Is Wolf Creek the greatest thing since slice bread? No. Is it a decent movie? Yes.
Recent reviews and talk have people believing that Wolf Creek is one of the greatest Australian Movies of all time, and one of the best movies to come out this year.
I don't mean to disappoint, but its just not there.
One review said "If you found "Scream" scary then stay well away."
Well I found "Scream" scary, but not this.
Wolf Creek is not scary. It might be disturbing (although "Sin City" is a trillion times more disturbing), but because of the realistic nature of this film, its gets people talking.
The plot revolves around 3 backpackers in Western Australia who buy a car in order to travel across to Cairns. On the way they stop at "Wolf Creek" (a mysterious hole in the ground crated by a meteorite thousands/millions of years ago). Their car breaks down and as they start to settle in for the night in the car, they are 'rescued' by Mick. Mick, takes them back to his 'home' where they are unknowingly drugged tied up and tortured.
My Bones with the film:1) This is not based on True Events, so don't think that it is. Yes, there are people in outback Australia who kill backpackers. But what is seen in this film is as true as what happened in "Open Water". No one knows! So please, treat it as fiction
2) John Jarrett is good. Who would have thought someone who started on Play School would turn in a role of an outback serial killer. However - it seemed to me like i watched Eric Banner in "Chopper" a few times and though 'Eric has made it big because of that role. I should copy him'. This annoyed me.
3) For a realistic drama, which is again the films strong points, when it feels real, it has a number of stupid unbelievable 'Freddy Kruger' moments. Like 'how did he get there without her hearing' or 'how did he not see her there' etc etc. This type of stuff is fine for your stupid, horror movie. But for one which is good because of its realism, this was painful.
My joys with the film:1) The musical score is brilliant. The tension is created largely due to this incredible score.
2) Cinematography is superb. As is much of the production of the film. The old hand held camera trick is a bit tired, but this uses this effect well. The look and feel of the film are top class.
3) Good gore, good story, good acting.
It may seem like I was harsh on this film. If I knew nothing about it, I would have been happy. But the talk which it is generating is just not warranted.
A well made piece of Australian Cinema, which holds its own with some good tension. But lets not get carried away.
3.5/5
Jim
