopped corrupting and killing until his last breath.
And finally, Nullah's character was the one to really drive the film to what it was. At first I was like, wtf is this kid's deal? Thinking he's invisible at times and sings his magic out. But you really feel for him and seeing how much his grandfather influences his journey throughout the film and you start to really root for his character the most.

All in all, a visually stunning picture. Very long, but it's definitely worth it.
9/10

[Hunter Rider]

Glad you enjoyed it ladies. :)

[xwolverine2]

I just saw it today. What a beautifully crafted film. My review

I think the major reason that this got it so hard from critics was probably because of how unpredictable a film it really is. It really is nothing you have seen before. I'm assuming they were awaiting another Atonement of some sort imo, because that's what most of the previews led me to believe. The story doesn't even center mainly between Kidman or Jackman but surrounds the journey of the newcomer in the role of Nullah.


Like a poster stated above, it really does contain more than one story as well as Nullah's main story. It isabout a journey for three characters, before and in the midst of the attack on Australia after Pearl Harbor in 1941. I first have to really praise the cinematography in this film as well as most of the score. They really knew when to peak it at the right moments, my personal favorites being the stampede going towards the cliff, and Nullah crying after they halted in front of him ( I cried like a baby, I'll admit it) and when Nullah is being taken away and Lady Ashley keeps pulling him away from the priest while they both promise they'll see one another again (again I cried like a baby ok dammit leave me alone!).
The performances were just as great. You really see Kidman's character Lady Ashley grow throughout the film. In the beginning you see her as this English bred snob and towards the end you see her as this unstoppable maternal figure and she's believable every step of the way. Jackman ( ok humina humina humina) also didn't disappoint. I was almost waiting for Wolverine to come out towards the end when Jackman's character Drover runs to the burning building after the Japanese attack. But I saw none of Logan's anger, I saw Drover's anger and heartbreak when he is told Lady Ashley went down with the building. He really showed how versatile he can be in his roles (since I mostly saw him in the X-men films). The antagonist Fletcher was the type of villain that you really never see in films anymore. He got away with way too much until the end of the film. He never stopped corrupting and killing until his last breath.
And finally, Nullah's character was the one to really drive the film to what it was. At first I was like, wtf is this kid's deal? Thinking he's invisible at times and sings his magic out. But you really feel for him and seeing how much his grandfather influences his journey throughout the film and you start to really root for his character the most.

All in all, a visually stunning picture. Very long, but it's definitely worth it.
9/10

do you get to see kidmans boobs?


:oldrazz:

[Prison Mike]

I'll rent this movie...

[Jolie_Desastre]

do you get to see kidmans boobs?


:oldrazz:

surprisingly no, I really thought we would in the love scene but she kept her nightgown on.

but you do see a lot of topless jackman :O

[danoyse]

I just saw it today. What a beautifully crafted film. My review

I think the major reason that this got it so hard from critics was probably because of how unpredictable a film it really is. It really is nothing you have seen before. I'm assuming they were awaiting another Atonement of some sort imo, because that's what most of the previews led me to believe. The story doesn't even center mainly between Kidman or Jackman but surrounds the journey of the newcomer in the role of Nullah.


Like a poster stated above, it really does contain more than one story as well as Nullah's main story. It isabout a journey for three characters, before and in the midst of the attack on Australia after Pearl Harbor in 1941. I first have to really praise the cinematography in this film as well as most of the score. They really knew when to peak it at the right moments, my personal favorites being the stampede going towards the cliff, and Nullah crying after they halted in front of him ( I cried like a baby, I'll admit it) and when Nullah is being taken away and Lady Ashley keeps pulling him away from the priest while they both promise they'll see one another again (again I cried like a baby ok dammit leave me alone!).
The performances were just as great. You really see Kidman's character Lady Ashley grow throughout the film. In the beginning you see her as this English bred snob and towards the end you see her as this unstoppable maternal figure and she's believable every step of the way. Jackman ( ok humina humina humina) also didn't disappoint. I was almost waiting for Wolverine to come out towards the end when Jackman's character Drover runs to the burning building after the Japanese attack. But I saw none of Logan's anger, I saw Drover's anger and heartbreak when he is told Lady Ashley went down with the building. He really showed how versatile he can be in his roles (since I mostly saw him in the X-men films). The antagonist Fletcher was the type of villain that you really never see in films anymore. He got away with way too much until the end of the film. He never stopped corrupting and killing until his last breath.
And finally, Nullah's character was the one to really drive the film to what it was. At first I was like, wtf is this kid's deal? Thinking he's invisible at times and sings his magic out. But you really feel for him and seeing how much his grandfather influences his journey throughout the film and you start to really root for his character the most.

All in all, a visually stunning picture. Very long, but it's definitely worth it.
9/10

I totally agree with your review. Among the other tearjerker scenes for me was the part when
in the beginning when Fletcher was beating on Nullah, and Sarah fired him and sent him away, and Nullah's narration went something like "then he couldn't hurt my mamma no more."

The whole audience awwwwed at that.

I also liked the part when
the Drover made the bartender serve his friend after the attack.

That was a great scene.

I really enjoyed this movie. I definitely want to see it again on the big screen - it's just a beautiful film. :up:

[TNC9852002]

7.5/10 Australia
A really well made, albeit long movie. It focuses a lot on style, uses some flat character development and some cheesy visual cliches, but it's definitely a noble achievement in photography and filmmaking and it won't be ignored in the slightest come Oscar time.

