Australia

The trailer for Australia made it look rubbish. So that, combined with the fact that it's had quite a few poor reviews (even the Australians thought it was mediocre), when I was told that we were planning to go and see it in the cinema, I was a little skeptical.

I shouldn't have been. It was superb.

Yes, it was long. Yes, it was a bit indulgent. But I thought it was interesting, it kept me interested throughout and with its beautiful cinematography and sound, it really does remind you of why the cinema will always be superior to sitting watching a movie at home. It also made me want to visit Australia... maybe that was one of the goals of the movie!

Baz Luhrmann's movies have struck a cord with me in the past, I loved Romeo and Juliet, I liked Moulin Rouge (HATED Sweaty Ballroom though). So I was expecting it to be hugely stylised to the same extent as his older movies, but I think he realised that it wouldn't have worked. So you can spot his watermarks on the film, but it's not too much.

A lot of people think that Australia could have been an hour shorter - but I disagree. I can't understand why people have such low tolerance for long movies. They whine when it's too short, they whine when it's too long. Crikey!

Hugh Jackman: Good, but a face like a bag of pig's arses. Nicole Kidman: Always the same. But it worked, and the little aboriginal kid was brilliant.

Needless to say, I disagree with the Canberra Times and it's a faux five to them for their review. It's a good movie, and I've already recommended Australia to my Mum.