I think this is an under rated gem of Aussie cinema.
The characters are so charming you'll find yourself falling for them all. Special mentions go to all four leads. The characters start out as homeless strangers and end up as a found family. The characters and interactions might eventually bring to mind a beloved cinema classic. More on that in the spoilers below.
The music (there's a lot), cinematography and humour are all top notch for an indie feature. It looks and sounds great. It feels way bigger than its budget would lead you to believe.
The plot and structure and characters are a little unusual until the penny drops that this is a contemporary remake of the Wizard of Oz. Something you may not pick up until late in the film. Because it doesn't hit you over the head with that fact immediately. This film is way too clever for that.
When you do realise that you're travelling down the yellow brick road you'll begin to feel that Wizard of Oz affection for those characters creeping up on you. It's kinda like you're meeting old friends, whom you've never met before.
You also might want to are watch it from the start again. The Director and crew has hidden many, many Easter eggs within this film that Oz fans, of both the books and the film(s) will adore and love to pick out. Have some friends over and test your Wizard of Oz trivia knowledge as you watch it. Even then I don't think you get all the references. Pay attention to costumes, names and set design to spot the most obvious ones. But there are so many more.
Oh Aunty Em, there's no place like Melbourne! Take the journey I think you'll enjoy it.
The characters are so charming you'll find yourself falling for them all. Special mentions go to all four leads. The characters start out as homeless strangers and end up as a found family. The characters and interactions might eventually bring to mind a beloved cinema classic. More on that in the spoilers below.
The music (there's a lot), cinematography and humour are all top notch for an indie feature. It looks and sounds great. It feels way bigger than its budget would lead you to believe.
The plot and structure and characters are a little unusual until the penny drops that this is a contemporary remake of the Wizard of Oz. Something you may not pick up until late in the film. Because it doesn't hit you over the head with that fact immediately. This film is way too clever for that.
When you do realise that you're travelling down the yellow brick road you'll begin to feel that Wizard of Oz affection for those characters creeping up on you. It's kinda like you're meeting old friends, whom you've never met before.
You also might want to are watch it from the start again. The Director and crew has hidden many, many Easter eggs within this film that Oz fans, of both the books and the film(s) will adore and love to pick out. Have some friends over and test your Wizard of Oz trivia knowledge as you watch it. Even then I don't think you get all the references. Pay attention to costumes, names and set design to spot the most obvious ones. But there are so many more.
Oh Aunty Em, there's no place like Melbourne! Take the journey I think you'll enjoy it.
