‘Paper Planes’

Charming if somewhat predictable and manipulative film firmly targeting the family audience.

The moral is straightforward enough – the taking part is important and being friendly with it means you win trust and friends. Arrogance and bullying will get you nowhere. Throw in the world paper plane throwing championship taking place in Japan and into the important mix is cultural diversity.

Young kids sitting close by in the audience were asking questions throughout – a very good indication of being involved (and some of their questions/statements, voiced loudly, were hilarious).

And it’s good to see an Australian film actually do well at the local box-office!

Rating: 54%

Director: Robert Connolly (Balibo, The Bank)

Writer: Robert Connolly (Balibo, The Bank), Steve Worland (Bootmen, Rapid Response)

Main cast: Sam Worthington (The Debt, Clash of the Titans), Ed Oxenbould (TV’s Puberty Blues), Deborah Mailman (Mabo, Bran Nue Dae)