Moon Rock for Monday (2020) User Reviews

A mixed bag

[PeterM27 · 6/10 · 30 November 2021]

This film is a real mixed bag. On one hand it's a fantasy about a sick but cheery girl befriended by troubled but essentially kind young man for a trip across half the country to a place of her dreams. The girl, Monday played with lots of charm by Ashlyn Louden-Gamble, makes a real bond with the young man, Tyler (George Pullar) who has had a hard life following his parents' death in a car accident when he was Monday's age. He has tried to do the right thing, but his life has suddenly been ruined when a robbery gone wrong results in a policeman's death. He's on the run and things look bad for him, but he seems to find meaning in Monday's quest to get to Uluru (which she calls the Moon Rock). The road trip is enjoyable, as the two discover things about each other and grow closer, despite a number of setbacks.

Two of main problems with this film concern the side stories - the girl's father, an uninspiring Aaron Jeffery, makes a real mess of his attempt to catch up with her, and the police tasked with finding Monday and catching Tyler, (David Field are Alan Dukes) are almost cartoonish in their incompetence and meanness. A certain suspension of disbelief is also needed to accept that Monday would happily leave her father to run off with a stranger, and that the couple could make it so far without being caught.

But, if you can make some allowances, this is an enjoyable film, with excellent performances by Louden-Gamble and Pullar carrying you along the unlikely track. The film also looks splendid, with some wonderful landscape photography.

Indie film that impressively punches above its weight

[robynmay-16108 · 8/10 · 27 November 2020]

Loved the story. So refreshing. I was totally hooked after first five minutes and the film held me engaged until the credits. I refused to leave the cinema even though half way though I needed to go to the bathroom! It made me smile. The acting from the leads and the quirky characters is sublime. Only negative is I think the supper role of the father could have been stronger. Other than that the film was well worth my twenty dollars!

Quality Aussie film

[tristan-mckinnon09 · 8/10 · 22 November 2020]

Beautifully shot and directed with a charismatic cast and heart warming tale. I loved seeing the breadth of the Australian landscape, captured beautifully on screen. Well worth the price of admission !

Keep em coming Australia

[Dottsylove · 7/10 · 8 September 2021]

The movie was very well done, telling a story about two tragic figures in life. One tragic tale by choice and one by nature. Oddly enough the story-line that ultimately led to the young kidnappers / friends final outcome of the film felt not well thought out and forced. And, the dialogue reflected that. Pace of the movie goes along nicely then during the Police scenes something seems off on each one of them. Acting between the young and old friend are the hit of this film. Somewhere between a 6-7 on this film for me.

Despite errors still brilliant heart warming story.

[leoalexanderscott · 9/10 · 26 December 2022]

A great drinking game movie where you can spot all the period errors and mistakes from Australian currency nominations, medical prescription, electronics, food products, fashion, etc. One minute we are in the 1980s next minute we jump 2020. And from my pre-review research, there are some filming bloopers too. But ignoring the opportunity for a drinking game, this is absolutely beautiful movie that still deserves a 9/10. The story is heartwarming, the acting by newcommers is brilliant, and the scenic filmology is epic. I had to research to see if this was a fictional or non-fictional story and I don't think it is the latter. Great film, shame about the obvious historical inaccurrencies or lazy errors. Still worth a watch. Still a great and beautiful Aussie road trip story.

Where did this little unexpected film come from? Reminded me of Green Book, Garden State and Little Miss Sunshine - Very Quirky!

[joshuajoynt · 9/10 · 13 December 2021]

I recently watched this as a mate back home in Australia said to watch. Look its not perfect but I must admit, I had lost faith in low budget Aussie films until I saw this. The acting between the leads is a real winner here. It would get a perfect ten, however my only critique is the back story on the cops brother is a bit weak. The end really had me thinking about what matters most to me for days. If you like quirky road trip films this one is for you.

COULD HAVE BEEN SO MUCH MORE

[movieguy3000 · 4/10 · 23 September 2021]

Watching the trailer I wanted to see this so much, finally an Aussie film with heart, but NO it was NOT executed correctly.

