Newcastle - Australia [Blu-ray]

Jesse, in his late-teens, is the middle brother of three. His dream is to escape from his small-town, working-class fate, by becoming a pro surfer. His older step-brother, Victor, was himself a former surf champion whose career was mysteriously cut short and who manages his bitterness with alcohol and aggression. The younger brother, Fergus, who dresses emo-style and has never been part of surfing life, is the brunt of both brothers' bullying.

On one occasion, Jesse lets Fergus tag along when he heads off for a weekend on the beach with some friends - but is disturbed by the obvious sparks that fly between one of his surfer buddies and Fergus. In addition to this confusion, tragedy falls - and Jesse must decide whether surfing is really what he wants, or whether he is just trying to follow in his older brother's footsteps and live up to their father's ambitions.

NEWCASTLE is a visual treat: the surf sequences, above and below water, are beautifully shot, and the play between camera, water and light is quite stunning. (Also on the visuals front, the copious display of tanned, blond surfers' bodies is sure to have its own appeal.) The attractive cast put in some commendably strong performances, and the unexpected moments of tenderness and humour - together with a sympathetic soundscape - add a great deal of poignancy to the background surf-story frame.

So why only three stars (or three and a half, if such were an option)? Being familiar with director/writer Dan Castle's previous works (particularly his little-known, superb short film 'The Visitor'), and therefore of what he is *capable*, NEWCASTLE was somewhat disappointing: partly for its sanitization of homoeroticism (not even a kiss) and more significantly in the dumbing-down of Castle's usual character complexity - no doubt to appeal to mainstream sensibilities. It's hard not to feel that this film was aimed at a broader commercial market, and this is also apparent in its homage to conventional story arcs and the borderline over-sentimentality. In any event, this film certainly screams 'unrealized potential'.

Overall, NEWCASTLE is certainly a strong film, visually impressive, and even worth multiple viewings - just don't expect anything particularly sensual or edgy.

Newcastle is a very offbeat movie. It really picks up very down to earth Aussie humour and this makes it earthy. It has a strange premise and is full of surprises - the fate of the older brother caught me by surprise. I did not like some of the protaginists - but this makes it even more quirky. I think its a very off the beaten track movie and filmed in the industrial environs of Newcastle makes it more so. Lots of camera time is spent on shots of the water and surfing! I think its worth the effort of watching.

This a film by gay director Dan Castle and has been advertised as a gay movie, and is being promoted by Peccadillo in the U.K. Up front this is not a gay film, it has one real gay character but a lot of cutsie, eye candy shots of buff boys in board shorts.

What it is about is the relationship between a family of three brothers and the pains of growing up and the endless surfing. This is quite testosterone fuelled but most of it is aimed towards competitive surfing, or arguing or making a lot of unnecessary noise and aggression. There is scant character development which I found disappointing.

Of the three brothers the middle one Jessie is trying to emulate his older brother's surf achievements. His elder brother was a success but has now faded into obscurity as not enough time in the classroom has led him to be a bit of a failure in the `real world'. He still lives at home as his relationship with his ex has broken down. The younger brother Fergus or 'Fagus' as they some times call him,(Xavier Samuel) is gay and a goth and has no friends.

He gets invited to join Jessie and his friends for a weekend surf party up the coast, and that is where it gets interesting. Please note this is not a sex fest, it does have some mild nudity but as a 15 cert you can guess that this is fairly tame.

As I said not enough character development, but some very nice shots and if you are into surfing, then this is a must, I actually preferred `Tan Lines', but this is still an above average film and did not drag in the least, so for some light entertainment with eye candy a plenty this should `float your boat' or at least your boogie board.