TOMORROW WHEN THE WAR BEGAN (REVIEW)
Rated
M. 103 mins
Catlin Stasey, Phoebe Tonkin, Lincoln Lewis, Rachel Hurd-Wood,
Deniz Akdeniz, Colin Friels
Adapted from the first in the series
of popular novels from author John Marsden, 'Tomorrow When The War Began' is the
perfect kind of adventure for the big screen. While the books were specifically
written for teenagers, the film offers something for everybody thanks to first
time director and accomplished screenwriter, Stuart Beattie ('Collateral').
Ellie
(Catlin Stasey of Neighbours fame) is a feisty 17-year-old who is smart and way
too sassy for the small town she lives in, Wirrawee, population 3871. She and
her best friend Corrie decide to gather a group and go on a camping trip to a
remote, but lush, wilderness known to the locals as 'Hell'. During the final night,
low flying planes zoom overhead but none of them take a lot of notice. However,
upon returning from their week-long expedition, an invasion of unknown military
forces is taking place. In their absence, the townsfolk (including their families)
are being kept under guard at gunpoint within the local showgrounds. Power has
been cut, mobile phones have zero reception, and their own homes are little more
than empty shells.
The group, led by Ellie, band together guerrilla
style against the faceless enemy and go in search of supplies, including food
to help them get through this sudden predicament. Dealing with personal extremities,
after going to the outskirts of town and end up hiding back in Hell, at least
until they can sort a significant plan of attack. Friendships are pushed and lives
are lost, maturity is needed and these youths take a stand. The action isn't overly
graphic, but there are some surprisingly violent moments designed to make an instant
point of the insanity of war.
The suspense builds to a rousing
finale that will make fans of the novels hold their breath in anticipation of
the next instalment. Similarities to the 1980s classic 'Red Dawn' are intriguing,
however, a modern edge distinguishes the two films. Australian films are not usually
spectacular but this has the scope of a modern Hollywood blockbuster and outstanding
franchise potential.
The relatively young cast of mostly newcomers
are handpicked and perfect in their roles. Lincoln Lewis, former heart-throb on
'Home & Away', is destined for bigger things, while Phoebe Tonkin is a revelation
as Fiona. Not just a saucer eyed starlet, her comic timing, mixed with outer emotions
of despair, showcase fast rising acting abilities. Phoebe Tonkin is definitely
one to watch. Distancing herself from her soapy days, Catlin Stasey is a firm
lead as heroine Ellie, while Aussie screen veteran, Colin Friels, makes an all
too short appearance as a paranoid, trigger happy local.
Shane
A. Bassett
