December Boys, Daniel Radcliffe's first non-Potter film, tells the story of four orphan boys who have all grown up in the Australian Outback under the watchful eye of a convent of Catholic nuns, who are suddenly offered the chance of a lifetime - a holiday to the coast! After expecting to be thrown out for bad behavior, they jump at the chance and arrive soon enough at the cove that will be their home for the summer; the summer that will change there lives forever. Soon after getting there, they meet the locals; a couple who can't have children, a pretty young woman who Maps instantly develops a fondness for, their elderly host family, and the local fisherman. Misty, the youngest boy, soon learns of the infertile couple's plans to possibly adopt one of the four boys. Rivalry instantly begins between the boys, seeing them competing for the coveted reward, the family they've always dreamed of.

With Maps and local girl, Lucy, getting up to their own mischief, and the boys constantly trying their hardest to win the respect from their prospective new parents, December Boys proved to be an easy-watching, if not slightly predictable, film. The movie is narrated throughout by an older Misty, sometimes adding great depth to the story, otherwise adding an interesting insight into his emotions at the time. Outstanding performances are given from all three younger boys, as well as from Fearless, the motorbike guy who is considering adoption with his wife, Theresa. Daniel's performance was good, with him successfully shaking off the title of Harry Potter, however his accent was often inconsistent, and he seemed rather lacking in confidence to add his own spark to the character.

The film displayed stunning shots of the Australian coast, provided by the fantastic director of photography, David Connell. Also, the use of slow motion in the film works effectively through emphasising key moments in the plot. CGI is used rarely, but once or twice in Misty's daydreams... watch out for the cartwheeling nuns! Another good point of this small, independent film is its soundtrack. Although the background score was the average Hollywood, loud-music-at-difficult-decision-making-times type thing, the individual songs used in the movie are enjoyable, with 'Spirit In The Sky' making an appearance!

It has to be said, if it wasn't for Radcliffe, this movie wouldn't have had an international release, and it certainly wouldn't have as much media attention. It seems to be a modest, well told story, but with a slightly over-looked climax, and a slow ending. The plot is simple enough to follow, and well explained throughout, leaving the audience with a slight feeling of under-achievement... no figuring out for yourself or surprising twists to gasp at. Well, there is that one revelation... but you'll have to watch it to find out what!

Overall, it's an enjoyable film to watch, but won't leave you with any lasting thoughts... The score would have to be 7/10 purely for stunning scenery and some brilliant performances!