Other Info
Sound Stage Capacity: 275 people
Capacity: 15%

-Bride Wars
-Valkyrie (#3)
-Marley and Me (#2)
-Gran Torino
-Frost/Nixon
-The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (#2)

-TNC

[Jolie_Desastre]

I totally agree with your review. Among the other tearjerker scenes for me was the part when
in the beginning when Fletcher was beating on Nullah, and Sarah fired him and sent him away, and Nullah's narration went something like "then he couldn't hurt my mamma no more."

The whole audience awwwwed at that.

I also liked the part when
the Drover made the bartender serve his friend after the attack.

That was a great scene.

I really enjoyed this movie. I definitely want to see it again on the big screen - it's just a beautiful film. :up:

Omg I loved those scenes! Nullah's narration was great and really helped make the scenes so much more emotional.

And yes definitely loved the second scene you mentioned as well. The scene with him after that I was tearing up big time

when he sacrificed himself for Drover and the kids when he distracted those Japs, teared up the whole time!

[The Dark Defender]

Actually the critics give a lot better judgements of quality then they are given credit for...for example the most beloved comic book movies:

Batman Begins,The Dark Knight,Iron Man,Spider-Man,Spider-Man 2,Superman,Superman 2 and X-men 2 all have RT rating of over 84%.

There are always some left-field critics that share some outrageous oppinions but i have rarelly disagreed with the consensus on RT.

I think that the X-Men films are horrible and obscenely overrated, I think Spider Man is one of the most atrocious big budget blockbusters I've ever suffered through and the second is good but not as good as it's made out to be.

Granted, in those cases it's not just critics, I think that fans overrate them just as much.

[[A]]

australia star didn't know hendrix was dead
australia star david gulpilil leads such a remote life in the australian outback, he has only just discovered jimi hendrix, who he befriended 38 years ago, has died.

The 55-year-old aborigine has starred in a string of hit aussie movies since finding fame in 1970 epic walkabout.

But he still lives deep in the bush, cut off completely from civilisation.

And during a casting meeting for australia, director baz luhrmann was stunned to discover how out of touch gulpilil really is.

The filmmaker says, "he's quite mystical. I went to see him and he said, 'baz. That fellow i played didgeridoo with all those years ago. Jimi hendrix. Is he still around?'

"he had no idea."

hendrix died in london in 1970, shortly after his meeting with gulpilil

- -

[TNC9852002]

Wow...That's interesting..

He was the guy that played King George right?

-TNC

[TNC9852002]

I think that the X-Men films are horrible and obscenely overrated, I think Spider Man is one of the most atrocious big budget blockbusters I've ever suffered through and the second is good but not as good as it's made out to be.

Granted, in those cases it's not just critics, I think that fans overrate them just as much.
GET OUT OF HERR! :p

-TNC

[danoyse]

Omg I loved those scenes! Nullah's narration was great and really helped make the scenes so much more emotional.

And yes definitely loved the second scene you mentioned as well. The scene with him after that I was tearing up big time

when he sacrificed himself for Drover and the kids when he distracted those Japs, teared up the whole time!

Oh, that was so sad!

I just read in Empire that the boy who played Nullah was not only making his acting debut, before being cast he'd never even been to a movie. Amazing.

I loved how they used The Wizard of Oz in the movie too. That was great.

I think I'm seeing this again this weekend...I really liked it.

[Jolie_Desastre]

I hope that boy really gets noticed, he helped carry this whole film imo.

I loved that too, especially towards the end with the harmonica :)

[danoyse]

I hope that boy really gets noticed, he helped carry this whole film imo.

I loved that too, especially towards the end with the harmonica :)

I hope so too. He really deserves it.

Oprah was plugging the movie a few weeks ago, and the audience got to see it...they were all melting over his performance. Hugh called him "magical."

[Jolie_Desastre]

That's great to hear.
He was so adorable too :O

[The Dark Defender]

The goofball comedy portion in the beginning is pretty botched and it takes a while to get moving, it's pretty good once it does though. It (mostly) fails as a comedy, semi-succeeds as an adventure movie, and succeeds really well as a drama.
Not as great as I'd hoped, but good. I can't think of a better movie I've seen Jackman in, and it's one of Kidman's best.

[narrows101]

Just got back from the movie and absolutely loved it! I knew a lot about it since I've been following the production for two years but I still cried at the end when they found each other and when Drover thought she was dead. If I didn't know what I knew I probably would have cried at other spots too! I just wish there was a *tad* more romance in it (more in depth) and that the sex scene was longer - his body on top of hers notwithstanding LOL.

Totally loved it, as did hubby.

[Ceb-Man]

My wife and i just got back seeeing this movie today and really lovd this movie. The performances by Hugh Jackman and Nicole Kidman were great. It is a great movie.

[Theweepeople]

Post transferred.

[danoyse]

Wee, please do not turn every Fox film into a Tom Rothman hate-fest. :whatever:

[Theweepeople]

Wee, please do not turn every Fox film into a Tom Rothman hate-fest. :whatever:


Since when was it wrong to state facts about a movie that appears to be underperforming.

[danoyse]

Since when was it wrong to state facts about a movie that appears to be underperforming.