The script needed so much more, especially emotion.

I loved the casting between the main guy and the girl, great actors and great chemistry but that's where it stops.

The film seems to want to go on this road-trip but not much really happens.

Why does a 10 year old girl suddenly just GO with a stranger because she's sick? No kid even younger would do that and that's where you lose me, that happens in the first 10 minutes. As a parent this is so far fetched, just ask anyone. You could have come up with a more plausible idea.

The film tries to pull emotion from a ring that the main character got from his mother and uses flashbacks to try and make us feel sorry for him.

The kid's illness is never talked about in detail, so vague so we don't ever know how serious it is, even though we are told it is and he goes to great lengths to get her meds. Where are the real obstacles or stakes? Like having the girl nearly die? There is great witty banter and the young girl is such a gorgeous little actress , she's going to be a star.

David Field is wasted here in a silly role, and behaves like no police ever wood. And the police just shooting the main guy without any real reason just so we can have this so called big epic showdown. There are so many cringe worthy moments.

Shot beautifully, with great locations but the idea of it being in 1999 is absolutely pointless , it lends nothing to the story. Its well made but no real effort was made to bring in a professional writer.

And what about that homeless guy? That was the worst character in the film, he had no real reason to be there, cut him out and you lose nothing. He's a great actor from all the films I've seen him in but he was NOT utilised here well at all.

This is a feel-good film with no real stakes and contrived storyline. It could have been so much more, but budgets don't limit the mind. You had the budget to travel across Australia, it would have been better spent on the conflict and obstacles.

The actor who plays the father of the girl shows NO real emotion for losing his daughter, just ANGER.

Finally a Class Australian Film

[mrwaynedonald · 10/10 · 23 November 2020]

Australian films to often are hit and miss. Moon Rock for Monday hits all the marks and more. I sat through this film, laughed and cried. It is a very heartwarming story that I will see again. Great casting, Incredible cinematography showing you a wide view of Australia. The Director Kurt Martin, all the Producers, crew and all the cast should be very proud of this classic gem they have created. 10/10 Wayne Donald.

6.6 average with 10/10 reviews???

[Beeem · 4/10 · 21 October 2021]

Seriously! I think friends and family have given this film the high rating reviews. So fictional and irrelevant. Kids film for those who love make believe and fart jokes.

A pleasant suprise

[patriciahighland · 8/10 · 27 November 2020]

I loved this film. Felt a little like the film Perfect World with Kevin Costner. Great acting by the little girl and teen boy. The story kept me engaged. It was unique and interesting. This little Indie film is worth watching and you till leave you reflecting upon its themes for a few days. It certainly moved me.

A feel good movie I could watch again! Be inspired to really live your life!

[thebenjonson · 9/10 · 27 November 2020]

I saw this film at the Byron Bay film festival and I was honestly blown away. Emotionally. It's rare that a film is so powerful with its themes that I reflect on them for days, or in this case weeks, after. However seeing that it still bothers me, in a good way I felt compelled to urge others to see it. Similar films with powerful inspiring like Dead Poets Society inspired me - this film inspires and teaches us valuable lessons of life that transcend ages are eternal truths. Watch and be inspired to live your life to the fullest!

Great indi Australian film.

[glenn-720-143801 · 9/10 · 22 November 2020]

Great little film, a blend of 'The tree of life' and 'little miss sunshine.' A story about how we fit within our world and the legacy we leave. Moonrock is about what it means to have quality of life, we're here for such a short period and it's only until most of us become elderly that the thoughts about mortality and time really come into play. Tyler and Monday are wicks that burn bright but way too quickly. Monday struggles with the tight rein her father has on her for fear of losing her after the death of his wife. Tyler lives in the shadow of his mothers death and his longing to reconnect and make sense of his loss. Tyler has had to provide for himself and answer to no one. Monday lives in a cotton ball that slowly suffocates her. As a father, how do you respond to the thought that you could lose your child to an illness or accident? What does it mean to be alive and to live life, Monday is in her fathers prison, Tyler is headed for prison. Both will search for answers to their future, need each other not to survive but to live and learn.

