AUSTRALIA Arrives for Thanksgiving

One of the most eagerly awaited films of 2008 opens on Wednesday, November 26, the day before Thanksgiving. Titled simply Australia, it’s an old-fashioned sweeping epic co-starring Nicole Kidman and Hugh Jackman (be still my heart).

The film’s previews look absolutely gorgeous, just like its two megastars! In fact, the Hollywood Film Festival has already named Mandy Walker “Cinematographer of the Year” for Australia. Set in northern Australia during the 1940s, the story focuses on a member of the English aristocracy, played by Kidman, who inherits a huge cattle station and tries to foil a plot to take over her land. Jackman’s character, a rough-hewn drover, agrees to help her. Unfortunately, they face bombing by Japanese forces as they struggle to survive. And, of course, love blooms between these two very different people.

Wow! Action, adventure, romance -- plus direction by Baz Luhrmann, who did such a great job helming Moulin Rouge! Here’s hoping Australia doesn’t turn out to be a turkey.