You're not discussing the film, you are finding another excuse to thumb your nose at Rothman about another film it appears you haven't seen. If you want to do that, take it here:

http://forums.superherohype.com/showthread.php?t=303032&highlight=rothman

This thread is to discuss the film itself.

[Theweepeople]

First of all hate is such a strong word. I don't hate anyone including Tom Rothman. Secondly, I haven't tried to turn the threads of every Fox film into a Tom Rothman hate fest. You won't find any posts of me bashing the Wolverine movie until a short run time is revealed and poor reviews come out.

On the other hand, I understand your perspective about my post and this thread so I will edit my post in this thread and transfer it to the Tom Rothman thread.

[hammerhedd11]

I saw this film last night. I was really dreading it even though I loved Moulin Rouge just as the trailers looked very boring and cliche. But I loved it. My whole family (except my mom haha) thought it was going to be a dumb romance movie but we were all very surprised. It was much more of a western type of a movie (mostly the first half). I was really interested throughout the only gripe being it got a tad bit slow between the cattle drive part and the WWII story.

Hugh Jackman and Nicole Kidman had a lot of chemistry and it was surprising that they didn't focus as much on the romance as the commercials suggest. David Wenham was a decispicable villian and his demise was very well done. After seeing this I want Baz to do a more action oriented film as the stampede and bombing scene were very well done and better than any action movie this year.

All in all this brought back the romantic epic. I hope WOM picks up so this flick does well it really deserves it over Four Christmases. I give this a very strong 9/10.

[terry78]

Think Baz could do a comic book movie if he was called on to do so?

[Octoberist]

i haven't seen the movie yet, but there were complaints of bad CGI and greenscreen, due to a last minute reshoot of some scenes. Do those scene stand out?

[danoyse]

i haven't seen the movie yet, but there were complaints of bad CGI and greenscreen, due to a last minute reshoot of some scenes. Do those scene stand out?

Not that I noticed. There were definitely greenscreen moments, but I think it was meant to have that look - sort of like how those kind of backdrops looked on the old epic films. It's very typical Baz kind of stuff.

I'm glad they did change the original ending. I don't think killing off the Drover would have worked at all. I'm all for tragic endings, but that just would have been a miserable way to end the movie.

[J. J. Jameson]

Just got back from seeing it. Loved it. I don't understand why the critics are dissing it. I thought it was great, albeit a little long. The story was a bit predictable, sure, but isn't every romance story at least a little predictable? But the cinematography was FANTASTIC! The story was like getting two movies for the price of one...and it really gave you a sense of time passing and the shifting of an era--from the "Wild West" atmosphere to a more war-like and hostile setting.

Bottom line: Don't listen to the critics. It was great. You'll like it. Go see it. Just don't drink a lot before you sit down to watch it.

[Hush]

Thought it was fantastic, Jackman needed a bit more screen time and the begining took a bit to get into, overall though it was fantastic! It was like Gone With The Wind in WWII era. I will be buying the DVD for sure. Critics are idiots.

[FaT_tONle]

Australia disappoints at US box office

Australia has opened poorly in North American cinemas, possibly torpedoing the Oscar chances of director Baz Luhrmann and stars Nicole Kidman and Hugh Jackman.

Australia opened in 2,600 theatres across the US and Canada on Wednesday for the lucrative Thanksgiving long weekend, but audiences have largely snubbed the movie.

Instead of buying tickets to the epic set in outback Australia and Darwin, cinemagoers preferred the new Reese Witherspoon Christmas comedy Four Holidays, the teen vampire film Twilight, the new Disney animated movie Bolt and the latest James Bond flick, Quantum of Solace.

Australia, which cost $US130 million to make, made a disappointing $US10.9 million in its first three days, well behind frontrunner Four Holidays.

"It's a pretty modest opening for Australia," president of Hollywood box office tracker, boxofficemojo.com, said today.

Four Holidays has made $US28.2 million, Twilight $US24.2 million and third-placed Bolt $US20.2 million.

It is possible Australia could end up in a dismal seventh place when the Thanksgiving box office period ends today, with the film locked in a battle with two sequels, action film Transporter 3 and Madagascar 2, an animated movie that has been in theatres for three weeks.

Australia's poor showing could hit its Oscar hopes.

Theatre owners pull underperforming films out and replace them with box office draws such as the teen sensation, Twilight, which has amassed $US104 million in ticket sales in less than two weeks.

The Hollywood studio behind Australia, Twentieth Century Fox, may also shuffle it out of theatres and bump up the exposure for one of its big Christmas films, the sci-fi re-make starring Keanu Reeves of the 1951 classic, The Day the Earth Stood Still.

"Theatre owners are probably contractually obligated to run Australia for 2.5 weeks," Gray said.

"Fox has The Day the Earth Stood Still opening on December 12 and that could take a lot of Australia's theatres."

The longer a film stays in theatres, the more exposure it will receive for the Oscars, Golden Globes, Screen Actors Guild and other major Hollywood awards to be decided in the new year.

"For a film that had quite a wide release, the pressure is on Australia for it to have significant box office early on in order to to stay in theatres and then capture the attention of the industry for the year end awards," Gray said.

"It only hurts a film's chances if it disappoints at the box office."



Thank God this thing flopped at the Box office... I mean 11 million for the first three days in the U.S??? That's a joke... Kidman is the most overpaid actress on the planet... hopefully this sends her into early retirement... and Jackman needs to get out of this romance gig ASAP... not suggesting he should play Wolverine for the rest of his life... but get out while you are still young.

