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Radcliffe’s harbouring a chamber of secrets ya see, because in the new Aussie film December Boys
he pulls a mighty big rabbit out of his hat. He’s so good here in fact
he could probably stop taking orders from the ‘Phoenix’ now and send
Potter back home on the loco.
In the Rod Hardy directed drama,
Radliffe plays the oldest of four boys, all orphans, who are shipped
off (they were picked over the other orphans because this month,
December, is their birthday) to stay in a beautiful seaside retreat.
The only houses on the shore belong to the couple (Jack Thompson and
Kris McQuaide) taking care of the boys whilst they’re there; a
genuinely nice young couple (Victoria Hill and Sullivan Stapleton)
who’ve got some issues, and a grizzled-old fisherman (Ralph Cotterill)
who spends his days trying to catch the ocean’s biggest fish.
The
boys, not surprisingly, have such a great time there, that they begin
to ‘put on a show’ for the young couple (Maps, played by Radcliffe,
seems less keen on impressing them and more interested in romancing the
local girlie, played by Theresa Palmer), hoping one of them will be
offered a permanent home. Not unexpectedly, tensions arise and the boys
clash as they vie for the title of ‘newly adopted child’.
Though
it’s not of the same ilk as some of Australia’s grand dramas (it’s a
cliché, but it’s true, they don’t make them like they used to!) December Boys is still a very enjoyable picture with much of the credit due to its young performers.
In addition to the wonderful Radcliffe (who does a superb Aussie accent too), Cormie (Darkness Falls), and particularly, the great Jack Thompson – in one of his best roles in years – shine. In her few short scenes, Palmer (2:37) also leaves her mark.
Hardy’s
made a striking beautiful and poignant movie that may have its
miniscule problems – the tone’s a little see-saw’y for starters – but
for the most part, is a commendable achievement.
You’ll laugh;
you’ll cry, but most of all, you’ll feel goosebumpy good by the end of
this. It mightn’t be a six, but it gives the Aussie team a nice couple
of points up on the board.
EXTRAS
Very disappointing in terms of extra features - only the one featurette on here. Conclusion:
Movie 70% Extras: 30%
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