Cast somewhat against type, Angelina Jolie is one of the boys as part of a rough around the edges gang of firefighters plying their trade in the open forests of Wyoming. She is struggling to recover from a traumatic experience that led to fatalities on her watch. Her misjudgment of that event has sent her on a suicidal spiral. Her disconnection is at the heart of the story.

Into her damaged life comes Connor, who is on the run from dark forces who mean him grievous harm. His forensic accountant father had discovered evil doings and this forces father and son to flee their normal life. The crime the sets this all into motion is never fully explained, nor the origination behind the agents that are pursuing them. This gives the film a vague feeling at its core.

Those Who Wish Me Dead is intended as a character study and relies on the chemistry between Jolie and Little and the visual intensity of the extraordinary threat of forest fires to keep the viewer engaged. It does this well as long as you do not approach it analytically. There are more than a few moments of disbelief but that aside it moves quickly and packs a decent punch in its 100 minute running time.

Rob Hudson
www.facebook.com/WarnerBrosAU

The novel by Colin Thiele was first published in 1966. That was followed by the first filmed version in 1976. Fast forward to 2019 and director Shawn Seet (The Code and Underbelly) presents a new take starring Geoffrey Rush, Jai Courtney, Trevor Jamieson and the amazing newcomer, Finn Little as the young boy who helps save the lives of three orphaned pelicans.

It’s a universal story of growing up without the aid of a full family unit and believing in something bigger than yourself and it’s told with great care. Getting a modern day audience to slow down long enough to savour all the nuances in both story and performance is difficult but this film fully realises those lofty ambitions.

While its simple beauty is intoxicating, it is the human element that leaves the deepest memory. Updating to present times is carefully handled and the story loses none of it poignancy. This is a film to see with all the family and to fully enjoy by yourself.

Rob Hudson
www.facebook.com/SonyPicturesAUS