Hopefully Fox gets killed with The Day the Earth Stood Still on top of this... but I expect that to do well... unfortunately...

[narrows101]

Thank God this thing flopped at the Box office... I mean 11 million for the first three days in the U.S??? That's a joke... Kidman is the most overpaid actress on the planet... hopefully this sends her into early retirement... and Jackman needs to get out of this romance gig ASAP... not suggesting he should play Wolverine for the rest of his life... but get out while you are still young.

My belief is that the target demo for this movie was preparing for the holiday. It will make close to $20M for the five days. All of Baz's movies grow by word of mouth - and Hugh is the perfect romantic lead - lots of ooohhing and ahhhing when I saw the movie!! I think he should make MORE romance movies! I heard so many "he looks like Clark Gable/Cary Grant" comments in the two showings that I went to - plus audience applause at the end.

Let's have another take:

http://news.fantasymoguls.com/originalcontent/2008/11/final-weekend-3.html

There is decent heat on Australia, according to the current tracking. In fact, there is even a chance for a major upside surprise, and it all may be thanks to Oprah Winfrey, who did an hour with Luhrmann, Jackman and Kidman recently. Here is what "The Big O" said about Australia:

"Our hearts are all swelling because, my God, it's just the film we needed to see. I have not been this excited about a movie since I don't know when. It's the best movie I've seen in a long, long, long, long time. It is epic, it is magic, it is a spectacle and the scenery is so gorgeous you can barely stand it. AUSTRALIA is going to make you jump on a plane and go Down Under."
— Oprah Winfrey

This woman has got major pull with exactly the demo that this movie needs. Oprah’s endorsement counts for a lot. I think this one will top $20 million for five days and finish at No. 5. In fact, my final number is $24 million, which would bode well for 20th Century Fox making back its investment and for awards season.

Variety:

Perhaps the most watched wide release off the holiday is Baz Luhrmann's sweeping epic "Australia," from 20th Century Fox. The Hugh Jackman-Nicole Kidman starrer was up 96% on Thursday, and 30% on Thursday, indicating that the film is building interest among adult moviegoers, as with Luhrmann's previous films.

On Friday, "Australia" grossed $5.8 million from 2,462 runs for a three day cume of $11 million. Pic's performance is in line with Fox's expectations, even if it is only in fifth place at the holiday box office. Friday's day-over-day gain of 96% was the best among adult-skewing titles.

Check out all the positive comments at IMDB.

Also:

http://www.australiamovie.net/2008/11/audiences-around-the-world-applaud-australia-despite-media-trend/

Audiences Around the World Applaud ‘Australia’, Despite Media Trend
November 29th, 2008

Here’s a story you aren’t reading in the Australian press, or anywhere else for that matter. We know (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rkesvHiWt_U) media outlets visit our site for information, so perhaps this will give them something to rehash, or at the very least to think about. Australia has been released in Australia and America for 4/5 days now. Plenty of time for the critics to have their reviews printed. As with Baz opinions tend to be polarized, there’s been good, bad, and in between. So far it appears the good and in between outrank the bad, you can read the mix of reviews here (http://moulinrouge.yuku.com/reply/67353/t/REVIEWS-The-Good-The-Bad-The-Critics-The-Bloggers.html#reply-67353).

Have you been to a screening yet? If you have, chances are the crowd were so impressed that they applauded at the end. In Australia this is not a common thing after a film, so it is amazing to witness; likewise we’re told the same is occurring all around American cinemas, already with nine separate instances mentioned on the IMDb message boards (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0455824/board/flat/123960830). When a complete stranger turns to you in the audience and says, “I feel like standing up and applauding,” and then proceeds to do so, this is a powerful film. Because of the subject nature, it may not be a film that will immediately attract cinemagoers in droves (no pun intended), but with such responses you can bet word of mouth will be the friend of this film and australiamovie.net intends to lead the way.

What’s quite disappointing is to see the Australian media’s willingness to re-report the few scathing reviews from our international neighbours. The Aussie press are not here to blindly praise the film; however nor should they report as though international opinions are gospel. As a small country we do tend to put a lot of stock in what the larger nations such as the UK and USA have to say, sometimes to a fault. We respect our older siblings and like to know what they think. However, if one critic from the UK publishes a scathing review over the film and Kidman’s acting, why is it then relevant for Australian media to publish an article …about this article?? Likewise with tales from The Age (http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2008/11/30/1227979829820.html) about the film supposedly ‘bombing’ in America; here’s an article which used current figures up to Friday when the film was only released on Wednesday. The article also failed to acknowledge that the film made twice the amount that Luhrmann’s previous Academy Award winning cult film, Moulin Rouge! made on its first day out, nor did it mention the box office went up by almost 100% on Friday and should bring in solid figures for the weekend. While this film will not likely take in massive numbers each day, it should do a long and steady haul to see it reap returns. Meanwhile no doubt we’ll continue to be fed a sensationalised and skewed portion of the truth, because it sells and it gets people talking. For as fast as some outlets were happy to put the film up on an unreachable pedestal, they have been just as eager to tear it down.

If you’ve reached this site before seeing the film, wanting to know if you should bother or not. Ask yourself, when was the last time you went to a film and people enjoyed it so much that they cheered and applauded? If you’re visiting our site because you enjoyed the film, then we encourage you to spread the word!

