TrueHello
Fun premise, good actors, bad writing. This film seemed to have potential at the beginning but it quickly devolves into a trite action film. Ultimately it's very boring.
Dirtylogy
It's funny, it's tense, it features two great performances from two actors and the director expertly creates a web of odd tension where you actually don't know what is happening for the majority of the run time.
Deanna
There are moments in this movie where the great movie it could've been peek out... They're fleeting, here, but they're worth savoring, and they happen often enough to make it worth your while.
Mikeswans
From the outset I had high hopes for this film. I love a good New Zealand indie. The cinematography was great, a fantastic soundtrack and not half bad acting. And the story had some promise, but about halfway through it just got silly. The storyline had so many holes and was just unbelievable. Not the worst movie I've seen and its a fine 90 minutes if you have the time to waste.As for the first 5 or 6 reviews here giving it 9 or 10/10.. give me a break. Clearly bogus reviews.
deelyjj
I always love to watch tightly directed, well-acted, thought-provoking movies that transport me away from my normal life. I go to the movies to be challenged, make connections with characters and, most of all, become emotionally involved. Given these prerequisites, I often leave the movie theater dissatisfied with one element or another. Not so with The Changeover. Erana James and Timothy Spall (and the entire cast actually) engaged my attention to such a degree I almost forgot I was watching a movie. Broken-vein close-ups of Carmody (Timothy Spall) while professing his dastardly innocence gave me the creeps - wonderful thrilling creeps, but at the same time I sort of almost believed he was the simple, harmless good guy he feigned. (I like it when movies play with your mind.) Furthermore, I was so absorbed in the love Laura (Erana James) had for her brother that I found the extreme measures she went to in order to save him completely normal.I also liked the way the cheerless post-earthquake setting juxtaposed with the beauty of things like the huge moons and water scenery. There were many other special touches including art and imagery. Yes, unbelievably for me, this is a rave.
sarahsimpson999
This is a great movie for young people, particularly young woman, showing a strong female lead, who stands up in the face of great uncertainty and pressure. Beautifully shot and acted by both Kiwi and overseas cast members. Timothy Spall, is pure evil as the male lead, sending shivers down the spine, as he sets about manipulating the innocent, but he meets his match in our female hero. Great to see it heading to Rome for a festival. Based on Margaret Mahy's book that won the prestigious Carnegie Medal.
susanfogarty-84927
This young adult movie is a must see. The story of teenagers coming of age, and facing the challenges of modern youth. Throw in romance, a broken city - post earth-quake and you have a challenging movie that is watchable from beginning to end. Clever writing and direction, wonderful acting. Don't miss it.
