So much average

The best films of this genre always show a path and provide a takeaway for being a better person.

The plot isn't so bad, but the pace of storytelling is too slow which makes people bored. Certain moments are so obvious and unnecessary for the main plot. I would've fast-forwarded those moments if it was an online streaming. The ending looks like implying a sequel, not sure if this movie will get one

It is neither dumb nor smart enough to be fun, and spends way too much time with its boring human characters.

Dark hidden world of Witches and warlocks. The story is set in a gloomy backdrop of present day Christchurch, devastated by a Freak Earthquake a few years earlier. In these shadowy days, a child must be protected from a mysterious Evil. A Teenage sister (Laura) vulnerability is tested against the presence of this Evil conjurer, played by veteran actor Timothy Spall! Determine by events she does not understand or control. She is forced to search for her true self! Empowered she must be ready to battle for her loved sibling (Jacko) against a powerful mysterious foe, before it's too late. Highly entertaining film that can be enjoyed by all! Be prepared for a thrilling adventure into the the world of Darkness and Light. Where you are taken to the shallowest depth of human suffering and with the protagonist you must find your way back to the light of self sacrificing hope to free him.A brilliant performance by New comer, actress Erana James as Laura was top notch. Erana James didn't seem to be intimated playing opposite to veteran actor like Timothy Spall. Great direction by Co-Director Miranda Harcourt.The cinematography is Brilliant with visuals techniques, such as framing of actors, Angles and lens choices gave the visual narrative a strong presence. I loved the subjective camera and effects technique of Laura character transforming through the change over period.The Sound Effects where effective and hit you like a baseball bat. Combine with great editing and seamless transitional shots. The creative choices by Co-Director Stuart McKenzie was spot on!

I took my 12 year old daughter along to the premiere of this wonderful movie and we both loved every minute. It was suspenseful, a bit romantic, empowering and a little creepy. So nice to see a powerful young woman (Erana James) discovering her true self and shining through. Loved Timothy Spall bringing the creep. Was emotional seeing my home town as the location but felt a sense of pride at the same time. I haven't read the book yet but will now. Would definitely watch this again and I don't say that lightly as I dislike watching movies several times.

The Changeover was always going to be a tough film to make. Based on a book by New Zealand's favourite children's writer, Margaret Mahy, The Changeover centres on a very real family, who live in a very real place - post-earthquake Christchurch. Christchurch is another character in this beautifully-shot movie. The jarringly empty sections, the scrappy, pot-holed streets, the containers used as dwellings and business premises, all add to the unsettling feeling as the film unfolds. Miranda Harcourt and Stuart McKenzie use every one of their considerable skills to bring this story to the screen. Brother and sister Laura (Erana James) and Jacko (Benji Purchase) live with Kiwi battler Mum Kate (Melanie Lynskey). Laura has second sight, and fears for her brother's life. Enter the creepy Carmody Braque, played brilliantly by Timothy Spall. Out of the darkness comes help for Laura - a family who share her supernatural gift. Harcourt and McKenzie pull the best out of their cast and crew to make this my 'movie of the year'.

The Changeover has all the elements of a must-see classic, delivered in such an unusual, stylish and cinematic way that they take you completely by surprise. It had me on the edge of me seat at every turn, not just because of the powerful, unformulaic story-telling and jaw-dropping performances, but the sizzling sound-design, stunning visuals and heart-stopping climax(es). Miranda Harcourt and Stuart McKenzie have done Margaret Mahey's classic YA novel proud and shown the world that New Zealand film makers have that special something that needs to be seen to be believed.