I was pleasantly surprised by this lovely stage adaptation.

The first thing you get in this movie is the opening scene. I do not know how long it was but it is one continuous static shot with two kids talking, in the background lots of little activities pass by which keep the long shot interesting. To have two young actors do such a long piece is worth the price of admission.

The movie is set in the 1970's, it is not stated at the beginning but the art direction is fantastic. The outside shots, dressed sets and clothing are detailed and layered. The colours pop in the burnt orange and browns of the day. Though growing up in Sydney I do not remember the beret/tea cosy hats some of the boys wore, (may be an Adelaide thing).

I do question their target market. It was an adult play with adults playing the children. The age-appropriate cast are brilliant. I fear it is not going to grab the young audience as would something like Red Dog or Paper Planes. Also, there is a little swearing which will prevent school excursions. There is some adult subtext but it is reasonably safe. Being chased by a daddy-monster... ?

Go and enjoy. It is not a mainstream flick but you will enjoy it.

This is a short Aussie film, kind of inspired by 'Alice in Wonderland', but originally based on the stage play of the same name. A teen comedy set in the 70s and revolved around a birthday party. So, newly moved into the town, Greta, finds hard to make friends, except a boy. Entering 15th, her family wants to throw a big birthday party inviting her new schoolmates, against her will. On the occasion, something goes wrong and the next minute, she's in a strange place with strange events and people. Her adventure begins to return home and the party she had left behind in halfway which revealed in the rest of the film.

I thought it was a children's and family film, but some of the references like relating to sex was a bold move. Though nothing was serious, if you are not considering the matter to the deep. It was just like any teen film, a simple topic. Creatively enough, but not impressive enough film. Those 70s were the plus point, especially for a comedy, that timeline is always so funny.

Decent performances and filmmaking, should have been improvised the screenplay. But my guess is the budget. It is a small cost film, but if they had better financing, surely they would have pulled it off so much better than this. Now it is an average coming-of-age comedy- fantasy, but worth a watch if you are not forcing yourself into it.

5/10