I was in labour and stayed to see the end

[jkedwards-90852 · 9/10 · 22 November 2020]

I loved this film. Funny, charming and the ending was the perfect way to end the film. I was in labour and still stayed. Cast were fabulous, and made each character come to life.

Breathtaking scenery of outback Australia

[sweet_mellow · 10/10 · 22 November 2020]

Moving film with beautiful scenery of outback Australia. A soul searching journey met by laughter as well as tears.

Awesome

[calmitchell-51217 · 10/10 · 20 November 2020]

Great movie, it made me laugh and cry at the same time. I could relate to the main characters and loved the outback scenes. Will definitely watch it again.

Something fresh and unique set in the 90's

[summernmay · 9/10 · 27 September 2022]

This original and unique film had a fresh feel to it. It was also quite nostalgic as it was set in the 90's in Australia. I grew up in that era and the film captured it quite nicely. Great acting from the two leads, this film is a hidden treasure! It showcases the Australian beauty of the landscape quite well moving through cities, towns, suburbs and eventually the regional rural areas and finally the outback. The "moon rock" out near Coober Pedy was breathtaking and the film is also quite emotive. Only critique is some support cast were weak however as the film focuses on the road trip and chemistry between the teenage boy and little girl it can be forgiven. Overall a splendid, delightful film!

A must see film!!!

[kimberleyjrobison · 10/10 · 22 November 2020]

Best aussie film I've seen in the longest film! The on screen chemistry between George and Ashlyn is very special. Unpredictable, heart warming, and a showcase of our beautiful homeland! This is a film that really takes you on an adventure! I laughed and cried and all the feels between. A must see film! Kimberley

Breathtaking!

[damiencooper-25804 · 10/10 · 22 November 2020]

Kurt Martin (Writer & Director) you are brilliant! The movie is amazing and the story is so well told. Beautiful cinematography and some great locations. Lots of laughs and lots of tears. Ashlyn and George are an amazing duo with so much natural talent - no doubt both have bright futures ahead. A fantastic Australian film!

Fantastic Aussie Indie!

[atheobald4-627-981633 · 10/10 · 23 November 2020]

Loved this nostalgic road trip tale across the Australian outback. Excellent performances and well directed, the dynamic between the two leads was authentic and heartfelt. Go see it.

Truly beautiful storytelling

[scott-28947 · 10/10 · 22 November 2020]

This was an absolute pleasure. It was a story that truly took you on a journey and hit all the right spots. Some of the messages and moments in this film are what we all need right now. Aussie filmmaking at its finest.

A low budget indie film that's worth watching

[bettycartwright · 8/10 · 26 November 2020]

A friend invited me to a special screening of the film so I had no expectations. Look, the film is obviously not perfect and clearly low budget.... but the story is very beautiful and I was thoroughly engaged for the entire film. Also the two actors who play the leads are phenomenal. So for an Indie film it punches well above it's weight and it left me with a provocative thought - what is life really about. Not without flaws but I highly recommend people see this film as it has a very powerful theme that resonates.

Picturesque Landscapes!

[jjmbrown-78174 · 9/10 · 25 November 2020]

Loved this quirky story, the characters bounced off each other to tell a captivating story with some picturesque Australian landscapes

Heart-warming Aussie film

[shelltocks · 10/10 · 22 November 2020]

Such a sweet movie. Full of laughs and tears. Great to see some new talent. The lead characters, George and Ashlyn definitely share something special that resonates on screen. I definitely want to see more of these guys!

Great flick.

[shellcleo · 9/10 · 20 June 2022]

Great flick absolutely loved it. Acting was superb and the scenery of outback Australia. Was beautiful. Have some tissues ready . Highly recommended this movie.

Heartwarming

[mbradley-50058 · 8/10 · 20 November 2020]

A thoughtful investigation of the power of being 'present'