Tomorrow, When the War Began (Film) Review

Tomorrow, When the War Began

Released: 24th February 2012
RRP: TBC
Director: Stuart Beattie
Starring: Colin Friels, Rachel Hurd-Wood, Caitlin Stasey, Deniz Akdeniz, Lincoln Lewis
Rating: R
Running Time: 120

While the script isn't amazing and the story's race issues linger, this adaptation of John Marsden's book is an exciting, action-heavy adventure that should please fans of the series.

Tomorrow When the War Began is a pulse-pounding action thriller that follows the journey of eight high school friends in an Australian coastal town whose lives are suddenly and violently upended by an invasion that no one saw coming. Caitlin Stasey stars as 17 year old Ellie Linton, a precocious teen who leads her best friends including Corrie (Rachel Hurd-Wood) and Kevin (Lincoln Lewis) to an isolated, deep in the woods camp site named 'Hell.' Upon returning, they come to grips with the fact that their country has been overrun by a mysterious, invading army. When the hostile armed forces become alerted to the presence of the teenagers, Ellie and her friends, along with a new recruit (apathetic stoner Chris Lang, played by Andrew Ryan) - must band together to escape, outwit and strike back against the mysterious enemy that has seized control of the their town and imprisoned their friends and loved ones. -- (C) Freestyle

Philip French (Guardian [UK]) said:
"Despite some effective moments, the film doesn't begin to compare with Milius's highly sophisticated rightwing movie that gives the Soviet and Cuban invaders their due."

Tim Robey (Daily Telegraph) said:
"It passes the time innocuously enough, but the ingredients for global success are missing."

Cath Clarke (Guardian [UK]) said:
"This has a stand-out, star-making performance from Neighbours' Caitlin Stasey - if only she didn't always emerge from battle looking as if she'd just stepped out of a L'Oreal advert."

Trevor Johnston (Time Out) said:
"There's a vein of thoughtfulness running beneath the brazenly explosive action highlights and fist-pumping soundtrack, though the suspense does fall prey to some debilitating credibility issues."

Eve Barlow (Empire Magazine) said:
"Serviceable action thriller than unleashes John Milius-style guerilla setpieces without the impact of John Milius-style budgets."

Megan Lehmann (Hollywood Reporter) said:
"Australia may finally have a homegrown blockbuster on its hands with the terrifically engaging Tomorrow, When the War Began, an action-packed war film for and about teenagers."



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