[danoyse]

I keep reading responses on other forums and people seem to really be liking it. It's going to be behind the other big releases - it's a long movie, so it's got fewer screenings, and the critics weren't too kind to it, and it's got a lot of competition. One of those first 3 days was a major holiday too, so the grosses would be down. I hope the WOM gives it a decent boost--it was a great movie.

[danoyse]

And it looks like Australia had a decent weekend, coming in at 5th place:

http://www.usatoday.com/life/movies/news/2008-11-30-boxoffice_N.htm

Baz Luhrmann's Australia exceeded expectations by about 20%, landing at No. 5 on both the three-day ($14.8 million) and five-day ($20 million) chart, while Gus Van Zant's acclaimed Milk, a drama about the assassination of San Francisco supervisor Harvey Milk and mayor George Moscone, opened on just 36 screens but took the crown for per-screen average with a whopping $52,627 over five days for a $1.9 million total.

Yes! :up: :woot:

[biolumen]

Big write up on the movie's potential impact on the Australian film industry.

http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,24729438-7582,00.html

[Fanticon]

At the Movies trashed it...is it really that bad? Was it just cuz it was too long or were there other things that really dragged this down?

[danoyse]

At the Movies trashed it...is it really that bad? Was it just cuz it was too long or were there other things that really dragged this down?

There are some definite positive reviews on this thread you can check out.

I thought it was great. A little long, but worth it. Beautiful film, great performances. I'm definitely going to see it again. :up:

[narrows101]

All the "cream of the crop" - Variety, Hollywood Reporter, LA Times, NY Times, even Roger Ebert - gave it glowing reviews. I've read messages on other MBs saying they absolutely loved the movie and are going to see it again. I know people that have seen it three and four times already. It's Baz Luhrmann - he's a love it or hate it director, but this movie was absolutely stunning. And you WILL crying during this movie, especially towards the end. I heard audible sniffling and even gasps at certain points (when a certain character showers in the Outback and appears at a dance in a white dinner jacket). I can't recommend this movie enough.

[J. J. Jameson]

One thing I really noticed about this movie...when a character dies, you feel it. Just like you feel the environment around you. Sitting in the theater, watching the bombing sequence, I felt like I needed to run and hide and take cover. It was breathtaking and powerful.

I agree with the poster above--it's an emotional movie.

[Hush]

Things just made me react in this film like I have in no other before. It was a great Experience.

[That-Guy]

I still haven't seen this but I can't believe that the movie was so bad that it deserved to lose out to crap like Four Christmases at the box office. I swear, people will go to see any pile of garbage if you slap the word "Christmas" somewhere in the title.

[Octoberist]

So since Australia didn't do super well, that means that Fox still only has one movie that made 100 million this year?

[Hush]

TDTESS should help that problem.

[Fanticon]

well i think i've changed my mind just reading all they hypster reviews...i hope i can catch before or around christmas....At The Movies has lost all credibility now that roeper is gone i guess.

[Fanticon]

well i think i've changed my mind just reading all they hypster reviews...i hope i can catch before or around christmas....At The Movies has lost all credibility now that roeper is gone i guess.

[Theweepeople]

So since Australia didn't do super well, that means that Fox still only has one movie that made 100 million this year?

Yes. Horton hears a Who is the only Fox film that made over 100million.


http://www.boxofficemojo.com/yearly/chart/?yr=2008&p=.htm


At least they have one more 100million boxoffice grossing film than LionsGate.:oldrazz:

[danoyse]

well i think i've changed my mind just reading all they hypster reviews...i hope i can catch before or around christmas....At The Movies has lost all credibility now that roeper is gone i guess.

Wasn't At the Movies taken over by snarky Entertainment Weekly critics recently?

Definitely see it. It's a great film. :up:

[FaT_tONle]

Yes. Horton hears a Who is the only Fox film that made over 100million.


http://www.boxofficemojo.com/yearly/chart/?yr=2008&p=.htm


At least they have one more 100million boxoffice grossing film than LionsGate.:oldrazz:

They still have Day the Earth...

Let's do the ol' flop dance and pray for another flop... :woot:

[danoyse]

They still have Day the Earth...

Let's do the ol' flop dance and pray for another flop... :woot:

So neither of you have actually seen this film, yet you are rooting for it to flop? :whatever:

[Theweepeople]

So neither of you have actually seen this film, yet you are rooting for it to flop? :whatever:

Find me the quote where I said I wanted The Day the Earth Stood Still to flop. My feelings towards that movie are indecisive. I'm definitely, not excited for the film but, I'm not rooting for it to flop if it turns out to be a good movie. I will admit that I probably won't be seeing in the theaters.

Furthermore, what is wrong with anyone wanting any movie to flop if it looks like crap? Are you suggesting that we should want awful looking films like Dragon Ball to do well, because if that was the reality the quality of films would drastically go down do to moviegoers accepting mediocrity.

[danoyse]

Find me the quote where I said I wanted The Day the Earth Stood Still to flop. My feelings towards that movie are indecisive. I'm definitely, not excited for the film but, I'm not rooting for it to flop if it turns out to be a good movie. I will admit that I probably won't be seeing in the theaters.

Furthermore, what is wrong with anyone wanting any movie to flop if it looks like crap? Are you suggesting that we should want awful looking films like Dragon Ball to do well, because if that was the reality the quality of films would drastically go down do to moviegoers accepting mediocrity.

