I do not usually associate Channel Ten with showing quality movies, at least not since Australia's number one movie buff; Bill Collins left Channel Ten in the early 1990's but when a friend ask me to tape the movie 'Emerald Falls' for him because a relative of his appeared in it as an extra, I was pleasantly surprised when the film started; the scenery, the sky diver and when the two main players, Joni Ferguson (Georgie Parker) a single mum and her teenage son Zac Ferguson (Tom Green) arrive at the Inn that Joni is buying, it became clear that that this movie was going to be better than just average. It didn't disappoint as the movie progressed and we discover sometime later that all is not right in 'Emerald Falls' with some dark secrets coming to light…

When Joni soon discovers that business is not as profitable as she had hoped for and a visit from her Bank Manager brings no comfort to her financial situation, new found friends provide a helping hand… or are they? And when Dr Henry Forbes (Andrew McFarlane) is found death, Joni's teenage son, aspiring amateur sleuth Zac, decide to do some investigation of his own, only to discover some interesting facts involving various characters. The police are not impressed at first, but when Zac produces evidence indicating Steve Landers (Oliver Ackland) as the number one suspect, the police go in hot pursuit. Steve manages to escape, causing mayhem in the process and upsetting an engagement party who are enjoying themselves, dancing to beautiful Latin music, but luckily Zac is able to tell the police where Steve might be heading.

As the story unfolds, we are treated to some breathtaking views with rugged tablelands, sheer cliffs, deep inaccessible valleys, swamps and some of the beautiful scenery that the Blue Mountains has to offer. For those people not living in Sydney or Australia; the Blue Mountains are named after the blue mist which comes from the ethereal oils of the eucalypt trees, it provides for a mysterious, surreal atmosphere and is a very popular tourist attraction.

I also enjoyed the scene of the engagement party held at the Inn with its dancing and beautiful Latin music; a very entertaining addition. To sum it all up; a very pleasant and entertaining crime and mystery story, peppered with typical dry Australian humour, an excellent performing cast, beautiful scenery, photography, a lovely musical score and with good solid direction from Peter Andrikidis. It does have some adult themes however that would make it not suitable for viewing by children under the age of 14.

What a charming little movie! Such a nice change of pace - engaging characters, crisp script, beautiful scenery. All this and a touch of suspense. It was quirky and a lot of fun. The characters were eccentric and the relationships among them were interesting and fun. It was especially nice to see a 15 year old boy portrayed in a positive light. I wish the TV - Film industry would realize likability isn't a bad thing and they would stop making everything so dark.

I liked the viewer comment contrasting this to the drama of the "Underbelly" series that a rival TV network in Australia has sought to make into mountain of propaganda for its ratings-driven network!

Even though it's a good production, it's an imitation of the shadow of the quality of ABC Productions like the "Blue Murder" mini-series, based on NSW police corruption! Likewise trivial by comparison to the "Underbelly" multi-series, based on Victorian police corruption & murders, that Channel 9 seems to be milking for all the ratings they can get - same week replays - then monthly 4-hour straight replays! Both based on reality! That's apart from the "Wildside" over-dramatic production of over-action & over-noise in virtually every episode of hype but interesting none the less!

But to return to "Emerald Falls", we have an interesting plot based on an encouraging mother & a son who reminds me of one of those 1950s kids portrayed in American movies, who is somehow always right, no matter how phoney the plot! It's entertaining but I felt I'd seen it all before in Agatha Christie type 'whodunnit' productions!

If you are choosing between this & "Jindabyne", choose "Jindabyne"! But "Emerald Falls" is okay & worth a viewing.