I've seen a couple of episodes of "Halifax, F.P." and this one was totally different from the others. It was a very intense episode, and *completely* unpredictable; in the end I gave up trying to guess what would happen! Reading other comments, I see that I'm not the only one to recognise Hugh Jackman, although I racked my brains throughout the first half of the story, to work out who he was, and only recognised his name at the end. He definitely kept me watching this episode - he's gorgeous, and I can't wait for "X-Men II," or "Someone like you" to reach the cinemas here!
6 Reviews
Exceptional TV movie
becks-1214 February 2000
For a TV movie this film is exceptionally well produced. Despite its somewhat downbeat content it is an interesting and generally enjoyable film. The acting throughout is of a far superior standard than could be expected considering the numerous stars previously known to be in various Australian soaps.
This movie was weird
rodeoqueen24700715 August 2006
When I first got this movie I was extremely excited because I am a huge fan of both Hugh Jackman and the whole CSI/Detective movie genre. However, this movie disappointed me- it seemed to focus more on the characters's problems than the actual case itself. The fact that the female lead (Gibney) annoyed me tremendously didn't help any, and the ending was even more annoying and full of disappointment; but I won't spoil the ending, you'll just have to see the movie yourself. If your a big Hugh Jackman fan I would highly recommend it because yes- there is a steamy love scene and yes- you get to see his beautiful butt. In all honesty, I probably would've given this movie a 3 out of 10 if Hugh wasn't it. As always, he did a great job in the part he was given. If you're looking for a good mystery movie with Hugh Jackman, I'd suggest his new movie "Scoop". Just a warning though- "Scoop" is a much more comical approach to a mystery than this movie is. However, if it is a drama you seek, I'd suggest "Erskineville Kings" Hugh won a couple awards for his work in that I believe; though it is not a so much a murder mystery as it is just a drama. I'd still recommend it though- it was amazing!
It's an Aussie TV series...
Sandoz26 August 2017
This is not a stand-alone movie, but actually an episode from an Australian TV series called "Halifax F.P." (for Forensic Psychologist). Also, the release date should be 1998, not 2004. It appears to have been appropriated and thrown onto the DVD market in the U.S. to cash in on the sudden popularity of Hugh Jackman, who guest-stars in this episode.
And before anyone wonders why I don't submit this data to I'mDumbee...well, I don't contribute anything like that to this site anymore since the bastards took away the message boards from us. Let some other fool be their tool.
And before anyone wonders why I don't submit this data to I'mDumbee...well, I don't contribute anything like that to this site anymore since the bastards took away the message boards from us. Let some other fool be their tool.
The pointlessness of Jackman's naked butt
cinesin16 February 2001
This film is from the Australian TV film series, 'Halifax FP' where Rebecca Gibney plays a forensic psychologist (FP). 'Afraid of the Dark' was released in 1998 and obviously takes its cue from Australia's worst mass murder case which occurred in 1996. That is, the tragedy of the Port Arthur Massacre in which Martin Bryant killed 35 people. This is not to suggest that this film is an adaptation of that event.
Here, workers of a countryside diner/garage are killed. One worker, Ray (Shane Feeney-Connor of 'Neighbours') and a dining family are not killed. Typically, being a mystery - the film's primary concern is to find the killer but this is only the surface. The film's true focal depth is concerned with Ray's ability to cope with the tragic loss of his friends. In parallelism, Halifax works through paternal issues. That is, the loss of her father who died some years before. So, as Australians mourned the tragic deaths of the Port Arthur victims - this film is largely centred on denial, mourning, and letting go of loved ones.
Ironically, this being the strength of the film also amounts to one of its weaknesses. Since so much time is spent focusing on Ray and Gibney's aligned relationship, the motivation behind the killings are left simplified and the viewer is forced to accept them with a sense of disbelief. While, this idea of senseless killing may be deliberate - it would have been equally interesting to reveal more of the murderer's character. But as I said, Australia was a nation in mourning and the empathic tone existing within the film sets out to do the same.
The greatest weakness is the score. The score in the opening sequence is captivating but fails to measure up to the rest of the film and at times seems wholly inappropriate and thematically disarrayed.
Overall, the quality of the acting is superb and Feeney-Connor steals the limelight away from Gibney and Hugh Jackman. Jackman plays the prime investigator but since the mystery is downplayed somewhat - his character takes a backseat. There is a one-way love interest between Gibney and Jackman left under-developed and so sex scenes and Jackman's naked butt seems quite pointless. All the same, this doesn't prevent me from pushing pause on his butt for a few seconds but I am only human afterall. However, that's not the fundamental reason why this film is enjoyable.
Here, workers of a countryside diner/garage are killed. One worker, Ray (Shane Feeney-Connor of 'Neighbours') and a dining family are not killed. Typically, being a mystery - the film's primary concern is to find the killer but this is only the surface. The film's true focal depth is concerned with Ray's ability to cope with the tragic loss of his friends. In parallelism, Halifax works through paternal issues. That is, the loss of her father who died some years before. So, as Australians mourned the tragic deaths of the Port Arthur victims - this film is largely centred on denial, mourning, and letting go of loved ones.
Ironically, this being the strength of the film also amounts to one of its weaknesses. Since so much time is spent focusing on Ray and Gibney's aligned relationship, the motivation behind the killings are left simplified and the viewer is forced to accept them with a sense of disbelief. While, this idea of senseless killing may be deliberate - it would have been equally interesting to reveal more of the murderer's character. But as I said, Australia was a nation in mourning and the empathic tone existing within the film sets out to do the same.
The greatest weakness is the score. The score in the opening sequence is captivating but fails to measure up to the rest of the film and at times seems wholly inappropriate and thematically disarrayed.
Overall, the quality of the acting is superb and Feeney-Connor steals the limelight away from Gibney and Hugh Jackman. Jackman plays the prime investigator but since the mystery is downplayed somewhat - his character takes a backseat. There is a one-way love interest between Gibney and Jackman left under-developed and so sex scenes and Jackman's naked butt seems quite pointless. All the same, this doesn't prevent me from pushing pause on his butt for a few seconds but I am only human afterall. However, that's not the fundamental reason why this film is enjoyable.
dramatic and Hugh Jackman is gorgeous!
TwirlerDawn7 January 2001
i saw this movie because i am a huge fan of Hugh Jackman (Eric) and must say that though i do like detectivey stuff (x-files, etc) this was an ok tv movie, but very dramatic and a little too creepy for me. however Hugh Jackman was amazing as always. and of course seeing Hugh's butt was fun too as well as the very hot love scene.
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