I was talking about Australia, since this is the Australia thread. I'm not interested in The Day the Earth Stood Still.

You do this to every Fox film. We get it. You hate Fox. I don't blame you. I don't like them much either. In fact, I used to work for Fox and I hated it there. So I probably hate them more than you do.

But you know what? Australia was a good film. I know a lot of people who liked it. On top of terrific performances by Nicole and Hugh, it features a remarkable performance by a little boy who had not only not acted before - he'd never even been to a movie before he was cast. The cinematography was beautiful, I loved the score. I'm a big fan of Baz's work, and he didn't disappoint me here.

You don't know any of that because you don't actually see these films. And that's fine if you don't want to see it. But having to listen to you constantly post on these threads dancing on the graves of movies just because they came from Fox gets tiresome to read, especially when you don't bother seeing the film.

I didn't expect this movie to be a hit. Audiences will always go to the latest Vince Vaughn crapfest over a nearly 3-hour long WWII epic. No surprises here...although some of the box office reports I've read said it actually held up decently against the competition, and Variety just bumped it up to #4 for the weekend. Maybe there's a decent run for it after all.

But like I said, it turned out to be a great film and if you read some of the other responses on this thread, a few other people felt the same way. Just leave it alone if you can't be bothered with it.

[Theweepeople]

I was talking about Australia, since this is the Australia thread. I'm not interested in The Day the Earth Stood Still.

You do this to every Fox film. We get it. You hate Fox. I don't blame you. I don't like them much either. In fact, I used to work for Fox and I hated it there. So I probably hate them more than you do.

But you know what? Australia was a good film. I know a lot of people who liked it. On top of terrific performances by Nicole and Hugh, it features a remarkable performance by a little boy who had not only not acted before - he'd never even been to a movie before he was cast. The cinematography was beautiful, I loved the score. I'm a big fan of Baz's work, and he didn't disappoint me here.

You don't know any of that because you don't actually see these films. And that's fine if you don't want to see it. But having to listen to you constantly post on these threads dancing on the graves of movies just because they came from Fox gets tiresome to read, especially when you don't bother seeing the film.

I didn't expect this movie to be a hit. Audiences will always go to the latest Vince Vaughn crapfest over a nearly 3-hour long WWII epic. No surprises here...although some of the box office reports I've read said it actually held up decently against the competition, and Variety just bumped it up to #4 for the weekend. Maybe there's a decent run for it after all.

But like I said, it turned out to be a great film and if you read some of the other responses on this thread, a few other people felt the same way. Just leave it alone if you can't be bothered with it.

Sheez. The only reason I posted in here again was to answer one poster's question that wasn't even about Australia.


I would have no problem with this film doing if it's good. I may see it on video someday. However, it's not doing good. I pointed that out earlier. You seemed to have a problem with it so I decided not to talk about it anymore and I haven't until now. Nothing personal but, I think you're being a little too sensitive about this movie underperforming.

[DBZ2cool]

So since Australia didn't do super well, that means that Fox still only has one movie that made 100 million this year?

Aren't you one of those guys who says that amount of money made at boxoffice does not reflect the quality of the film.

Fox made a great movie i.e. Australia which is being unfairly criticized. They gave Baz full freedom and the movie is a long sweeping epic, emotional and beautiful movie. Audiences like it a lot so I am hoping legs will be good.

Fox's marketing has been weak this year for all movies but you also have to remember than Baz finished this movie late and was working on it till last minute which delays a lot of marketing plan etc. Nonetheless I am glad fox delivered something amazing.

[FaT_tONle]

You do this to every Fox film. We get it. You hate Fox. I don't blame you. I don't like them much either. In fact, I used to work for Fox and I hated it there. So I probably hate them more than you do.

I am not gonna stop hating them... I'm sorry. You can ban me for it... until someone buys that studio out... it will never stop. Besides... I could care less about quality of this film... there is nothing wrong with discussing box office figures in the respective thread.

[danoyse]

Sheez. The only reason I posted in here again was to answer one poster's question that wasn't even about Australia.


I would have no problem with this film doing if it's good. I may see it on video someday. However, it's not doing good. I pointed that out earlier. You seemed to have a problem with it so I decided not to talk about it anymore and I haven't until now. Nothing personal but, I think you're being a little too sensitive about this movie underperforming.

:whatever:

I already stated that I didn't expect the film to be a hit. It's doing about as well as I thought it would. This is about trolling in the threads of Fox films just because you hate Fox. That needs to stop.

[Theweepeople]

:whatever:

I already stated that I didn't expect the film to be a hit. It's doing about as well as I thought it would. This is about trolling in the threads of Fox films just because you hate Fox. That needs to stop.

This is becoming really bizzare. How often do you see me post in any Dragon Ball thread? How often do you see me post in the Legend of Chun Li thread? How often do you see me post in The day the earth stood still thread? How often do you see me post in any Wolverine thread? Those are all Fox films and yet you'll rarely find me post anything in those threads.

[wellsy]

I would have no problem with this film doing if it's good. I may see it on video someday. However, it's not doing good. I pointed that out earlier. You seemed to have a problem with it so I decided not to talk about it anymore and I haven't until now. Nothing personal but, I think you're being a little too sensitive about this movie underperforming.
So, you're not seeing this because other people aren't going to see it? That's a rather shallow reason, if you ask me.

