MOVIE REVIEW - Australia

Australia is the big epic, love story movie out for this holiday season. Much anticipation, and hype which many times is the kiss of death for a big budget movie. But not here.

I am generally not a fan of these kind of movies. Usually too long, too complicated, and too over the top. That was my huge problem with Titanic, and Pearl Harbor and others like it. Too over the top, give me something that moves me but doesn't insult me with some kind opposites attract, sappy love story where people can't live without each other ofter one day. Australia is intelligent, and savvy. I feel they have learned from those mistakes.

Meet Lady Ashley (Nicole Kidman) , and The Drover (Hugh Jackman.) She is the British wife of a supposed cattle baron in the northern part of Australia in 1939. After her husband is murdered by a rival cattle company, she goes to Australia looking for answers. She travels to the The Faraway Downs Ranch, which she now owns with the help of The Drover, who is an expert on the Aussie Outback. She then attempts to revive her business against all odds. The love story insues and the adventure begins, culminating with the Japanese bombing Australia in 1942.

It's a very complicated story, and is sort of three movies in one, but Australia is fantastic! I am not a Kidman fan, but she is great here. Hugh Jackman is the next mega-star thanks to this movie. This is a break out role for him, and she has never been better. This movie is beautifully filmed, shot, and acted. Toss in a big soundtrack, terrific supporting performances, and a story I guarantee you don't know, and have never seen before. You then have one of the years best movies. I will tell you it's a big two-hour forty five minute investment, but it's worth it.

What carries this movie over the finish line is the story. Maybe where Pearl Harbor, or Titanic fell short with me is that the overriding story was well known. Australia is a based on true events, but the story I promise you you don't know. That is Australia's bread and butter.

Biggest surprise for me this year, Australia. One of the years best movies to be sure. Great for a date night. Violence minimal, language more than tame, it does tackle some tough issues though, including racism, so be aware if that's a sensitive issue for you. Best for adults, it's long, and not really understandable for the younger set. It also may be a movie-goers movie. Australia will more than likely not be attractive to the once a year movie goer.

Australia. Just flat out great!