The film is unable to delve into the characters like Silvey's source material, but the performances, particularly Miller, are charming. One wishes Collette's Ruth had retained the novel's complexity, however, since here she doesn't make much sense

Full Review | Original Score: 3.5/5 | Feb 21, 2023

[A] terrifically engaging coming-of-age drama cum mystery thriller.

Full Review | Original Score: 4/5 | Dec 20, 2020

This is a classic Australian story told with both depth and charm, and I have no doubt that the brilliant young actors will soon become household names.

Full Review | Mar 19, 2019

What's missing in this coming-of-age drama is making its main story more compelling.

Full Review | Original Score: B- | Sep 9, 2018

Devotees of the novel will find this a faithful rendering.

Full Review | Original Score: 3/5 | Sep 27, 2017

Screenwriter Shaun Grant keeps many of the novel's weighty themes, but delivers them with such verve and taut-storytelling that watching it all unfold is a joy.

Full Review | Original Score: 4/5 | Aug 10, 2017

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.

Full Review | Apr 14, 2017

It's a classic tale well told.

Full Review | Original Score: 4/5 | Mar 15, 2017

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.

Full Review | Mar 13, 2017

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.

Full Review | Mar 10, 2017

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.

Full Review | Original Score: B+ | Mar 4, 2017

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.

Full Review | Mar 3, 2017

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.

Full Review | Original Score: 2/5 | Mar 3, 2017

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.

Full Review | Original Score: 1.5/5 | Mar 3, 2017

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

Full Review | Original Score: 3.5/5 | Mar 2, 2017

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.

Full Review | Mar 2, 2017

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

Full Review | Original Score: 2.5/5 | Mar 1, 2017

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.

Full Review | Original Score: 4/5 | Mar 1, 2017

Nothing gels coherently in Jasper Jones.

Full Review | Original Score: 2/5 | Feb 27, 2017

Miller beautifully portrays the uncertainties and sensitivities of a young small-town teenager, while Rice radiates youth and grace.

Full Review | Original Score: 3.5/5 | Feb 24, 2017