I just saw it myself - it's certainly quite impressive in terms of scope, character, and cinematography. The very black humour at the start felt a bit forced. However, kangaroo being shot was hysterical

However, there were a problems I had with it - first and foremost, it felt like the movie was trying to be too much (though, with that said, it's a forgivable problem).


Secondly, the Japanese on Mission Island. No Japanese ever set foot on Australian territory, sans New Guinea (which at the time had been claimed as a colony of Australia). I know it's Hollywood and all, but for someone who knows their history, it feels a little breaking.


My only other issue was that there were plenty of pauses where they're just looking at each other. Me being someone who watches a lot of anime (and can get through Bee Train's Tsubasa: Reservoir Chronicles, which has the pacing of a snail), I didn't feel it was a problem, but for some, it might not be their cup of tea.

But with that said, I certainly did tear up when Nullah's mother died, which says an awful lot about the characterisation. The cinematography is quite stunning, and while certainly it was a bit dissapointing to see Faraway Downs only partially brought to life after the rains (if they'd had the whole thing blooming, you'd be stunned), but then again, there's still plenty of fantastic scenery up there.

Acting-wise, I didn't mind Hugh Jackman's slightly overdone accent. It was a long way from cringe-worthy (Steve Irwin style), and being Australian, it comes fairly naturally. But that accent is always a tough one, and Hugh does it well. Nicole's Lady Ashleigh is also quite good, if perhaps a bit overdone at the start. Brandon Walters is incredible, and the cast is essentially a who's who of Australian acting.

Certainly, it's worth a good look. Patience is rewarded in this film, in the style of the epics of yester-year. All up, with some creative fictions aside, it's a very good film. Hardly perfect, but certainly good, and worth a viewing.

[Theweepeople]

So, you're not seeing this because other people aren't going to see it? That's a rather shallow reason, if you ask me.


Wrong. I have a mind of my own and I made the decision to not see this film a while ago. I'm not seeing it because it doesn't interest me. Every year I add a number of films to my must see list. This movie never got added to it.

[nightwing06]

Baz Luhrmann's Autralia is a mixture of The African Queen,Gone with the Wind and a healthy serving of The Wizard of Oz.Sometimes this blend works and sometimes this blend works in Australia's two hour and fourty five minute running time.The opening sequences are so quirky and silly it was hard to get into the film.But once it gets past this i got into the story of English aristocrat
Lady Sarah Ashley(Nicole Kidman) and rancher Drover(Hugh Jackman) who is
trying to save her property from a takeover and drive 2,000 cattle.
The film also tries to tackle the horrific racist issues during the late 30's and 40's.This plays out in a particulary powerful scene with Jackman towards the end of the film.
I bought the romance between the leads,and some scenes are amazingly beautiful and breathtaking.I did get a lump in my throat in a couple of the scenes between Kidman and young Brandon Walters(Nullah).Children are really turning in some great performances this month (SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE).
Luhrmann also throws in nods to other great films like,Casablanca.
Unfortunately he throws in tons of Hollywood cliches too.The villains are the sinister King Carney (Bryan Brown) and the the downright heartless Neil Fletcher (David Wenham) both actors try to add enough villainy,but most of their scenes boil down to something like this: "Im going to ge that lil Miss Ashley"!!"Yeah were going to get her"!!! "Hey you didnt get her" All thats missing is the twirling of moustache's.
Im shocked Luhrmann decided to shoot some scenes with an ugly off putting green screen effect when it wasnt needed because he had such wonderful landscapes to choose from.
I counted at least 3 or was that 4 different endings and at least 20 minutes could have been cut from the film.
Australia is not the epic i was hoping for but its not a total disater either.Scale of 1-10 a 7

[I Am The Knight]

Yes. Horton hears a Who is the only Fox film that made over 100million.


http://www.boxofficemojo.com/yearly/chart/?yr=2008&p=.htm


At least they have one more 100million boxoffice grossing film than LionsGate.:oldrazz:

Well, Horton was actually a very good film, so it absolutely deserved it. I'm kinda shocked it came from Fox.

Anywayl, Australia seems set to underperform, at least in the U.S.

[WeaponXProject]

As I hear it doesn't live up to the hype, I still want to see it. I'm not ever "hyped' about epic love stories but I am into Baz's visuals so I will check it out.

This is one of the last two Fox movies I will see...

[narrows101]

I'm tired of all these "doesn't live up to the hype" stuff - go see for yourself. This movie has been called a "masterpiece" by some and "horrible" by others. A friend just called and asked if I wanted to go and I said yes (even though I have seen it twice) and she said "it got three and a half stars!" So it all depends what you are reading. So go and decide for yourself.

[WeaponXProject]

I'm tired of all these "doesn't live up to the hype" stuff - go see for yourself. This movie has been called a "masterpiece" by some and "horrible" by others. A friend just called and asked if I wanted to go and I said yes (even though I have seen it twice) and she said "it got three and a half stars!" So it all depends what you are reading. So go and decide for yourself.

I'm gonna see it but not everybody likes paying 10 dollars to see a movie with okay reviews. I can see why some say that.

Looks good to me though.

[FaT_tONle]

As I hear it doesn't live up to the hype, I still want to see it. I'm not ever "hyped' about epic love stories but I am into Baz's visuals so I will check it out.

