When [Luhrmann] goes from silly to turgid in 60 seconds flat -- he punctures Australia's proportions down from epic to simply overwrought.

"Australia" is a shameless-and shamelessly entertaining-pastiche. It works because Luhrmann, a true believer in movie-movie magic, stamps it all with the force of his own extravagant, generous personality.

The effect of watching a Baz Luhrmann film is indistinguishable from the effect of having a crater-sized parcel of glitter dropped on your head.

Lurhmann is noted for his post-modern speed and lighthearted spin. But such impatience doesn’t suit this story or its epic movie intent. Australia loses us from time to time, while wholly enthralling us at others. Overall, the scheme doesn’t work.