AnnieBlackburn

It's a really interesting, clever take on the whole "teenage witch" thing.

It's not the 90s sitcom. Salem doesn't talk and the gender and sexuality of some characters is more fluid than in most shows. These appear to be the core criticisms on IMDb. Don't watch it if any of those things bother you.

I thought this was a pretty good adventure flick. Not for everyone, but it was an entertaining midday movie if nothing more.

This movie is definitely more for kids and families. Some of the elements verge on magical (which has got some of the commenters on this site up in arms but I think the point is to suspend your disbelief: it's an adventure flick for children), morality is the primary focus and the line between good and evil is clearly defined.

Basically it's the story of how 2 children, Bonnie and Sam, find their way to safety after their plane crashes in the wilderness helped by nature-loving wilderness-man Khonanesta and hindered by a group of greedy, selfish poachers with guns. The kids sort of find themselves in the middle of an existing battle over the bears.

There are a few moral issues raised, which is standard and I think appropriate for the target audience. The conservation of nature vs the greed of the poachers (who are clearly defined as "bad guys" from the get-go). Acceptance and looking beyond first impressions are major themes - the kids have to learn to trust Khonanesta who seems strange to them at first (they also have to trust the bear to a degree). There is also an ongoing moral sub-plot about how they can't let go of the memory of their dead father and have a strong resentment towards their stepfather which Khonanesta tries to help them resolve.

Kirsten Dunst is always good, and always seems to have a knack for action/adventure- which this movie is certainly equal parts of. The Home Improvement kid was pretty stilted, didn't seem to really make much of his character which made parts of the script drag. Their relationship could have been more convincing. The Khonanesta character was a bit clichéd, they could have done better here.

If you're looking for gritty realism you won't find it here, but if that's the case get outta the family section and grab something based on a true story. If you're after a story of hope and courage - family style - then you're on the right track with this one.

I saw this film as part of the Sydney Film Festival, and I loved every minute of it. Christopher Lee's narration was excellent, and the stories and anecdotes were wildly entertaining. Errol Flynn was a fascinating person both on and off-screen, and this documentary explores the highs and lows of his life and career with a great deal of empathy. The film covers all stages of his life: including his childhood in Tasmania (and distaste for authority), his pirate-esquire exploits in New Guinea, his sudden and massive rise to fame, his turbulent relationships with women, his dubious relationship with the law and media (including unfounded accusations claiming he was a Nazi!), his battle with alcohol (among other things, well-hidden health problems, his revolutionary pro-peace stance and little-known friendship with Fidel Castro). This is a great tribute to a wonderful actor and Australian icon who lived a fascinating life.