Jasper Jones

Centered on a 14-year-old boy caught up in a murder mystery involving a part-Aboriginal suspect, this outstanding adaptation of Craig Silvey's novel will appeal strongly to teenage and adult audiences.

The performances and script allow Jasper Jones to bound along with enough momentum that we all enjoy this well-made story about discovery, injustice and courage.

It's a classic tale well told.

There's always room for a smart, thoughtful and engaging take on a well-worn premise, and Bran Nue Dae director Rachel Perkins delivers just that.

Well scripted, shot, and acted, there's very little not to recommend it: it streamlines a story without sacrificing complexity, and it is both entertaining and thoughtful while it's at it. It's enough to give you faith in the industry.

There's a heart to this film that resonates strongly. 14-year-old Levi Miller is terrific as the shy, awkward Charlie who is trying to come to grips with his quickly changing world.

The movie is not nimble enough to skip between its multiple ideas. It also doesn't do great justice to the enigmatic figure of the titular character.

It's hard to say if there is a centre to a narrative that jumps from one subplot to another in the manner of a soap opera.

The film's story is pitted with plotholes of implausibility that continually take you out of the picture, robbing the film almost entirely of tension... the film's myriad flaws can be characterised as basic violations of common sense and consistency.

Engrossing, surprising and moving, and obviously made with great care and love.

Uneven plotting and unnecessary tweaks to what made the book so great holds the movie back from becoming anything more than occasionally good.

It's compelling as a whodunnit, touching as a coming-of-age story, insightful as a picture of race relations and crafty as a drama about secrets, concealing a few of its own for a final, satisfying reveal.