ANIMAL KINGDOM - THE REVIEW

Wow, ANIMAL KINGDOM! When Aussie film is good, it's great. I've been meaning to see this since it came out, but it's taken me some time to be in the mood. I'm glad I waited, as It's not light fare, and not for a time when you are in a romantic comedy type mood!

It packs a punch from the very beginning, and keeps you absorbed until the final credits. it's strongest assets are it's actors, a who's who of the top of the crop Aussie actors, led by Jackie Weaver, who is quite mesmerising as the crime family's mother. When we first meet her character, we are led to believe she is a caring mum, if somewhat inappropriate with her affections for her sons, but as we get to know her we see a more sinister side to her and in her own way becomes nearly as scary as 'Pope'. 'Pope' is played by Ben Mendelsohn, who if you have been following our recent posts, will know we are searching for his soft side, because after this, you don't want to even think of him in a dark room by yourself, he is that creepy, chilling and menacing. the supporting cast of Joel Edgerton, Sullivan Stapleton and Luke Ford are all really well cast and performances are solid. James Frecheville is a new face in Aussie film, and it will be interesting to see what he does next. He is not animated in this, but doesn't need to be, he is really like a deer in headlights, someone who just was in the wrong life at the wrong time! Guy pearce plays a good guy, and the whole way through, we are hoping that he will stay that way.

So, go see the film. Not just if you love 'Underbelly' or 'True Crimes' or whatever other crime story hooha you like, but because you want to watch a great Australian film. I'm not necessarily a fan of the crime show, but I loved this film.