"Ned Kelly" tells the story of an Aussie folk hero/outlaw of the title name with hot properties Ledger and Bloom leading the way and Watts and Rush tagging along behind with minimal roles. A technically and artistically well done biopic drama which never really manages to choose between bigger-than-life heroics or gritty/edgy reality as it waffles back and forth trying to be all things to all people, this film creates a portrait of a poor man's Robin Hood in the austere environs of 1870's Australia who really wasn't all that interesting. With lukewarm critical reviews, heaped praise from young females, and no awards outside Australia, "Ned Kelly" is a mediocre watch best saved for fans of the players or those with an interest in the Kelly Aussie legend. Those interested in quality Aussie cinema might want to check out "Rabbit Proof Fence" or "Japanese Story" which do much more with much less. (C+)