This is one of the last two Fox movies I will see...

Wolverine will be garbage... I'll probably end up seeing it since 09 is dog crap and nothing else is out. Never was a Star Trek guy...

[J. J. Jameson]

I just saw "At the Movies"...and as a previous poster said, they trashed it, save for the cinematography.

Meh. I still love it.

[Hush]

I have been telling everyone i know to go see this and to just sit back wear sweats and enjoy it. lol Only thing you can do at an experience like this film.

[narrows101]

Photos from premieres:

Madrid 12/2:

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a199/narrows101/Hugh/nicole-kidman-gold-dress-07.jpg

http://justjared.buzznet.com/2008/12/02/nicole-kidman-gold-dress/

Paris 12/1:

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a199/narrows101/Hugh/parisaus4.jpg

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a199/narrows101/Hugh/hugh-jackman-australia-paris-premie.jpg



http://justjared.buzznet.com/2008/12/02/hugh-jackman-australia-paris-premiere/


NY 11/24:

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a199/narrows101/Hugh/just-jared-meets-hugh-jackman-01.jpg

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a199/narrows101/Hugh/just-jared-meets-hugh-jackman-05.jpg

http://justjared.buzznet.com/2008/11/24/just-jared-meets-hugh-jackman/

Sydney 11/18:

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a199/narrows101/Hugh/nicole-kidman-australia-world-pr-1.jpg

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a199/narrows101/Hugh/nicole-kidman-australia-world-pr-2.jpg

http://justjared.buzznet.com/2008/11/18/nicole-kidman-australia-world-premiere/

[danoyse]

I have been telling everyone i know to go see this and to just sit back wear sweats and enjoy it. lol Only thing you can do at an experience like this film.

LOL. And don't start chugging the rest of your Diet Coke thinking the movie is nearly over when it turned out to have nearly an hour left. That was my mistake when I saw it. :eek:

I'll be seeing it again this weekend, since my mom wants to see it. Can't wait.

[pyromaniac]

LOL. And don't start chugging the rest of your Diet Coke thinking the movie is nearly over when it turned out to have nearly an hour left. That was my mistake when I saw it. :eek:

I'll be seeing it again this weekend, since my mom wants to see it. Can't wait.

You should nearly always check the running time beforehand.

Yeah, I really like it too. My best mate cried 10 times and I've never known the 27 year old to be the crier type.

The cinematography and the images of country Australia are just beautiful. Wouldn't it make you want to go down under? And Hugh's hot. The boy is great too. The story's good too, I thought, mystically, and talking about owning versus keeping Faraway Downs and the war of Darwin as more of a background setting.

[danoyse]

You should nearly always check the running time beforehand.

I did! In fact I didn't drink much of it at all for most of the movie. I guess I enjoyed it so much I lost track of time. :oldrazz:

Yeah, I really like it too. My best mate cried 10 times and I've never known the 27 year old to be the crier type.

The cinematography and the images of country Australia are just beautiful. Wouldn't it make you want to go down under? And Hugh's hot. The boy is great too. The story's good too, I thought, mystically, and talking about owning versus keeping Faraway Downs and the war of Darwin as more of a background setting.

I totally want to visit Australia. I did before I saw the movie, but I want to go even more now. One day I will...

[Hush]

LOL. And don't start chugging the rest of your Diet Coke thinking the movie is nearly over when it turned out to have nearly an hour left. That was my mistake when I saw it. :eek:

I'll be seeing it again this weekend, since my mom wants to see it. Can't wait.

I personally don't eat at theatres being the health nut I am I ate with the lady before the film and thought it was wise til i had to piss through the last 45. lol Still it was just so awesome.

[Asr]

I saw this movie a few weeks ago. Thought it was pretty good, that boy did a great job and definitely stole the show. Really awesome scenery too, now I want to visit the country. And a special mention to David Wenham (Fletcher) too, man that guy is awesome in every role I've been seeing him in since Lord of the Rings. His sliminess was practically peeling off the screen. :oldrazz: He needs to be in more movies!

[cerealkiller182]

finally got around to seeing it. very good film 8/10

wrote a review http://rickshq.blogspot.com/2009/02/review-australia.html
its not something i do very often so sorry if my writing is not up to par

[scifiwolf]

Been watching this on DVD, and must say that the movie seems schitzophrenic. Sometimes the special effects are great, most of the time they're glaringly bad. Same thing with the tone of the movie. There are times I think I'm watching deleted scenes from Moulin Rouge, then there are times when I'm watching something as epic and dramatic as Gallipoli. The script is solid, even if it is a little stepped on by my previous complaint. The acting is solid among most of the cast, although the boy playing Nulla shows his inexperience. Hugh Jackman really stands out and owns the movie. As the movie continues past the cattle drive, some of these issues become less prevalent. All in all, I gave the movie a 6/10.

[Tojo]

Silly movie, except for the aborgini George and the little boy-However, when Hugh jackman came to that party i thought wow he would have made a great Superman given the chance. Has the right masculinity and essential goodness about him. And he's alot of gravitas.

[Thinkton]

Did you guys know that the villain from wolf creek is in the last part of the film. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Jarratt

[cerealkiller182]

yea i recognized him, he said something about kidman like "what's wrong with you lady" or something or other.

[Dark Victory]

Couldn't get into it at all, and it just wouldn't end.

3/10